PROCOL HARUM [AKA: A WHITER SHADE OF PALE]

1967 seems like such a long time ago doesn't it ? I love looking at the pictures in the liner notes from back then to see the clothes they were wearing and hairstyles etc. it was all so far out.

PROCOL HARUM scored a couple of hits from this album and certainly "Whiter Shade Of Pale" was huge back then. Actually the process back then was not to put the hit single on the album but to release it as a single only. My edition includes it though, in fact it starts off with it. I'm sure most people know this song well with the organ and vocals slowly leading the way. I think "Conquistador" is just as good. Check out the organ solo after 2 minutes to end it. Yes this one is just over 2 1/2 minutes long. "She Wandered Through The Garden Fence" reminds me of THE BEATLES. It's light and upbeat. "Something Followed Me" is slower paced with vocals. Is that distorted organ 2 1/2 minutes in ? "Mabel" sounds like a party tune. "Cerdes (Outside The Gates Of)" has some good organ to start out as vocals join in. Guitar solo before 3 minutes and later at 4 1/2 minutes in to end it. Good song. "A Christmas Camel" is one I like a lot. The piano and guitar later on are good. "Kaleidoscope" is catchy while "Salad Days (Are Here Again)" features lots of organ. "Good Captain Clack" is silly with piano, vocals and organ standing out. "Repent Walpurgis" is a top three with the opening two tracks for me. We get a beat to open as the organ floats in. Guitar before 2 minutes. Piano leads the way then more guitar. Organ ends it.

A good album no doubt but not worth 4 stars in my opinion. I'm a little surprised these guys aren't in Proto-Prog.