Excellent
Music lover | 01/15/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm not going to say much about this album because I loved it since it first came out and also saw them do much of it live at that time also. They didn't need an orchestra and the rest of the band along with Gary Brooker were simply superb. In this record they did have an orchestra for "Grand Hotel", but like I say, they really didn't need it. I actually didn't notice that it wasn't there during the concert. So, want some good Procol? The is one great one. Very solid."
Procol Harum At It's Peak
Kurt Harding | Boerne TX | 04/29/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If I had to name a band that has spoken to me throughout my life more than any other, I would have to name Procol Harum. There is just something about the majesty of their music that thrills me every time I listen to it. I remember that when Grand Hotel first was issued, I was right there at the record store to buy it as it was put out for sale. On first listen, I thought it was something special and still do thirty seven years later.
Many Procol Harum fans are fans in the true sense of the word, that is to say they are fanatics. I know many who own a copy of every incarnation of every album, always hoping to hear something on an "improved" reissue they had not heard before. And so the question becomes what makes this Salvo reissue special? After all, 2004's Friday Music remaster sounded quite adequate and it seemed at the time that one was as good as it was going to get. But then along came the Salvo reissue five years later with the only outward difference being in the packaging and the bonus cuts selected. What about the sound? Well, its simply superb. I don't denigrate the Friday Music remaster, but this one just sounds "better" if you can believe that possible. Then there is the matter of the insert. Even if you don't hear much difference in quality between the two, you have to admit that the insert provided in the Salvo reissue is superior in almost every way EXCEPT that the lyrics are omitted. Lots of fans like having the lyrics at hand like Friday Music provided while listening and so will now feel compelled to own both reissues.
As for the music itself, Grand Hotel is as spectacular as ever but you would think that Salvo could have come up with more bonus tracks. My favorite cuts are as always: the title cut, A Rum Tale, A Souvenir of London, For Liquorice John (misspelled on the trifold cover), and the ever-entrancing Fires (Which Burnt Brightly), the name of which also has an error of editing on the trifold. The bonus tracks provided really add nothing to the listening experience, but neither do they detract.
Those fans who are wavering as to whether or not to buy this should take note of the great price, the improved packaging, and the more detailed insert and take the plunge. After all, Grand Hotel is Procol Harum at its peak!"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1