Procol Harum: “A Whiter Shade of Pale” (1967)
Procol’s first single proved to be a fantastic stroke of luck, topping the UK charts with its quintessentially English stateliness.
Procol’s first single proved to be a fantastic stroke of luck, topping the UK charts with its quintessentially English stateliness.
Although initially lost in the flurry of psych/prog releases at year’s end, this is today recognized as an early classic in the genre.
The bloom was off the rose, and the success of the band’s new single paled in comparison to their first hit.
The band forges brightly into future with this literary, ambitious follow-up, capped by the multipart suite, “In Held Twas In I.”
An epic musical voyage, with the band’s collective artistry in full sail and Keith Reid’s poetry as their north star.
The brilliant title track from A Salty Dog didn’t seafare so well on the charts, disappearing after one week. Hmph, landlubbers.
I’ve got a fever and the only prescription is more cowbell.
Macabre ruminations from the poet in residence and great guitar licks (but few memorable melodies) sum up Procol’s fourth.
The band’s fifth includes a few great tracks, but the split in musical personalities between Brooker and Trower is increasingly evident.
What do you get when you combine a rock band with a full orchestra and chorus? No, seriously, I’m asking.
The ornate rock of Procol Harum plus an orchestra proves to be a double-edged, jewel-encrusted sword.
An almost full return to their earlier grand estate, despite being down to only three original members.
The ex-Procol guitarist leads a power trio inspired by Jimi Hendrix, produced by fellow Procol exile Matthew Fisher.
The last souvenir from Grand Hotel, a funny little song about gonorrhea.
A heavier and darker album than Grand Hotel, but one definitely worth checking out.