Procol Harum

Beyond
the Pale

PH on stage | PH on record | PH in print | BtP features | What's new | Interact with BtP | For sale | Site search | Home

A Salty Dog

Reviewed at CD Universe


Procol Harum, who reached an astounding peak with their 1967 debut, achieved further heights with each successive release up to A Salty Dog, their third.

This album mixes heartfelt singing with orchestral grandeur and an R&B-based rhythm section (BJ Wilson is one of the great unsung drummers of the 60s and 70s). The band easily and honestly moves from the symphonic mini-epic of the title track to the bluesy The Milk of Human Kindness. The dual keyboards offer a regal sheen that is nicely punctuated by Robin Trower's guitar. Throughout, Gary Brooker's vocals are richly barbed – the perfect vehicle to deliver lyricist Keith Reid's literary verses. With the departure of organist Matthew Fisher, this was the last great recording by the original line-up of Procol Harum. This album is essential.
 


More reviews of Procol Harum albums
More reviews of this particular album


PH on stage | PH on record | PH in print | BtP features | What's new | Interact with BtP | For sale | Site search | Home