PROCOL HARUM [AKA: A WHITER SHADE OF PALE]

Procol Harum's debut is a strong beginning for a band that left an indelible mark on organ led melodic rock. The remaster features the absolutely essential track that most people have heard at some time or another, A Whiter Shade of Pale. The organ motif is unforgettable as is Brooker's psychedelic vocals and dreamscape lyrics. They became known for this track alone but of course the album has more to offer.

She Wandered Through the Garden Fence is whimsical and features some infectious melodies. Cerdes (Outside the Gate of) is a killer track with psychedelic images and a contagious hook, with organs blazing and one of the more forceful vocal performances. A Christmas Camel is one of my favourites driven by hammering piano and a delightful soaring melody. The lyrics centre on the mysteries of madness and war with powerful imagery of men who "impaled themselves on six inch nails", and "my feeble sick wearied brain I'm overcome with shame". The lead break of Trower is a great part of each song and here is no exception.

Repent Walpurgis sounds slightly like Whiter Shade, at least in organ sound and tempo. The instrumental track is another highlight and meanders along slowly with an extended intro before Trower's guitar kicks in. the piano flourishes are note worthy and it a dreamy soundscape is generated.

Overall, this is a wonderful debut for a band that would soon be a worldwide success thanks to a little thing about skipping the light Fandango, a miller's tale, 16 vestil virgins, and the crowd turned out for more.