Happy Birthday to two of the influential British band Procol Harum's essential elements: keyboardist Matthew Fisher (3/7/46) and their guitarist Robin Trower (3/9/45). Here's some early work of theirs, both co-written by Fisher, the familiar classic with Fisher's Hammond organ lead- in, "A Whiter Shade of Pale" from their first album "Procol Harum" (1967), and the less- known "Quite Rightly So" from their second album "Shine on Brightly" (1968). Hope you enjoy.
We were sad to hear news of the death of Keith Reid, lyricist for the groundbreaking British band Procol Harum, on March 23. The band has a special place in our hearts, and Reid -- who wrote the lyrics for almost all of Procol Harum's songs -- contributed to the unique, baroque aura of the band through his Edward Lear- like lyrics, even though he never played an instrument. Of the most popular lineup, only guitarist Robin Trower, bassist David Knights, and organist Matthew Fisher now survive. Here are two early songs, "Shine on Brightly," from the 1968 eponymous album and, of course, their classic "A Whiter Shade of Pale," from their self- titled 1967 album.
"And so it was that later/ as the miller told his tale/ that her face at first just ghostly/ turned a whiter shade of pale."
Released in 1967, Procol Harum's "A Whiter Shade of Pale" was an instant classic in the "baroque" pop style, and has become an iconic song for generations of fans. The album's Aubrey Beardsley-style black-and-white cover and it's featuring of the cathedral organ-like Hammond M-102 organ stood out in the acid rock times of the late '60s. Lyricist Keith Reid, who turns 75 today, wrote the mystifyingly unforgettable lyrics to the song, and most of their other tunes too. Here's their promotional video for the song. Enjoy.
The War on Drugs has been featured here a number of times, a favorite of ours for their unique sound and soaring melodies, vocals and guitars. Their latest album, "I Don't Live Here Anymore," was released last fall, and one of the tracks, "Rings Around My Father's Eyes," is an evocative, slow tempo song, sung in Dylanesque style by lead singer Adam Granduciel.
The next selections are a tribute to Procol Harum founder and lead singer / pianist Gary Brooker, who passed away last Saturday of cancer at age 76. From their first album, the iconic "Whiter Shade of Pale," and from their second album "Shine on Brightly", the single "Quite Rightly So." RIP.
