First listen to Procul Harum - A Salty Dog (REACTION)

[@markbishopmusic]

I think of this song as an absolute masterpiece! The whole vibe, the vocals, the mystery of the lyrics, just phenomenal. Procol Harum widely under rated. Conquistador and Simple Sister, also wonderful pieces! RIP Gary Brooker, one of a kind!

[@sherryheim5504]

This is a hard core Procol Harum fan song. Gary Brooker's voice is a one off. He will be missed. Yes, Robin Trower!

[@parisbrat]

Robin Trower...I bought the album, "Twice Removed From Yesterday", and I'm pretty sure somebody in the house (Mom?) was yoinking it & playing it while I was at school. I know she really liked 'Daydream'.

[@georgewodicka4839]

An unfortunate byproduct of falling in love with the music that you react to, the passing of the greats of that era. Almost all ages 50+, and the majority 70+. You always pay homage respectfully, and it does not go unnoticed.

[@justathought88]

Well said, George.

[@robertheckman8013]

"Conquistador" is a nice banger from Procol Harum.

[@rustybstuff3082]

Live from Edmonton 1971 is amazing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIDFaoGNfdRqgJY

[@parisbrat]

@@rustybstuff3082 Yes, indeed!!!

[@DerekDominoes]

The live 1971 recording of it with with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra in particular.

[@winstonelston5743]

@@DerekDominoes "The Wreck of the Hesperus" "Mabel" "An Old English Dream" The instrumental "Repent Walpurgis" I could offer a spoiler but I won't "Whiter Shade of Pale" "All This, And More" "Homburg"

[@cherylreichardt]

I love anything about sea adventures. What fine story telling and that soundtrack so to speak was wonderful. RIP Gary. You had my emotions.

[@dagmar.6954]

I remember this group from the 60's-70's. Not too many listen to this storytelling song. Most people know Procol Harum from their 2 biggest hits "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" & "Conquistador". Gary Brooker's voice was still great even as he got older. Sad to hear of his passing a few days ago.

[@helengardner976]

Was a great singer !!! RIP

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

I love this song and those waving sea sick strings. Great band and Rest in Peace Gary Brooker.

[@klausschneider1045]

Maybe the finest string composition and arrangement in Rock history. That final, unresolved chord is incredible.

[@peterrech9563]

Gary Brooker was a genius. His voice was commanding, a one of a kind. I was lucky enough to see him live in the sixties. He will be missed. Unreplaceable. RIP Gary we have the watch !

[@christinerobinson9372]

I have waited so long for you to hear this. This song haunted me for years before I heard it again. Oh damn. That is such bad news, I hadn't heard he passed. By my own hand means the log he wrote, he wrote with his own hand. This song could have a religious meaning, but I think it is just a story of reaching a land so beautiful, after such hardship, that it could be compared with heaven. As for Whiter Shade of Pale, it's the songs that "grow on you" that you will enjoy for the rest of your life and not get tired of hearing them. They have more to explore than can be taken in on the first listen.

[@davidrauh8118]

You need to see their LIVE performance in Denmark with an orchestra and choir. And by the way, yes Robin Trower was their guitar player on all their early albums.

[@gj8683]

This is first time I've seen a reaction to this. It's great to see. The song and the band deserve continual recognition. It's a masterpiece.

[@rogerhennie8939]

Some of the greatest PH songs performed live in Denmark 2006. Great versions with Orchestra.

[@RADThird1]

I'm almost 74. The older I become the more I appreciate these lyrics.

[@grahamkemble3917]

Conquistador, but a live version. Either with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra or the 2006 concert in Denmark.

[@matthewrobinson7379]

Strong recommendation: from Procul Harem "Live with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra", the definitive version of "Conquistador", maybe their best work.

[@Yosef1952]

Outstanding track, a classic. Haunting and powerful. (A shout out to "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Coleridge.) Any number of tracks off of the PH album "Home" would be worth hearing. "Whaling Stories" and "Whiskey Train" stand out in particular. And the song "Grand Hotel", (from the album of the same name), a ghost story (imo), is simply incredible.

[@johnbrowne3950]

Pilgram's Progress is another different style of PH, but off the same Salty Dog album and very good indeed. It's the last song on the album if I recall.

[@johndoe-gt6gp]

The whole album is stellar from the first song to the last. I’ve loved it since it first came out in the late 60’s. Hauntingly beautiful. Fell asleep to this one many a night since.

