Procol Harum - Procol Harum (Regal Zonophone 1967) 24-bit/96kHz Vinyl Rip

Procol Harum's self-titled, debut album bombed in England, appearing six months after "A Whiter Shade of Pale" and "Homburg" with neither hit song on it. The LP was successful in America, where albums sold more easily, but especially since it did include "A Whiter Shade of Pale" and was reissued with a sticker emphasizing the presence of the original "Conquistador," a re-recording which became a hit in 1972. The music is an engaging meld of psychedelic rock, blues, and classical influences, filled with phantasmagorical lyrics, bold (but not flashy) organ by Matthew Fisher, and Robin Trower's most tasteful and restrained guitar. "Conquistador," "Kaleidoscope," "A Christmas Camel," and the Bach-influenced "Repent Walpurgis" are superb tracks, and "Good Captain Clack" is great, almost Kinks-like fun. Not everything here works, but it holds up better than most psychedelic or progressive rock. Bruce Eder AMG




Track listing:

A1. Conquistador
A2. She Wandered Through the Garden Fence
A3. Something Following Me
A4. Mabel
A5. Cerdes (outside the gates of)

B1. A Christmas Camel
B2. Kaleidoscope
B3. Salad Days (are here again)
B4. Good Captain Clack
B5. Repent Walpurgis

Bonus tracks:

C1. Homburg
from Regal Zonophone single RZ 3003
(Please note: this single is in poor condition.
I have done the best I can, but it still sounds a little rough!)

D1. A Whiter Shade of Pale
D2. Lime Street Blues
from Deram single DM 126

Gary Brooker (voice and piano)
Mathew Fisher (Hammond organ)
Robin Trower (lead guitar)
David Knights (bass guitar)
B. J. Wilson (percussion)
Recorded at Olympic Studios
Produced by Denny Cordell