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Procol Harum - A Salty Dog CD (album) cover

A SALTY DOG

Procol Harum

 

Crossover Prog

3.59 | 289 ratings

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UMUR
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
3 stars A Salty Dog is the third studio album from british pop/ rock act Procol Harum. Their previous album called Shine on Brightly is a very beautiful and melancholic album that I enjoy greatly. Itīs also a pretty progressive album with the side long epic track In Held Twas in I. A Salty Dog doesnīt really follow up on the progressive side of Procol Harum that was so evident on Shine on Brightly but puts more emphasis on the simple songs and strong melodies that is also a trademark in Procol Harumīs discography.

The music is still piano/ organ driven pop/ rock with slight progressive tendencies and strong and memorable vocal lines. This time the bluesy guitar from Robin Trower gets a bit more room in the soundscape and therefore A Salty Dog seems more simple and bluesy at times.

Iīll mention four songs that I think stand out on the album. A Salty Dog and Wreck of the Hesperus features string arrangements which is new in Procol Harumīs sound. Both songs are melancholic and reminds me a bit of the mood on Shine on Brightly. Beautiful songs. Too Much Between Us is a beautiful ballad like song and the last song on the album called Pilgrims Progress is also a standout track with itīs beautiful floating organ. The rest is not really songs that I get very excited about. They are not bad songs, but a bit too simple in mood and way too bluesy. I much prefer Procol Harum when they are influenced by classical music.

The musicianship is strong as usual. Gary Brooker has to be mentioned for his strong and emotional vocal delivery, but compared to the first two releases from the band Robin Trowerīs guitar is much more in focus here on A Salty Dog and it makes a big difference in style.

The production is pretty much the same as on Shine on Brightly. Not much has happened there. Itīs not really good but still enjoyable.

Iīm a bit disappointed about A Salty Dog because I expected a more progressive direction after the excellent Shine on Brightly. Procol Harum moved away from their progressive leanings on A Salty Dog and thatīs a shame IMO, as they really had something special to offer to progressive music. A Salty Dog is still a good album though and deserves 3 stars. Progressive music lovers should start with Shine on Brightly though.

UMUR | 3/5 |

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