[@Mike-rk8px]

DANIEL, another classic Procol Harum song is the hit they followed up “A Whiter Shade Of Pale” with in the fall of 1967: “Homburg”. A homburg is a type of hat, so that will help make more sense of the song. Gary Brooker’s voice really stands out loud and clear on it.

[@berndschuster1547]

Thank you "Dicon Dissectional Reactions" for the wonderful music from Procul Harum and singer Gary Brooker! He died Febr. 2022. Thank you Gary for all the good music all time! 😔😌

[@silvertube52]

I've always pronounced it PRO-call HAIR-um. I'm sure that's how Gary said it. Anyway... this is a fantastic composition. Such intense feeling, and BJ Wilson's drums are just perfect. They pushed the envelope for "rock" music. This was released months before "In the Court of the Crimson King" to put it in a timeframe. We also can't ignore the poignant words of the lyricist Keith Reid. The song is about death at sea, a topic Reid returned to in Whaling Stories (listen to that classic too!). Yes the guitarist of Procol Harum then was Robin Trower, although he may not even be heard on this. The more you listen to A Salty Dog the more intense it will be, it will grow on you even more than A Whiter Shade of Pale. Other PH songs... so many. There is the 18 minute epic "In Held Twas In I" but I also love the shorter songs from their second album "Shine on Brightly" like the title track and "Quite Rightly So." You might also want to listen to the live version of "Conquistador" with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.

[@snicky58]

I had always wondered about the phrase "we've run *afloat*" -- so a couple years ago I watched a BBC special about the band here on KZbin and Gary Brooker brought up that very thing. He had a big grin and said something like "anyone else would've said 'we've run aground' but Keith said 'run afloat'"

[@orchidwave2574]

You're lucky to have come across this. Almost the definition of the most hidden and most gorgeous gem in classic rock, horribly overlooked. It's the first song I'd play to anybody who might ask me what song belongs in their life that they've probably never heard...

[@brucesmith556]

Thanks Daniel for your reaction to this classic. Gary's passing took me by surprise, I have been listening to Procol over so many years, absolutely one of my favorite groups. My only suggestion is to view the version on the live performance in Denmark, with choir and orchestra, it's absolutely fantastic.

[@patrickpuhak9516]

My favorite Procol Harum song. The orchestral arrangement on this song was well done. Gary once commented that this was the first time they worked with an orchestra on a song. The Salty dog album has many other good tracks. Another great song is The Wreck of the Hesperus with Matthew fisher singing lead. The orchestral arrangement on this song is well done. There is a you tube video of this song with video from the film The adventures of baron von munchen which seems to fit

[@tool_fighter]

“Nobody can touch ( drummer ) BJ Wilson”. Jimmy Page

[@robertcameron3709]

Great to hear a reaction to this wonderful song. Probably my favourite procol Harum number. Procol Harum were one of several uniquely English bands of the 60s and 70s, along with Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd, Free and Led Zeppelin. Their best album for me is Broken Barricades which showcases the talents of, you guessed it, Robin Trower in his Les Paul days. There isn't a weak track on it . The drumming of B.J. Wilson on it is truly exceptional also. Wilson was the first choice drummer for Led Zeppelin but he refused to join. Was unaware that Gary Brooker had passed away. A life worth celebrating.

[@TheEggman51]

I enjoyed your reaction to and observations of this incredible song. I'm a Procol Harum fan from way back. You would really enjoy "In Held T'was in I" , especially the version with the Edmondton Symphony Orchestra.

[@turnerdan53]

Conquistador for me is my favorite.

[@cosmiccat6708]

This song was played on the radio earlier in memory of Gary Brooker and I was going to recommend it to your good self and Just Jp, as I knew you would like it and lo and behold, you beat me to it!. A beautiful song with, as you said, a lovely string arrangement. Haunting stuff. RIP Gary Brooker. "Conquistador" is a good 'un for you to check out.

[@arthurmarx6427]

When you get a chance, check out a live version from an outdoor venue in Denmark, complete with full orchestra and choir. It's remarkable.

[@bobangell1679]

What a perfect showcasing of Mr. Brooker's instrument. Nice choice.

[@showmoke]

Great song, great chord sequence. Don't remember ever hearing this before. Good choice Daniel. I've only just heard about Gary's passing - RIP!

[@hoffy1003]

I bought this album the day it came out. Boy did I love this song. Still do.

