By this stage, Procol Harum were already sporting a very different line-up from the original band. ‘Something Magic’ has long been derided by fans and even some band members as their ‘worst album’, I never quite felt that way.
Written by: Eric
ARTIST: Procol Harum
ALBUM: Something Magic
LABEL: Chrysalis
SERIAL: CHR 1130
YEAR: 1977
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: England
LINEUP: Gary Brooker – vocals, piano * Mick Grabham – guitars * Pete Solley – organ, synthesizer * Chris Copping – bass * Barrie Wilson – drums
TRACK LISTING: 01 Something Magic * 02 Skating On Thin Ice * 03 Wizard Man * 04 The Mark Of The Claw * 05 Strangers In Space * 06 The Worm And The Tree (3 parts)
WEBLINKS: Site Link
Procol Harum Background
Everyone remembers ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’ yet unbelievably these guys are still considered one hit wonders in some quarters. How in god’s name can that be?
‘Conquistador’ and several other chart singles and albums seem to have been sadly forgotten. A Whiter Shade of Pale’ sounds as wonderful as it did eons ago. But if anyone thinks this classic song is all Procol Harum were about, they are woefully mistaken.
Procol Harum formed in 1967. For a while included guitarist Robin Trower whose blues rock tendencies meshed perfectly with the groups baroque whirl.
Procol Harum turned on-tuned in audiences with their stately brand of progressive pop. Big selling albums, especially in the United States put the group on an endless carousel ride of an album/tour lifestyle.
Although by the time 1977’s Something Magic’ rolled out of the box, the party was definitely over.
The Songs
Bythis stage they were sporting a very different line-up from the original band. Including new keyboard wizard Peter Solley. He was formerly with Paladin/Snafu and a future Whitesnake member.
‘Something Magic’ has long been derided by fans and even some band members as Procol Harum’s ‘worst album’. I never quite felt that way since I don’t think Harum ever put out a ‘bad’ album.
And while it’s certainly not in the same glorious league as the monumental ‘Shine On Brightly’, it’s a keeper.
The title track is classic Procol Harum with stabbing piano from the amazing Gary Brooker and beautifully gothic lyrics.
‘Skating On Ice’ goes a step further sounding like a soundtrack to a movie set in late 19th century England. And this is the charm of Procol Harum for this reviewer. Their ability to carry a listener to another time and place playing movies for the mind.
‘The Mark Of The Claw’ does get a little ‘wordy’ and ‘Strangers In Space’ isn’t their best.
But the albums lightning rod, is the three part fantastical ‘The Worm and The Tree’. The lyrics provided by former member Keith Reid. They are spoken in typically dramatic fashion by Brooker.
It’s a lush orchestral piece. Next moment it’s a funky rock track a la Alan Parsons Project and Jeff Wayne the next. Nicely done and why this song was (or is) such a bone of contention remains a mystery to me.
In Summary
The obligatory tour of the UK, Europe and North America followed the album’s release. But sales were weak and the band was feeling their time had come to an end.
This is apparent looking at the type of gigs they were doing. Western Canada and the U.S. supporting Supertramp. Plus there was a handful of Midwestern dates on their own in small theaters.
While on the East Coast, Procol Harum was found to be opening several shows for Foghat.
With a final headline date pending, it was the band’s last show for several years at New York’s Palladium Theater.
Progressive rock would never be the same again.
Procol Harum on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
