10 Most Underrated Progressive Rock Albums Of All Time

Founding member Robert Fripp has often cited King Crimson's third effort as their dirt worst. In turn, the LP's reputation has suffered over the years and it's rarely considered on the level of their most acclaimed work. It was only with the 40th year anniversary addition and the benefits of a newer, modern mix that the guitarist finally eased up on his relentless trashing of the 1970 release.

'Lizard' takes the group in a more avant-garde direction, dropping the more soul-friendly aspects of their prior releases in favour of more progressive experimentation. The group's jazz fascination remains prominent as a signature aspect of the band's sound once again. Upon release, the LP didn't fare much better with many critics with some praising its adventurous style while others threw it under the bus for its perceived pretentiousness.

The titular track proved to be a saving grace, with many heralding its conceptual power and vast scope and pacing. The 23 minute song finds King Crimson at their most hectic and epic best, moving through several chapters of an almost incomprehensible, symbolism-laden narrative.

The rest of the album, while more sensible in size, proves to be creatively risky in its own right thanks to the aforementioned heavy emphasis on jazz and Peter Sinfield's increasingly bizarre lyrics. Overall, this is a fun and unpredictable album that finds prog rock's original giants on typically odd, compelling form.