SHINE ON BRIGHTLY

The true definition of Proto-Prog. It's all here folks. Yes Procol Harum always pops at the top of my head when I think Proto-Prog perhaps the most controversial category on Prog Archives. Most of these bands might have been influencial one way or another but I cringe at most of them being here. Procol Harum being listed as Crossover yet probably being the most important Proto-Prog band there ever was mostly due to this very album. If the debut album wasn't quite there yet despite the Bach and Classical influence this album is where things really take off and set new standards and highs that would define Prog albums for years to come.

While the first thing that occurs to me when I think about this album is the overly silly and catchy Skip Softly (My Moonbeams)" comes to mind. Also the keyboard into of Quite Rightly So also comes to mind. Overall this album is an early Prog powerhouse. Robin Trower a Blues guitarist playing in a very Classical based band is something that sticks out like a sore thumb and makes Procol Harum a memorable and interesting band.

Side B a number of tune building an epic track making this album a very important part of Prog history. The title track also being very memorable and having Classical elements that improve what was heard on the debut album. The year this album was released and what it was pulling off always made it impossible not to view as what I see as the most epic album by Procol Harum. I don't feel like they ever came even close to topping this in the studio at least. Procol Harum Live: In Concert with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra is a fantastic live album that could be called essential along with this. 2 of recordings nobody should overlook in their lifetime.