[@melissakhalar1842]

RIP Mr. Gary Brooker. ❤

[@16ploog79]

Listen to the awesome drumming of the late B.J. Wilson who was one of the best rock drummers. Jimmy Page wanted him for LedZep but he joined PH. Gary Brooker one of the best rock singers. I love his voice.So sad he passed away!

[@voidmstr]

B.J. Wilson doesn't get the respect he deserves.

[@robertm7071]

A very intelligent reaction. You have done this song justice.

[@christianman73]

Sadly, in the U.S., Procol Harum is mostly remembered, now, only for "A Whiter Shade of Pale," and the version of "Conquistador" from their live album, *but* in the late '60s and '70s, they were popular with prog-rock fans in the U.S., U.K., and across Europe. To this day, they're loved and respected as an "album band" in the U.K. and Europe. In the U.S., they still have a small following, but they deserve much more.

[@silvertube52]

Hey, a lot of US fans liked all their material! I remember staying up till the wee hours of the morning in 1969 to hear WABX in Detroit play the album A Salty Dog when it was first released, to hear it as soon as possible. You are right though, that they deserve more hard core fans.

[@christianman73]

@@silvertube52 That's why I wrote, in my comment above, that "In the late '60s and early '70s, they were popular with prog-rock fans in the U.S., U.K., and across Europe." You're actually giving a testimony to the truth of what I wrote, because *you lived it* as an American fan. You liked all of their material, and so did many other American fans at that time. I clearly acknowledged that to be the case. When I wrote about most Americans only remembering them for two songs, I wrote that that is the case *now* , as opposed to back in the '60s and '70s. It was very different then. I wish they still had a large amount of dedicated fans in the U.S. now, as they did then.

[@trespatines8698]

Such a distinctive voice! Rest In Peace, Mr. Brooker, and thank you for your gift of music.

[@aidenstackwood9089]

Another two wonderful songs by procol quite rightly so and the gates of cerdes god bless you Gary

[@derekmeade6350]

Thanks for doing this: my favourite Procol Harum song: RIP Gary Brooker

[@jayberman9221]

The best rendition of A Salty Dog I've ever heard is the live performance in Denmark with full orchestra & Chorus. Just enter Procol Harum live n the KZbin search & you'll find it.

[@edwardmclaughlin7935]

My favourite from Procol Harum was "Homburg". The 2004 live version with orchestra, in Denmark is amazing. Give it a go.

[@alhaskell242]

Across the straits could be Gibraltar or Magellan,Around the Horn is Cape Horn at the extreme south end of Chiles Tierra Del Fuego a long way to sail.

[@snicky58]

The lyrics are mysterious and fascinating. You could discuss them with other PH fans for hours!

[@peteowen3539]

One of their best, which I have loved for over 50 years. Other than Brooker they has Robin Trower (who went solo, listen to Bridge of Sighs) B.J.Wilson on drums, and Matthew Fisher on organ.

[@steve55sogood16]

Great that you've chosen to review this, for some reason, chokes me every time! R.I.P. Gary.

[@davidg8939]

This is one of the most under rated bands ever. Over a dozen albums. I know the catalog well. A Salty Dog is magnificent. Other less known gems are: An instrumental called Repent Walpurgis, Shine On Brightly, In Held Twas In I, Grand Hotel, and Dead Man's Dream. Rest in peace Gary Brooker indeed! But what a catalog he leaves behind. As such, Gary will really never die.

[@balthazartrumpi6808]

Actually, this is an allegory about death---everyone on board had died, and now they're sailing to an unknown, heavenly shore with "tears of joy."

[@jayberman9221]

Check out side two of the Salty Dog album. Wreck of the Hesperus & Pilgrims Progress

[@johnbrowne2170]

Love Pilgram's Progress.

[@UBRK]

So many good ones …you might try “Conquistador” Live with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (1971) kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIDFaoGNfdRqgJY Or “Powerfailure” live (1976) kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqXch6Rnrqiar6c featuring their drummer B.J. Wilson (a.k.a “The Octopus in a Bathtub”). Trivia: B.J. played drums on Joe Cocker’s first commercial hit, “With a Little Help from My Friends” (1968) and was the drummer on “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” soundtrack (to name just a few of his credits).

[@axelborner3460]

Homburg, Shine on brightly, Grand Hotel

[@flapjackid]

Procol Harum songs you might want to review _ "Simple Sister", "Fires Which Burn Brightly", "Pilgrim's Progress", "Broken Barricades", "Luskus Delph" ( the lyrics on that one , oh la la ).

