Procol Harum cover

Procol Harum

Procol Harum · 1967

70 min · 20 tracks · progressive rock · psychedelic rock · art rock

A rich tapestry of orchestral arrangements and poetic lyrics intertwining rock, classical, and psychedelic influences.

Why this album works

The album is notable for its blending of classical elements with rock music, particularly through the hit single 'A Whiter Shade of Pale,' which reached No. 1 in the UK charts. This track became emblematic of the progressive rock movement and has been covered by numerous artists, cementing Procol Harum's influence on subsequent generations of musicians.
Best for
long, immersive listening sessions dynamic emotional journeys wave-like pacing experiences
Context
Procol Harum's self-titled debut album was released in September 1967, shortly after their formation in 1966. At this point, the band was on the cusp of becoming a prominent force in the art rock scene, with 'A Whiter Shade of Pale' already gaining traction as a significant hit, establishing their presence in the music industry.
Stylistic neighbors
Emerson, Lake & Palmer· Piknik· Miguel Ríos

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Conquistador Standout 2:42
  • 2 She Wandered Through the Garden Fence 3:29
  • 3 Something Following Me 3:40
  • 4 Mabel 1:55
  • 5 Cerdes (Outside the Gates Of) 5:07
  • 6 A Christmas Camel 4:54
  • 7 Kaleidoscope 2:57
  • 8 Salad Days (Are Here Again) 3:44
  • 9 Good Captain Clack 1:32
  • 10 Repent Walpurgis Standout 5:05
  • 11 A Whiter Shade of Pale (original single version) 4:02
  • 12 Lime Street Blues 2:53
  • 13 Homburg (original single version) 4:02
  • 14 Salad Days (Are Here Again) (earlier alternate version) 4:26
  • 15 Mabel (earlier undubbed version) 1:56
  • 16 Cerdes (Outside the Gates Of) (earlier alternate version) 4:45
  • 17 Something Following Me (earlier alternate version) 3:38
  • 18 Magdalene (My Regal Zonophone) (original version) 2:23
  • 19 Quite Rightly So (earlier undubbed version) 3:53
  • 20 Shine On Brightly (earlier alternate version) 3:23

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata