THE BEST OF PROCOL HARUM [A&M]

What can be said about the very release that introduced the world of Procol Harum to me? Not much other than the fact that it is an incredibly well rounded compilation, with a bunch of hits from every line-up and some B-side semi-rarities.

The obvious classics are all here, such as "A Whiter Shade Of Pale", "A Salty Dog" and Conquistador". Mixed in with these, you get some awesome B-sides including the funny and catchy rhythm and blues styled "Lime Street Blues" and the guitar filled "Long Gone Geek". Robin Trower shines on the rock n' rollers "Whiskey Train" and "Simple Sister", two of my favorite Procol Harum songs ever. The live version of "Conquistador" is the perfect way to close a perfectly arranged and inclusive compilation.

Sure all of these songs are available on other releases and nothing can beat owning the actual studio albums, but this is a perfect spot to own the classics and nothing but the classics condensed into one package. Definitely not essential, but if you are new to Procol Harum, you should pick this up if you spot it. Trust me, it is worth it.