from The Poetry of Rock

Richard Goldstein

Procol Harum is only a rock group. Yet it shook the pop world with the two epic ditties which appear below [AWSoP and Homburg]. They were the biggest hits since Winchester Cathedral (so much for precedent). Stripped of their rhythmic robes, these lyrics make ponderous poetry. In fact they reek of random allusions and post-graduate funk.

But fortunately they weren't meant to drive Robert Lowell into retirement. As mere songs, they have an uncanny power to stand above their pretensions and seem unique, if not authentic. Homburg is the better lyric, I think. Far below its cerebral frosting you can sense an undertone of stark, bitter sensuality.

Procol Harum reminds me of an intellectual, ever fighting to suppress his Steppenwolf, and never realising that the beast within is all that makes him tolerable.

Procol Harum words