HOMBURG & OTHER HATS: PROCOL HARUM'S BEST

For those who want to enjoy the music of Procol Harum with budget spending, this compilation CD might be the answer. Yes, this record features the band's history in the classic rock arena. You can enjoy the unique vocal quality of pianist Gary Brooker as well as organ sounds that have characterized the music of Procol harum by Mathew Fisher. Who does not know songs like "A Whiter Shade of Pale" (4:07), "Homburg" (3:53), "Repent Walpurgis" (5:03) - oh, what a great song this one is! - "Shine on Brightly" (3:32), "Conquistador" performed live (4:17), "Grand Hotel" (6:11)? Those of you who "were" there at the glory days of 70s, you must have been aware with the list, I am sure.

"Homburg" reached Number 6, but the band's first LP failed to include either of the hits and so failed to chart. Things looked brighter in the States: the follow-up album Shine On Brightly reached Number 24, while an impressive appearance at the Miami Pop Festival turned a six-figure attendance into fans in a matter of minutes. So you can imagine how big the band was at the time.

To me, the music of Procol Harum represented the culmination of pop and rock industry which by the time its first inception, the music industry was mainly characterized by psychedelic wave. Bands like like The Beatles, Pink Floyd were very obvious at the time. Procol Harum appeared differently with touchy and memorable melody which laid the band a class of its own. Well, this compilation can be considered as your first entrance to the Procol Harum's music. Once you are OK with this compilation, you should move forward with each album collection as it's worth it. Procol Harum music collection will enrich your horizon as the band grew up at the same time the progressive rock movement at the end of sixties and beginning of 70s became major act in music industry. So, you'd better have this CD. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild, GW