[@charlesrose5238]

Shine on Brightly

[@trespatines8698]

I had forgotten how much I love this song.

[@grjoseph]

Glad you’re celebrating Procul Harum past Whiter Shade. I’ve been hearing that classic rock is outpacing modern music in popularity and this is another reason why. Robin Trower was also a member of Procul Harum, one of my favorite sixties groups. Two other great songs and favorites by the group were Conquistadors and Homburg. I understand why you weren’t that impressed by Whiter Shade. That’s one of those songs from the psychedelic era and you had to be there ( and a bit stoned) to fully appreciate 😊. RIP Gary Booker.

[@RoaryJP]

The 1971 live version of 'Conquistador' (with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra) or the song 'Grand Hotel' are definitely worth a listen. 'Bringing Home the Bacon' with BJ Wilson's awesome drumming is also a favorite. So many great PH songs. Sad that there will never be any more.

[@dynodon9182]

Now you're back on track. Many other great Procul songs. Curious factoid. Procul had a lyricist named Keith Reid. He would come up with the poetry and give it to the band to create the music. That's why Procul lyrics are very literary. My sentimental favorite is All This and More. Beautiful song

[@snicky58]

My favorite Procol Harum song, and one of my very favorite songs of all time.

[@calrowles9790]

Conquistador is the song you need to do next. Live with the Winnipeg Philharmonic.

[@nowbabyphotography4764]

Conquistador is a great song of theirs.

[@Newfie-zc7ug]

Funny thing to me about this song. I was a teen when Whiter Shade of Pale came out and it has become a classic ...but this song here is their best. And that's tough from a guy who slow danced to Whiter Shade and other things LOL. This song is a classic too !

[@charlesrose5238]

Closing song to the original Netflix show "Lilyhammer". Little Steven and Springsteen in that scene and they pick this great song! They must know there music!

[@annehayes-grillo6600]

Conquistador with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra

[@trespatines8698]

I second this.

[@petenorton883]

While I loved A Whiter Shade of Pale, Salty Dog really blew me away, maybe because I was in the Merchant Navy when I first heard it :)

[@frankpentangeli7945]

A fantastic song! How about that buildup with the strings and drums? And how beautiful are plucked violin strings? Astounding melody, astounding song.

[@dolf370]

Nice that you found Procul Harum. You just got to cover In Held Twas In I from Shine on Brightly. It's a full suite in several parts. A sort of thematic suite with some simliarties, but lots of differencies, of Pink Floyd. I mean, just the opening with the first verse: "In the darkness of the night, only occasionally relieved by glimpses of Nirvana as seen through other people's windows, wallowing in a morass of self-despair made only more painful by the knowledge that all I am is of my own making ..." That ought to wet your appetite, or...? For shorter, a little bit more of the hit type of tunes, I would recommend Conquistador, the live version with a symphony orchestra, or Pandora's Box (which was the tune that actually made me disover Procol Harum when it played on Radio Luxemburg in my teens) (edit addition: don't know if there's any truth to it, but as far as I recall Keith Reid was only writing lyrics and not playing or singing in the band, and I was told in my teens when I discovered the group that the lyrics and music were matched after having been written totally independently of each other. Does not sound that realistic, though.)

[@jeffreybooth5129]

True about the lyrics and music ,finest band ever

[@belovedabstract3568]

The Devil Came From Kansas is a good one by Procol Harum

[@Stephen-by7wv]

great song - more than a nod to Coleridge's 'Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner' in the lyrics.

[@fenderchamp8241]

Power Failure and Whiskey Train Daniel. Rockers

[@crwydryn]

Love this song. takes me back to my teens.I think Michel Polnaref has a very similar intro in one of his songs.

[@ftlpope]

Fantastic song.

[@benoitdesmarais2948]

So many great tunes... Conquistador (Live with Edmonton Symphony), Pandora's Box, Grand Hotel... Enjoyed his contribution to Kate Bush's Aerial.

[@steveneardley7541]

Robin Trower's Bridge of Sighs (solo, not Procol Harum), is a really beautiful album. Check it out sometime.

[@jopay142]

I second @Robert_Heckman... Conquistador (live version) is a masterpiece... music & lyrics are just amazing.

[@kianpa1]

So high. 💕 thanks

[@IvorPresents]

By all means listen the rest of the album is great too. I love Wreck of the Hesperus. Devil Lives in Kansas. Great music.

