Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal Vol. 152 - The Continuation of the Legendary Band King Crimson Part III

After the Release of the Masterpiece Album In the Court of the Crimson King

The debut album In the Court of the Crimson King became a massive hit and is considered a historic masterpiece. However, during the production of their second album, the band faced a crisis that threatened their very existence.
This time, I’d like to explore King Crimson as a band and their second album, In the Wake of Poseidon, through the lens of the two major challenges they encountered.

The Crisis That Cast a Shadow Over King Crimson

Following the release of their first album, In the Court of the Crimson King, the band faced a major crisis. Ian McDonald, who played saxophone, flute, and keyboards and was considered the band's creative mastermind, along with drummer Michael Giles, left to form a new unit, McDonald & Giles. This departure meant King Crimson lost two key members.
Adding to the turmoil, vocalist and bassist Greg Lake began collaborating with The Nice’s star keyboardist, Keith Emerson, eventually steering toward the formation of the supergroup Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP).

With King Crimson on the verge of collapse, band leader Robert Fripp faced immense pressure. To fulfill their contract with the record label, he had no choice but to begin work on a second album. Balancing the band's survival and the creation of new music was an overwhelming challenge.
As a result, King Crimson was reduced to just two official members: guitarist and leader Robert Fripp and lyricist Peter Sinfield. Even more daunting, Fripp was the only musician left in the band.
It was under these dire circumstances that In the Wake of Poseidon, their second album, was created.

■ Recommended Album: In the Wake of Poseidon – King Crimson (1970)

King Crimson’s second album, In the Wake of Poseidon, was released after Robert Fripp gathered new musicians to fill the void left by departing members.
While the album structure bears noticeable similarities to their debut, In the Court of the Crimson King, it still holds a significant place in Fripp’s catalog. This is evident from their 2021 Japan tour, where several songs from this album were performed.
Notably, the tracks "Peace", which bookend the album, continue to be sung in King Crimson’s live shows. Additionally, "Pictures of a City" remains a favorite in Fripp’s live performances.
For the new lineup, Robert Fripp brought in saxophonist and flutist Mel Collins as Ian McDonald’s successor. Collins would go on to become a key member and remains part of King Crimson’s modern-era lineup.
On drums, Michael Giles returned from the first album, while his brother Peter Giles played bass as a supporting member. Interestingly, Greg Lake, who had played bass on the debut album, is only credited as a vocalist here—likely due to his involvement in forming Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP).
Fripp himself handled the Mellotron, which we discussed previously, while jazz pianist Keith Tippett was brought in to contribute on piano.

Recommended Track: "Pictures of a City"

Under tight production deadlines, it’s likely that Robert Fripp was pressured by the record label to create an album similar to their successful debut. "Pictures of a City" reflects this, as it follows the structure of "21st Century Schizoid Man"—featuring a similar thematic approach, unison riffs, horn-driven arrangements, and an overall song progression that echoes the iconic track.
Fripp himself performed this song during King Crimson’s 2021 Japan tour, suggesting it remains one of his personal favorites. While the intricate phrasing isn’t as complex as "21st Century Schizoid Man", the rapid guitar passages leading into tight syncopated sections showcase Fripp’s commitment to pushing his music forward rather than merely repeating past successes.

Recommended Track: "Cadence and Cascade"

"Cadence and Cascade" can be seen as a counterpart to "I Talk to the Wind" from the first album—like a contrast between negative and positive images. While "I Talk to the Wind" is centered around the flute, "Cadence and Cascade" is built around Robert Fripp’s acoustic guitar.
This is also the only track on the album where Gordon Haskell takes over vocals instead of Greg Lake, further signaling the band’s internal fractures. Despite this, the song remains highly accessible and charming.
Newly recruited jazz pianist Keith Tippett contributes a beautifully expressive acoustic piano performance, while Mel Collins delivers a flute solo that serves as a fitting successor to Ian McDonald’s signature style.

Recommended Track: "In the Wake of Poseidon"

This song fully utilizes Greg Lake’s expressive vocal ability. In terms of melodic beauty, it ranks among the finest in King Crimson’s catalog. No one could better capture the melancholic, introspective essence of British songwriting quite like Lake, and at the time, he had the ability to deliver it flawlessly.
However, this was true only for Greg Lake as the vocalist of King Crimson. When he left for Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP), he moved to a band with less of Crimson’s depth and introspective qualities. As a result, his vocals never quite carried the same weight they had with Crimson.
Years later, Lake performed the chorus of "Epitaph" during ELP’s live shows. But while the music could be replicated, the deeper spirit of King Crimson could not. To many Crimson fans, hearing Greg Lake sing "Epitaph" with ELP felt oddly out of place—perhaps even disappointing.

Songs like "In the Wake of Poseidon", "Epitaph", and "The Court of the Crimson King" embody the profound artistic vision of Robert Fripp and Peter Sinfield. Their unwavering sense of purpose and deep philosophical undertones give these tracks a unique, almost mystical quality.
The one-of-a-kind concepts and melodic lines found in these compositions are a testament to Fripp’s magic—the defining characteristic that sets King Crimson apart from any other band. It’s this intangible yet undeniable essence that makes their music so singular and irreplaceable.

Recommended Track: "Cat Food"

"Cat Food" stands out as one of King Crimson’s more unconventional tracks. Newcomer Keith Tippett plays piano, injecting an avant-garde jazz influence that brings a fresh, unpredictable energy to the song.
Tippett’s presence would later prove crucial in saving the band from crisis during the making of their fourth album, Islands, ultimately paving the way for some of King Crimson’s most exquisite compositions.

Featured Musicians, Album, and Recommended Tracks

• Artists: Robert Fripp, Ian McDonald, Greg Lake, Mel Collins, Keith Tippett, and others
• Album: In the Wake of Poseidon
• Recommended Tracks: "Pictures of a City", "Cadence and Cascade", "In the Wake of Poseidon", "Cat Food"

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