SOMETHING MAGIC

The last Procol album (first generation), or is it just another Brooker's one (?), is of course no highlight in their career. I have loved the band quite a lot and when you listen to "Shine On Brightly", the band certainly deserve to be considered as a pioneer of the music we all love: progressive rock.

But this can't be the case with this work. The end of a story, I would say. Of course, 77 was not the best year for prog music. But this album can't be considered as such. It is just a collection of mellowish tunes with a passionless Brooker on the command.

So, no miracles nor wonder here. Just an average album which might well have never been released. No one would have cared less. Really. Just listen to the poor "Wizard Man". Sounds as another poor rock attempt from Barclay James Harvest (just to give you an idea).

The best of this album being the excellent "Strangers In Space" and its sad mood. Brooker being as emotive as he could be. A lot of emotion perspires throughout this number. It is by far my preferred song from the whole.

The eighteen minutes long suite which covered the B-side, couldn't really thrilled me. Maybe a bold effort in those days, but truly pointless. Remember, there was Anarchy In The UK by the time. No place for such a dull and pompous effort.

There is absolutely nothing magic in here. Two stars.