[@mlcrotteau]

If you love the strings in A Salty Dog, give their album 'Grand Hotel' a listen.

[@KWE.ECLECTIC]

Robin Trower was Procols guitarist for 5 albums.

[@IDLERACER]

😎👍 Usually when a group is a five piece unit, there are two guitar players (lead and rhythm) and one keyboard player. Procol Harum and The Band are both unusual in that they instead consist of one guitarist and two keyboard players (a pianist and an organist). When you eventually get around to listening to "Conquistador" (as I'm certain you will), be sure that it's the hit rockin' live version from 1972, which completely blows the rather subdued studio version from 1967 off of the turntable. The other Gary Brooker song off of the Salty Dog album that I've always liked a lot is "The Milk Of Human Kindness," which is a great showcase for Robin Trower's guitar playing. As for other Procol Harum favorites, I've always dug "Nothing But The Truth" (1974) and "Pandora's Box" (1975).

[@ge0rgeharris218]

Robin Trower was one of the founders of Procul Harum after the Paramounts.

[@parisbrat]

For a killer drum solo, 'Power Failure' is IT. Actually, the whole song is IT.

[@2LegsAPaulMcCartneyPodcast]

Listen to “In Held Twas In I” from the live album.

[@BrendanAshton]

I love your reaction my favourite Procol Harum song is Strong as Samson, I also like Nothing but the truth and conquistador

[@KWE.ECLECTIC]

Whiskey Train from the Home album.

[@e.nowbodhi144]

my favorite PH song absolutely transcendent

[@e.nowbodhi144]

if you loved this, you should try "Polly On the Shore" by Fairport Convention and open up the Pandora's Box of British folk-rock for yourself

[@MrRabbit43]

Gotta check out Simple Sister !asap !

[@ericanderson8886]

"Whiskey Train" to hear Robin Trower rock it out.

[@sinenominecc]

Obviously, "Conquistador."

[@moefeaux1442]

Well, you've hit my 2 favorites by them. If you want a choice completely different than what you've heard so far my #3 for them would be "Simple Sister".

[@maruad7577]

There are two different live albums that cover the majority of this bands work that are better than the album versions (imo). Listen to "Whaling Stories" Live with the Edmonton Symphony or the Danish Symphony version. Both are amazing. You will be glad you did.

[@semchen9]

Check out Procol Harum's song, Shine on Brightly. You'll love it.

[@rogerhennie8939]

Other great PH songs: Homburg, As strong as Samson, A rum tale, Conquistador, Shine on brightly, Grand Hotel and dosens more …

[@jeffreybooth5129]

Great song Great group in fact the best,I won't list their Great songs ,you could choose any song at random and are almost certain to find a gem

[@PittDaddy]

Procol Harum was my favorite band back in the 70s. This album and Grand Hotel are still my favorites. Robin Trower was perfect for the band. Be sure to listen to the song Homburg. To me, Whiter Shade of Pale was one of their weakest songs. Their lyrics were done of the most unique in rock. RIP Mr. Brooker

[@Darius58x]

As others mention Robin Trower was their guitarist PH had a split personality with their music Gary Brooker was originally in a blues band and had that background but he was also into classical and those two styles could be heard in their music I must admitt I was nevera big fan of Pale either I liked the lyrics but the music and vocals never appealed to me A Salty Dog is one of their and rock music best album They were clicking on all cylinders The songwriting was split between Brooker and Matthew Fisher and Trower which gave the album variety Fisher also produced it and did a great job Keith Reid's lyrics were on point as well filled with pathos as on the title track and humor (I woke up this morning There were four angels standing around me and it was no social call) as on Juicy John Pink The devil Came From Kansas, Too Much Between Us and Pilgrim's Progress are highlights Their other masterpiece is Grand Hotel which features Brooker's orchestrations on steroids The title track, TV Ceasr and Fires Which Burn Brightly are highlights and as usual Keith threw in humorwriting about someone who caught VD on A Souvenir Of London Arguably their best song is In Held Twas I In a 19 min song from their second album Shine On Brightly They also had songs that did not lean so much on strings such as Simple Sister which featured a blazing Trower solo Shine On Brightly, Nothing But The Truth, Broken Barricades

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

That is Robin Trower, he was in Procol Harum.

[@tool_fighter]

He wasn’t on this track.

[@stevecurtis9886]

Suggestions from this same album: Crucifiction Lane and Pilgrim's Progress.

[@michellowe8627]

PS: The last verse makes me cry. 😢