GRAND HOTEL

I rarely hand out 5-star ratings, but this album is grand enough and majestic enough to give it the edge. Also, all songs are worthy of listening to (not skipping over) and have something to offer. The remastering of this (2009, Salvo) gives it the sonic palette that brings it to the point of fine art. The packaging is nice too, with multipage libretto book of pictures, notes, and recording/background information. Production was handled by master producer Chris Thomas.

There's a nice variety and diversity to the songs which gives the album color and depth. Here are short summaries of the songs:

Grand Hotel - Big production with orchestra. A slower song that doesn't rush, because you don't need to rush grandness.

Toujours L'Amour - An uptempo song, with some interesting chord changes.

A Rum Tale - Quieter song featuring piano and some fun lyrics by the band's primo lyricist Keith Reid

A Souvenir of London - Mostly acoustic song where the band tries for a street musician feel. A lighthearted, fun song.

Bringing Home the Bacon - Probably the most rocky song on the album. Features some tasty drumming by ace drummer BJ Wilson. There is an exciting prog-like keyboard part that occurs between major song sections.

For Licorice John - This has phased piano to give a drowning sound/effect that goes with the lyrics. Highly English.

Fires (Which Burn Brightly) - Maybe a lesser song overall, but still featuring a very European sound.

Robert's Box - A most straightforward song to end the album, but still containing some interesting ideas.

Having heard all of their albums, this one defines what Procol Harum is/was all about. They never reached higher than this. If you get one album, this should be it.