Procol+harum

Procol Harum is a band that is (these days anyway) rather obscure, but has had a definite influence on rock music, in general, and progressive rock, in particular. "Best Of" albums seldom are that, and whether or not this one is certainly falls under the area of debate…

Procol Harum's Grand Hotel- recorded in 1973 - is a masterpiece of progressive rock. You all know about the other classic from the same year- Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon ( for this reviewer, ELP's Brain Salad surgery also qualifies). Like Dark Side of the Moon, Procol's Grand Hotel album has excellent production and sound quality. It also represents a step further for this band on every level- as noted by another reviewer- this is where it all came together for them…

The ornate trappings of an old cathedral make the perfect backdrop for a band whose gothic feel was a large part of its initial success. Procol Harum was in fine form for this show recorded for the cameras on the venerable British outfit's final date of its extensive 2003 world tour. This isn't entirely the greatest-hits summary that some might have wanted…

Despite the departure of organist Matthew Fisher, Procol Harum survived, and this album is ample proof. Fisher was one of the prime architects of the Harum sound, and his work on such classics as "Shine on Brightly" and, of course, "Whiter Shade of Pale" underline that. Procol continued as a four-piece, and it was indeed a good thing that they decided not to replace Fisher…

The fourth album by Procol Harum was released as the band was in the midst of a significant shift. With the departure of organist Matthew Fisher, guitarist Robin Trower stepped more to the fore. The two-keyboard approach was still being utilized, with singer Gary Brooker's piano being joined on some selections by the organ playing of multi-instrumentalist Chris Copping. However, the stately grandeur that had been previously applied with grace and subtlety gave way to a band that rocked much harder…

2009 four disc (three CDs + PAL/Region 2 DVD) collection from the British Rock institution. The trio of CD's feature digitally remastered versions of all the hits plus key album tracks b-sides and classic and rare live performances (six of them previously unreleased). The DVD contains rare and previously unseen concert footage spanning over 30 years of Procol-mania!.

Despite the departure of organist Matthew Fisher, Procol Harum survived, and this album is ample proof. Fisher was one of the prime architects of the Harum sound, and his work on such classics as "Shine on Brightly" and, of course, "Whiter Shade of Pale" underline that. Procol continued as a four-piece, and it was indeed a good thing that they decided not to replace Fisher…

The fourth album by Procol Harum was released as the band was in the midst of a significant shift. With the departure of organist Matthew Fisher, guitarist Robin Trower stepped more to the fore. The two-keyboard approach was still being utilized, with singer Gary Brooker's piano being joined on some selections by the organ playing of multi-instrumentalist Chris Copping. However, the stately grandeur that had been previously applied with grace and subtlety gave way to a band that rocked much harder…