Procol Harum

Okay, so, I just listened to my very first Procol Harum album.  I picked up Shine On Brightly earlier today, set aside some free time and sequestered myself.  Currently listening to the latter strains of In Held 'Twas In I, and just boggling at how great their sound is.

So, is there love for these guys hereabouts?  I would think they would be one of the most influential, well-known prog groups, but I never see them featured on the list of Popular Artists.  They seem to have it all: an extensive discography, a sound that was years before its time, and an epic, undisputed prog track that pre-dates ItCotCK and was covered by Transatlantic on their first release.  Plus, from what I've heard thus far, Gary Brooker has one of the most distinct voices in prog.  Rich and bluesy, and very versatile. 

So what about it?  Are these fine proggers really second tier?




Edited by Lozlan - October 19 2010 at 11:22

Procol Harum are awesome. My favorite is their first album.

Procol Harum is one of my favorite bands ever. Absolutely first tier for me. I would suggest getting "Grand Hotel" and  "A Salty Dog" next. The live album with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra is a must have as well.

Thanks for the recs; there really is no way that I'm not going to devour their discography entire.  Trying to decide if I should go chronologically from here, or skip around as is my wont.  I set out to investigate them (finally) for next week's podcast...I'm doing a focus on prog pre-'69, and I figured these fine fellows fit the bill.  I wasn't expecting to be so completely blown away!  I am a very happy prog fan, yes.  

Edited by Lozlan - October 19 2010 at 15:51

I've heard A Whiter Shade of Pale about a million times and I love it, but I've never heard anything else by the band. Similar sort of sound? Which album should I start with?

Salty Dog is really good. I was also late to discover how great these guys were. Had only heard Conquistador on the radio, then was fortunate enough to see them open for Jethro Tull some years ago and they absolutely floored me. Went out and immediately got Salty Dog and Greatest Hits. Terrific band!

I love Procol Harum too. Great band, really.

For example, I love it more than Genesis (just to give an idea), even if they can't contest Genesis' creativity. But they attract me much more.

Just listen to Bringing Home The Bacon !!! This track is extraordinary !

For sure ,PROCOL is a great band, i saw them on stage in paris in the seventies and at the time they still had a lot of fans.Even some underrated albums ( in france) as something magic contain good stuff, have a listen to the long track tittled THE WORM AND THE THREE. It's funny to realise that several great prog band starded with a pure pop single, i think about procol , moodie blues, aphrodite's child, rare bird..........