Search - Procol Harum :: Classic Tracks & Rarities: An Anthology

Excellent Music, Super Value For Your Dollar

07/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having long since decided that the "30th Anniversary" box was a little more than I wanted (both in terms of quantity and price), I went out and bought the expanded version of "Procol Harum...," and figured I'd eventually have to do likewise with the following three albums. Then I stumbled upon this release, couldn't believe the low price, figured there must be a catch--but ordered it anyway. I'm here to tell you all: Ain't no trick here, just treats! Surprisingly, though the band's terrific debut album's widely considered one of their best, a full five of its tracks are not represented on this collection in any form, so having that album is still advisable. Otherwise, the "Shine On Brightly," "A Salty Dog" and "Home" albums are all majority-represented here, along with a handful of rarities; B-sides and previously unissued out-takes. A few notes not pointed out by previous reviewers that you may be interested in: First, the stereo version of "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" is NOT the same version as the classic single; a completely different take. On its downside, the drumming's not nearly as powerful or fill-driven, but on the upside, this one goes on a good minute-and-a-half longer than the single version. Second: The alternate versions of "Conquistador" and "She Wandered Through The Garden Fence" are both in true stereo, and are actually very close to the album versions: Therefore, much moreso than with "Whiter Shade," these tracks provide a pretty good blueprint for how the first album would sound were it ever mixed to stereo. Outside all that, just a few of my personal favorite tracks are the outstanding single "Homburg," the fairly psychedelic "Shine On Brightly," the moody ballad "Too Much Between Us," and the delightfully morbid "The Dead Man's Dream" (cosmic coincidence, perhaps, that that song and Bloodrock's masterpiece "D.O.a. came out at almost the exact same time.) In fact, listening to that and several other songs on this collection, it occurs to me that Keith Reed had a penchant for dark, foreboding and sometimes diabolical lyrics--enough to make Jim Morrison sound like a minstrel boy. Anyhow, if you're looking for a great collection of early, golden-era Procol--and great bang for your buck, this is the collection you want--in which case, I urge you to click that Add To Shopping Cart button today!"

Beyond All These Things

El Lagarto | Sandown, NH | 04/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What Nathaniel Hawthorne and Herman Melville were to the unbridled optimism of nineteenth century American literature, Procol Harum was to the delirious idealism of flower power hippie-dom that bloomed ever so briefly in the late `60s and early `70s. They were the fly in the ointment, the ash in the soup, the reminder that even the sunniest day is followed by night.



It seems particularly appropriate that they traveled under a curse throughout their career. The song that gave them a career in the first place, A Whiter Shade Of Pale, also destroyed their career, causing the public to marginalize everything that came later and dismiss them as a "one-hit wonder." This was the public's loss; Procol Harum was one of the most sophisticated, intelligent, original groups to emerge from a decade overflowing with musical talent.



I had the pleasure of seeing them perform and their intensity was hair-raising. Not only did they burn the house down, they played with the discipline of a string quartet. Procol Harum's frequently plaintive sound, the combination of Gary Brooker on piano and Matthew Fisher on organ, topped off by Brooker's vocals, was instantly recognizable. But more important still was the band's secret weapon, lyricist Keith Reid. Reid's lyrics, at times so vivid they seemed carved out of his own flesh, were invariably smart, compelling, and piercing.



This superb and reasonably priced 2-CD anthology travels far and wide through Procol Harum's first four albums, including A Salty Dog, widely considered their high water mark. There are also many bonus features to delight the connoisseur including previously unreleased singles and alternate takes. Too many highlights to mention but a few gems do jump to mind: Wish Me Well, Juicy John Pink, A Salty Dog, Pilgrims Progress, Your Own Choice, Homburg, and A Christmas Camel. The world of rock is replete with hacks and poseurs; these guys were artists of the first order. Repent Walpurgis."

So close! (put thumb and finger one millimeter apart)

K. Gittins | CA USA | 07/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Let's face it - Procol Harum is not for everyone. However, if you like them, then this CD seems to be a good value.



It has nearly all of "A Salty Dog", so it is worth the price right there. Plus much of "Shine On Brightly", and with "A Whiter Shade of Pale" and "Conquistador", this compilation covers all the bases - except one ----->> Devil Came From Kansas (the missing millimeter).



Sound quality is a little harsh as it is late 60's-to 1970 music for the most part. However, Robin Trower had his strat moaning, Gary Brooker and Matthew Fisher had the keyboards going, BJ Wilson was banging the drums and the various singers were belting it out some great lyrics - though no one had a really great voice.



The 2-disc set includes a booklet of liner notes on the represented albums and included songs. At one point it refers to Procol Harem of 1968 as "expanding upon their symphonically influenced bombastic rock style", and the fantastic 1969 album "A Salty Dog" as "combining a synthesis of high-energy blues and grand classical-inspired influences..." Yeah, whatever :-)



A possibly better choice is another inexpensive 2-disk option called "The First Four", which is the complete first 4 albums. The trade off is that though it has the complete "A Salty Dog" album (with "Devil Came from Kansas"), "A Whiter Shade of Pale" is not included as it was released as a single, and only subsequently re-released in the USA on the original album (re-titled "A Whiter Shade of Pale"). However, the fourth album ("Home") is rather lackluster.



Some great music.



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