Procol Harum - Procol Harum

Procol Harum is the debut studio album by British progressive rock band Procol Harum, originally released in September 1967 by Regal Zonophone.

Procol Harum was a big contributor to the development of symphonic rock, and by extension, progressive rock.

Though Procol Harum, the album, was recorded on multi-track, it was issued as mono-only in the U.K.

The album didn’t sell well in England, appearing six months after "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" and "Homburg" with neither hit song on it, however critically it was very well received. The LP was successful in America, where albums sold more easily, but especially since it did include "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" and was reissued with a sticker emphasizing the presence of the original "Conquistador," a re-recording which became a hit in 1972.

The music is an engaging meld of psychedelic rock, blues, and classical influences, filled with phantasmagorical lyrics, bold (but not flashy) organ by Matthew Fisher, and Robin Trower's most tasteful and restrained guitar. "Conquistador", "Kaleidoscope", "A Christmas Camel", and the Bach-influenced "Repent Walpurgis" are superb tracks, and "Good Captain Clack" is great, almost Kinks-like fun.

The members of Procol Harum that recorded this album were:

• Gary Brooker – piano and vocals
• Keith Reid – lyrics
• Matthew Fisher – organ
• B.J. Wilson – drums
• Robin Trower – guitar, vocals
• Dave Knights - bass

This is an essential recording for all those who need some classic prog music.

Check out the tracks: “Conquistador”; “Kaleidoscope” and “She Wandered Through The Garden Fence”. 

This 50th Anniversary Edition LP with remastered Mono audio and reproduced artwork including a replica of the original promotional poster is pressed in Europe on 180 gram audiophile vinyl by Music On Vinyl.