Search - Procol Harum :: Grand Hotel

Grand Hotel
Procol Harum
Grand Hotel
Genres: Pop, Rock, Classic Rock
 
  •  Track Listings (9) - Disc #1

After a long run of significant radio and chart activity with classic songs like Whiter Shade of Pale and Conquistador, in 1973 Procol Harum delivered which many fans believe is their strongest effort of all time, Grand...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Procol Harum
Title: Grand Hotel
Members Wishing: 3
Total Copies: 0
Label: Repertoire
Original Release Date: 1/1/1973
Re-Release Date: 1/22/2001
Album Type: Import, Original recording remastered
Genres: Pop, Rock, Classic Rock
Styles: Progressive, Progressive Rock, Psychedelic Rock
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 766486712522

Synopsis

Album Description
After a long run of significant radio and chart activity with classic songs like Whiter Shade of Pale and Conquistador, in 1973 Procol Harum delivered which many fans believe is their strongest effort of all time, Grand Hotel. Founders Gary Brooker and Keith Reid wrote this stunning masterpiece on the heels of their platinum effort Live with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. From the opening piano chords on the classic title track, "Grand Hotel", the listener knows they are truly in store for a fantastic excursion that only Procol Harum can offer. This hit album continues in the fine tradition of their previous classic recordings with the wonderful "Toujours L'Amour." This tale of unrequited love was a concert staple for years and has become one of their most treasured songs from this fine album. Featuring the ever present Mick Grabham on lead guitar, this track along with other rockers like "Bringing Home The Bacon" and "Robert's Box" keep a guitar drenched approach throughout these exciting recordings. With some help from the legendary classical vocalist The Swingle Singers' Christianne Legrand, "Fires (Which Burnt Brightly)" has gone on to become one of their most loved songs in their long recording history. Complete with lush orchestrations and skillful instrumentation by members Brooker, Reid, Chris Copping, the late B.J. Wilson, Alan Cartwright and Mick Grabham, Procol Harum's Grand Hotel was truly a highly artistic achievement for this popular classic rock act. As an added treat for the fans, Gary Brooker has given Friday Music a bonus track for this newly remastered CD, a very rare live version of "Grand Hotel" from a 1973 performance at The Rainbow Theatre in London. Grand Hotel has gone on to stand the test of time over the years, however, it hasn't been available in North America for over two decades. Thanks to Procol Harum, they have teamed up with Friday Music to deliver this monumental effort along with a bunch of newly re-mastered versions of their all time classic recordings- The Procol Harum Remasters series.

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CD Reviews

Excellent
Music lover | 01/15/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not going to say much about this album because I loved it since it first came out and also saw them do much of it live at that time also. They didn't need an orchestra and the rest of the band along with Gary Brooker were simply superb. In this record they did have an orchestra for "Grand Hotel", but like I say, they really didn't need it. I actually didn't notice that it wasn't there during the concert. So, want some good Procol? The is one great one. Very solid."
Procol Harum At It's Peak
Kurt Harding | Boerne TX | 04/29/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)

"If I had to name a band that has spoken to me throughout my life more than any other, I would have to name Procol Harum. There is just something about the majesty of their music that thrills me every time I listen to it. I remember that when Grand Hotel first was issued, I was right there at the record store to buy it as it was put out for sale. On first listen, I thought it was something special and still do thirty seven years later.

Many Procol Harum fans are fans in the true sense of the word, that is to say they are fanatics. I know many who own a copy of every incarnation of every album, always hoping to hear something on an "improved" reissue they had not heard before. And so the question becomes what makes this Salvo reissue special? After all, 2004's Friday Music remaster sounded quite adequate and it seemed at the time that one was as good as it was going to get. But then along came the Salvo reissue five years later with the only outward difference being in the packaging and the bonus cuts selected. What about the sound? Well, its simply superb. I don't denigrate the Friday Music remaster, but this one just sounds "better" if you can believe that possible. Then there is the matter of the insert. Even if you don't hear much difference in quality between the two, you have to admit that the insert provided in the Salvo reissue is superior in almost every way EXCEPT that the lyrics are omitted. Lots of fans like having the lyrics at hand like Friday Music provided while listening and so will now feel compelled to own both reissues.

As for the music itself, Grand Hotel is as spectacular as ever but you would think that Salvo could have come up with more bonus tracks. My favorite cuts are as always: the title cut, A Rum Tale, A Souvenir of London, For Liquorice John (misspelled on the trifold cover), and the ever-entrancing Fires (Which Burnt Brightly), the name of which also has an error of editing on the trifold. The bonus tracks provided really add nothing to the listening experience, but neither do they detract.

Those fans who are wavering as to whether or not to buy this should take note of the great price, the improved packaging, and the more detailed insert and take the plunge. After all, Grand Hotel is Procol Harum at its peak!"