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Procol Harum
Keith Reid
In Held 'Twas In I
lyrics
seeing this photo reminded me of the lyrics
Procol Harum is one of the most under-recognized bands ever
probably best known for one song, 'A Whiter Shade Of Pale'
with it's classic swirling Hammond B3 organ break
'Conquistador' was also a fairly big hit for them
and 'Salty Dog'
I'm most fond of their 'Procol Harum Live' recorded with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra
'Whaling Stories' on that recording is one of my favourite performances of all time
the lead up to the last two lines of the song are, as far as I'm concerned, one of popular music's most ecstatic moments
Shalimar, the trumpets chorused, angels wholly all shall take
Those alive will meet the prophets, those at peace shall see their wake
Gah!
it gives me shivers just thinking about it!
I was asked recently if I were allowed to listen to one musical performer, which would it be?
Procol Harum would surely be up for consideration
The Band
Bob Dylan
Tom Waits
I have found that Procol Harum kind of had a touch of Dylan in them
Keith Reid's lyrics were always rather poetic and vague and cryptic, much like Dylan's
their sound owed much to Dylan, I think
they combined piano and organ, something Dylan had done early in his 'gone electric' phase in 1965 and 1966
they also followed the lead of the Moody Blues with the addition of orchestration to their music
Yeah... Procol Harum would get some serious consideration
I could listen to them hour upon hour and not get sick of Gary Brooker's vocals
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I know if I'd been wiser this would never have occurred
but I wallowed in my blindness so it's plain that I deserve
for the sin of self-indulgence when the truth was writ quite clear
I must spend my life amongst the dead who spend their lives in fear
of a death that they're not sure of, of a life they can't control
It's all so simple really if you just look to your soul
Some say that I'm a wise man, some think that I'm a fool
It doesn't matter either way: I'll be a wise man's fool
For the lesson lies in learning and by teaching I'll be taught
there's nothing hidden anywhere, it's all there to be sought
And so if you know anything look closely at the time
at others who remain untrue and don't commit that crime
Sigma 10-20mm/4.0-5.6 EX| Link to this photo view: |
