Pleasure for the Procol Harum Completeist
Kurt Harding | Boerne TX | 06/23/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Despite the fact that I already own most everything Procol Harum has done in every form, I bought this 3 CD set because there are a few songs and arrangements on this one that I didn't already have.
This is supposed to be a compilation of all the Procol Harum singles (45 rpm) ever issued, both in the US and abroad. The set comprises three CDs and a fine booklet that features an enjoyable short history of the band, numerous pictures of the group with the various line-ups, and reproductions of the picture sleeves of the issued singles. Then there is the music.
Fans of Procol Harum who followed the band from the beginning will know most of these tunes. Many of my favorites are here including A Whiter Shade of Pale, Repent Walpurgis, About To Die, Song For A Dreamer, Homburg, Conquistador, Fires (Which Burnt Brightly), Beyond The Pale, A Rum Tale, Nothing But The Truth, The Final Thrust and many others. Indeed, there are 57 songs in all.
What makes this different from the ordinary "greatest hits" or "best of" compilation is that many of the songs here are versions slightly different from those issued on the LPs. There are mono versions, edited versions, various alternate takes and a few that have never been on any album of which I am aware. Among the gems of this latter group are Il Tuo Diamante (Shine on Brightly) which is sung in Italian and two wonderful instrumentals, Adagio di Albononi followed by a live version of Strauss' famous Blue Danube waltz.
Most of the songs which follow Something Magic on disc three are unfamiliar to many but despite their obscurity, are largely still worth a listen.
Some might consider a CD of this scope to be overkill, but it is pure pleasure for the Procol Harum completeist. If you are in that group, then you must have this CD. If not, then you should become a completeist. The band has more than proven its appeal and staying power over three and a half decades of ups and downs and this CD is a nice compact way to chronicle those years"
Another Fine Repertoire Release!
Morten Vindberg | Denmark | 11/25/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As a big fan of Procol Harum since their first single "A Whiter Shade of Pale", any new Procol Harum release causes my interest.
This 3 CD release is an extensive collection af Procol Harum singles released all over the world. Quite a lot of these recordings were never included on the original album.
From the 1960's especially great songs like "In The Wee Small Hours of Sixpence" and "Long Gone Geek" are great additions to the catalogue. The single version of "Quite Rightly So" which I remember being played several times on Danish Radio in 1968, has always been my favourite version. ( I bought the single back then ).
Most of these rarities though, have been released on the CD-reissues of the original albums, so many fans will have the majority of these recordings already. For me personally, the alternate single mixes of "Whiskey Train", "Robert's Box", "Grand Hotel", "The Final Trust" and "Strong As Samson" were new to me.
The 1976 single "Adagio Di Albinoni" / "Blue Danube" as well as the 1977 B-side "Backgammon" were completely "new" for me.
The booklet contains photos of many of these rare single-covers, and a short Procol Harum biography.
So my conclusion can only be : This is another 5 star Procol Harum release!"
Track Listings (19) - Disc #1