First Time Hearing Procol Harum - A Whiter Shade of Pale Reaction

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[@bazkeen]

RIP Gary Brooker 💔 What a voice he had. Like fine wine. Just kept getting better with age. He was 61 at this concert

[@davidrauh8118]

I bought the single back in 1967. It was a worldwide hit and PH's first. But this version some 40 years later is absolutely the best. The fact that Gary Brooker's voice is a bit more raspy with age, just makes the vocals that much better.

[@ProdigyBowlersTour]

You want horns? Go listen to Procol Harem's "Conquistidor." Also recorded at this same venue. All the horns you could ever want. And just as spectacular.

[@joesmith1957]

The original was a favorite and now this version as well. Beautiful!

[@janiegordy4075]

So many memories in the 60s Just loved this song . Beautiful.

[@hookedonreactions7649]

I’ve heard this song described as making you want to cry over everything and nothing at all.

[@rogercaruso9337]

His vocals are still fantastic after all this time

[@elisabethbichler9634]

I think Gary Brooker´s voice was at its zenith at that time, just awesome...beyond beautiful.

[@RMForbes505]

Their other big hit is Conquistador and they did that song at this same show too.

[@carminelombardi9575]

One of the greatest songs ever written!

[@spacefanatic]

The 60's version of this song was great (I am that old) but this live version is stupendous as it has more depth with the choir and orchestra. Gary Brooker's voice aged like a fine wine. Rest in Peace Gary.

[@jillhopper5614]

So am I!! I started working in London in the 60s, what a time to have been alive... Now we can watch later generations have their minds blown, as they listen to the music we were lucky enough to have imprinted in our formative years. It's like having a time machine, and enjoying going back to show someone all the good times. Technology eh?! We could never have imagined then...etc!

[@SeasonedCitizen]

I'm that old also and Gary singing this in 67 gave me chills. His voice improved IMO, because this arrangement gave me chills and tears and a deep appreciation for all the iconic music I've enjoyed throughout my life.

[@PaladinAwaits]

Disagree. This live version is overproduced with the orchestra and does not do justice to the 1967 original, which featured Gary Brooker's haunting vocals accompanied by Matthew Fisher on the Hammond M-102 organ played through a Leslie speaker. This live version is not Procol Harum. It's Gary Brooker. The other band members are absent.

[@spacefanatic]

@@PaladinAwaits You are entitled to your opinion and I am entitled to mine.

[@georgesheffield1580]

This Danish orchestra is absolutly a fabulous band when ever they play

[@marcieharreld286]

Epic Masterpiece that will be here long after us!!💕💕🎵🎼🎶🥁🎤🎙🎸🎹🔥🤘

[@victorialove9104]

Yes

[@jaqathome]

It’s as good today as it was 60 years ago. The first album I ever bought for myself was Procul Harum. Loved them then and now. RIP Gary, thank you for the music!

[@amb6899]

This magnificent song was out in 1967 this performance was in I believe 2006. Gary Brooker sounded fabulous. One of my favorite songs ever.

[@rogercaruso9337]

After all these years still get Goosebumps.

[@anniebygrave9300]

You are perfectly right. This song IS ICONIC. My sister had it played at her wedding and I will always always think of her and her husband (sadly passed away now) when I listen to this song. It may even be played at her funeral, at least I hope it will. And if she goes first, I want to be there to hear it. It is a song that is inextricably wound around our hearts. Thank you for your respectful and perceptive reaction. xxx

[@andreleibee354]

it's flawless alright. the intro sets it all up so beautifully, you are right it would be emotional. his entry with that gravel tone took command with a story to tell and has to be told his way. the bridge lets it slide along to connect the many elements of soul the story conveys, and the choir and orchestra lend a backdrop that rises and rises taking it from this world, it sure seems, into another. what else can this musical experience be but epic and timeless?

[@hlawrencepowell]

This song is iconic. "One of the anthems of the 1967 Summer of Love, it is one of the most commercially successful singles in history, having sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. In the years since, 'A Whiter Shade of Pale. has become an enduring classic, with more than 1,000 known cover versions by other artists." Wikipedia.

[@xiurong888]

Beautiful oboe solo. I've watched every reaction to this I can find. The Danish Orchestra is wonderful. The Hammond organ and the drummer's part are providing a nod to the 67 original version of the song.

[@chrisvickers7928]

For me, at junior and senior high school dances this or Nights in White Satin was always the final waltz. I still smell cologne when I listen to it.

[@bryansproles2879]

This song came out in 1967, and has a passing similarity to Bach's "Air on the G String". I also love the reference to Geoffery Chaucer's Canterbury Tales with the line "As the Miller told his tale" (The Miller's Tale). Gary Brooker (singer) just died a little over a year ago, February 2022. Requiescat In Pace.

[@lumina1104]

Procol Harum's lyricist Keith Reid wrote the words to the song. It sounds like a reference to "The Miller's Tale," from Chaucer's English novel The Canterbury Tales but Reid however, disproved this theory. He said: "I'd never read The Miller's Tale in my life. Maybe that's something that I knew subconsciously, but it certainly wasn't a conscious idea for me to quote from Chaucer, no way."

