PROCOL'S NINTH

If "Exotic Birds and Fruits" almost got 3,5 by me, this one almost get 2,5 but in rating they'll get the same. Well, I don't think it's totally fair but that's the way it is. "Procol's Ninth" is Procol Harum's eighth studio record and it was released the year after the last one 1975. Unlike its precursor the cover picture isn't fantastic at all. The album is grey and the musicians look uninspired. But don't be worried, most of the songs are inspired and good rock songs, don't doubt that.

1975 Procol Harum made up by Gary Brooker, Alan Cartwright, Chris Copping, Mick Grabham, Keith Reid and Barrie James Wilson. The band is quite stable and the continuity is of course great. One thing I think could have been better with this band was if the other members had got more place and perhaps had sung a bit. It would have lifted the music. "Procol's Ninth" contains six great songs of with I really recommend two, and four less interesting, of which I recommend you to avoid two.

Firstly I must praise the opener: "Pandora's Box", absolutely one of the band's best songs ever(9/10). It's lovely in every ways, mystical, a jungle feeling and fantastic guitar and flute work. The other song I would praise is "The Unquiet Zone"(7/10). That track is really different. i like the start and the original percussion that cooperates with the song in a fine way. I also love the guitar. "Fools Gold"(6/10) is a well performed strong rock song and "I keep forgetting"(6/10) takes us the the fifties with good brass. "The Piper's Tune" (6/10) has something of Procol Harum's old sacral style in the organ and also "Typewriter Torment" is enjoyable(6/10).

Two tracks you must avoid is "Taking the time"(4/10), a very boring track, but especially the Beatles cover "Eight days a week"(3/10). It could be one of the worst covers I have ever heard. It feels totally uninspired and I wonder how they could allow each other to record it. I don't think the Beatles became proud if they heard it.

Over all, though, is this album absolutely enjoyable. It has its ups and downs just as other records and the ups are more important than the downs. The direction from last record downwards of course is a disappointment. I will give it three stars and look forward to listen to the next Procol Harum record!