A SALTY DOG

The low rating on PA for "Salty Dog" absolutely baffles me. Another gem from the somehow-forgotten Procol Harum. Whilst the album lacks a strength heard on "Shine On Brightly", the songwriting and musical/lyrical climaxes are perhaps the zenith of Procol for me. Considering this is still the 60s, it still sounds very ahead of its time and includes all sorts of genres throughout that underlie their signature classically trained rock pedigree (i.e. baroque, blues, and folk), but I think they were trying to be too adventurous with not enough resources (i.e. finding a marimba in the studio drawer). I'm not sure how this album, and the band on the whole could have flown under the radar. At least their "rivals" The Moody Blues were getting more recognition, reaching number 1 at this time, but Salty Dog has unfortunately never had its day. Anyway, getting back on topic, the album cover fits the music excellently, and produces a very bold image in your head and obviously relates to the reappearing sea themes.

The title track is, of course, one of the classic song's on Procol's catalogue. Immediately, this showcases Brooker and Reid's songwriting abilities, exploring quite adventurous chord progressions that all flow beautifully into one another, with an excellent storytelling vocal delivery from Gary, with very emotional lyrics that take you right into the eye of the storm and get you lost in the album. Perhaps the lack of success of the band was that this was really the only single put out, and being one of the longest songs on the album, was commonly refused radio play. Anyway, "The Milk Of Human Kindness" introduces some classic Robin Trower guitar licks, with a very bright piano attacking the intro full on. The lyrics and the chords are great (albeit let down by the first half of the chorus). Still an outstanding track and essential to the album. "Too Much Between Us" is really a folk song, with beautiful everything. Just so sweet, with the blissful lyrics, chord progressions, harmonies, and guitar playing. The organ makes it that little bit more pastoral and adds a gorgeous texture to an already brilliant song. One of my favourites!

"The Devil Came From Kansas" is much stronger, and holds a very bluesy vibe with some occasional meaningful lyrics teamed with straightforward ones, which I love in this case. The chords are also pretty intriguing for a blues piece, and the feel they get through is awesome, let down only by the recording. "Boredom": hmm. Not a fan. Very dull and I hate the marimba solo. Whenever I try to think of flaws with Procol Harum, this is always the first thing that comes to mind. When the track comes up, I have to almost try and stop listening and let it roll over me, so that I don't fill with "boredom". I see what they were trying to do, and respect them for it, but it doesn't fit the album, or to an extent their style. Using Matthew Fisher's monotonous tone of voice adds something to it when you restrict your ears to the full details of the track, but otherwise adds to the tediousness of it. "Juicy John Pink" then begins side 2. A very great proper blues track, much less symphonic and thought-out that "Devil Came From Kansas" in a good way. Short and sweet, with a low budget recording sound, and a feel that makes it look as though they don't really care - now one of the essentials for my liking of prog rock. Robin gets some nice little licks through, and Gary's lyrics fit the piece very well. A much more commendable track then the previous.

"Wreck Of The Hesperus": actually my favourite song on the album. This is where Fisher's vocal delivery really comes into its own, on "We'll hoist a hand". Just brilliant, and the piano's little arpeggios are excellent, plus the symphonic strings section throwing very intriguing chords at you, but still remaining in place and more than pleasant to hear. My favourite part has to go to Trower's guitar style again though. That crescendo of fuzz that just punches down on you after "lost in ire" is just about heard. The strings backing those long notes just make me smile instantly, and gives me chills every time. Just a magnificent track, and good to finally see the "sea" theme return! "All This And More" is another classic track, commonly forgotten on "Salty Dog" but no doubt excellent. It constantly builds up to devastating climaxes, with some great piano odd-chord arpeggios once again. Unfortunately, it doesn't quite flow back into the verses but that's all that's wrong with it, really.

"Crucifixion Lane" is Robin Trower's time to really shine. From this piece, it's quite clear that his songwriting is really up to par with all of the others, also producing excellent lyrics and chord progressions (although I think he missed a trick on "make it clear", where he could have played a major chord to make it more sonically interesting). Of course, allows enough time for his own guitar solo, and some absolutely astounding moments in here as he shows us how his "life is unimportant" on "I'm cold, I'm wet, and I'm blind!" His rough vocal groaning, struggling to reach the top notes, complements this whole track so well, and shows his ability to write a song for his own incapable voice - a very underrated and ingenious technique really. The final track "Pilgrim's Progress" seems to be a fan favourite but nothing special for me, and an almost sullen way to end the album in my opinion. Whilst the chords are excellent, I kind of wish Matthew did a duet with Gary on here, and changed the lyrics. Then I reckon it could be a great track, as it sort of lacks direction, drags on a bit, and just ends the album flatly and not really on a high point. It doesn't even lay you down like "Rock N' Roll Suicide" or other slowly rocking finishers. It just leaves you really, but I can't imagine the album without it. It does keep giving more and more on each listen, and never gets tiring, but it just never got exciting for me...

A(-): Although not entirely consistent, contains numerous excellent varied tracks and maintains a signature sound throughout. Therefore, a masterpiece and definitely needed for any true prog rock collector!

A Salty Dog: ***** The Milk Of Human Kindness: ***** Too Much Between Us: ***** The Devil Came From Kansas: **** Boredom: **** Juicy John Pink: **** Wreck Of The Hesperus: ***** All This And More: **** Crucifiction Lane: ***** Pilgrims Progress: ****