Procol Harum appreciation

I've recently been exploring Procol Harum's back catalogue, until then all I really knew about them was 'A Whiter Shade of Pale' and the court case.

I'm happy to say I've been completely blown away by the quality of some of their albums - 'A Salty Dog' and 'Broken Barricades' especially. It might be argued that they became a little less interesting after Robin Trower left, but even later albums like 'Exotic Birds and Fruit' are well worth attention.

It's pleasing to see this underrated band given some credit on PA. They should have been huge, but now are often regarded in the UK as the ultimate in 'one hit wonders'.

A wonderful band.  I don't even really like Whiter Shade of Pale, and never understood why it is so revered.  But most of their albums I've heard are very strong.   "Shine on Brightly" is by far my favorite, an absolute mound of awesomeness.  "Salty Dog", "Home", and "Barricades" aren't far behind.  The debut album I've had some trouble getting into - weird, because it's normally considered at least on a par with their other early albums.   I'm a little less enthusiastic about the post-Trower albums, but I have and  enjoy the majority of the songs on Grand Hotel and Exotic Birds.  Not familiar with anything after that.

Cheers for the comments. 'Home' is indeed a cracking album with a dark atmosphere, although Piggy Pig Pig is oddly catchy tune!

I've written reviews here for "Shine", "Salty", and "Home", if you'd like to check them out.

btw, Krillov and hellogoodbye have the same avatar and it's giving me vertigo.

I got to see them this past summer as the opening act for Yes.  No Trower of course, actually Brooker is the only original guy, without his voice it would not be Procol Harum, but his voice sounded just like it did 30/40 years ago, amazing!

Procol Harum is one of the cornerstones in the first development of symphonic prog,, and also to avant prog, i whould, say, their cabaret like style i have heard in bands all over the 70s, their influence should not be underestimated.

Broken Barricades is a truly wonderfull album 

Grand Hotel - my favourite one!

All I've ever heard from Procol is the Shine on Brightly album (I really love it), and the tracks; "A Whiter Shade of Pale" (obviously), "Conquistador", and "A Salty Dog". Overall, I really need to explore their discography more , but I definitely like what I've been hearing.

I have the hits package too (the A&M Backlot Series), and I seem to remember having listened to the Shine On Brightly album years ago at college.  One of these days I'll kick myself in the arse and explore their catalog in greater depth.