[@juliecrane9647]

@@lumina1104 It is odd he used in particular The Miller's Tale from Chaucer's work and says he'd never read it bc for me the reference is strong Of course I'm taking from a memory of Eng. Lit 1975 😆. I think the miller was in love with a woman belonging to another and for me the woman in this song is emotionally unavailable. And... remember ....this is my own interpretation of the lyrics. Maybe Reid had an instructor such as mine who read many lit works to our class. I remember Mr. Spurlock all these yrs later bc of this. He spoke in an old English dialect when he recited and had a deep baritone voice. He had retired as police chief in the southern town where I was raised and had returned to college in Nashville for his lit degree. He was cool for an old guy in the 1970s. You could tell he loved what he did but also took no shit from us 🤣. There was a mutual respect. The 1st 6 wks I earned an A and the 2nd 6 wks ended and he called me to his desk. While holding his thumb over where the grade was posted on my progress report he asked me to be honest and tell him the grade I thought I'd earned and that was the letter grade he'd record. Quickly I said an F bc I'd goofed off for weeks. He pulled his thumb away and there he'd written a B+. He looked me in the eye and said, I'm gifting you this and if you don't earn an A or a B next time. I'm changing this to an F. and proceeded with the lecture of potential and self pride etc.etc. It worked and as corny as it sounds it's a lesson I carry with me still. He had also been to Nam during a military career and came home to be a cop and chief. We all did love him. I bet if he was around today he'd be telling some school boards that he'd be teaching what he damn well pleased. For many valid reasons he'd tell em. He read us Beowulf too and we listened. Am. Lit with him was even better. We delved into some diary writings by Darwin whose monkey trial had been just up the road a piece from us yrs before. Wow that took me back... remembering Mr. Spurlock. He's a big reason I was able to finish college bc he taught us how to write term papers. Sorry for the novella with my rusty skills. I'm retired now which makes me admire the stuff he did later in his life more than I did at 17. Kudos to him.

[@L.A55]

I saw Procol Harum in 1971 at the Phoenix colesium, they opened for James Gang (Joe Walsh).. Very different genres, but a Great concert.. Of course WSOP was included..*side note James Gang rode their "choppers" up on the back of the stage, then, opened with funk 49

[@jacquesummers4766]

I LOVE WATCHING THE SURPRISE ON YOUR FACE! Bachman Turner Overdrive, and a few more from the 60’s - early 80’s find an old record shop and just ask darlin.

[@jimreid4367]

Rest in Peace Gary Brooker (1945 - 2022) Cancer . This is one of those songs when i hear it on the radio the volumes has to be turned up . Classic .

[@paulratliff8177]

It was actually on the soundtrack for the movie, The Big Chill

[@richardkilgore8922]

My first slow dance, first kiss, first love, Summer 1967 to this song! Yep stepped on her foot!!🥵😅! Thanks for this Wonderful memory !❤

[@FluffyMcFluffavicMeowskiOFluff]

Absolute perfection! I adore this song and always have!!

[@jillipepper5353]

The original has so many memories for me of slow dances at the beach dance hall, and other summer great times, that it will always be my favourite but this one is an accomplishment for him after so many years, the orchestra and choir back up just makes it unforgettable and I’m so glad he got to do it before the end. 🙏🏼🙋🏼‍♀️

[@ericdavison5434]

This song is a touchstone for the years 1967-1972 that I lived in San Francisco. The night that I went to Fillmore West (Nov 1967) and caught Procol Harum's performance of this song was the first time I felt the magic of LSD. Bill Graham's light show and the music established an aura that encompassed us all. Gary's voice and his organ were like sirens calling spirits to the light.

[@robmcgrath5202]

Love the full orchestra, , no doubt, but something about the original can't be beat. His voice then had a fuller, more intense sound. That said, this was still great.

[@rodwestonable]

Love this rendition of this marvelous classic song.

[@knutsto]

You suold listen t "Salty dog", "Grand Hotel", "Fires" and Conquistator" from the same consert. Absolutly amasing.

[@nightwood4379]

A Salty Dog is beautiful

[@deeptime5581]

Just listen in awe! No need to understand the lyrics. They soar and the listener with them.

[@kathleenkarsten5739]

One of the most beautiful songs ever written.

[@MsTeaRex]

The first song I heard from Moody blues was in 1964 at the skating rink and I was 14. The record was called "Go Now" I fell in love with them right then.

[@sammy2840]

1972, driving my 62 Ford Fairlane, with AM radio and one speaker! This song rocked then!

[@karencrookshank4971]

First 45rpm I ever bought, I was 10 years old. I saw Procul Harum at the Empire Pool, Wembley, back in the day. Just Gary, his amazing vocals and organ, and the couple of lads in the band. Sublime. RIP beautiful Gary 😢❤️

[@mitzifrancis9843]

This song flew into my soul back in 1967 and calls to me often. Check out Procol Harum live with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra perform "Conquistador" around 1970. Great lyrics and it'll blow your mind!

[@m1ccey]

That's music history! One of my favourite all time classics

[@lisazavala707]

Grew up listening to this kind of music in our house. Memories. ❤

[@richardfordham931]

The original studio version didn't have the orchestra and was slightly faster but it's definitely worth hearing. If you like their orchestral side check out the song "Conquistador." They were normally a five piece with organ, piano. guitar, bass, and drums.

[@LaPinturaBella]

I love watching people react to this song. I was 5 when it was released and would hear it in various places all through my life. It is hauntingly beautiful and always gives me chills.

[@melissafarmer4149]

Ah, the voice of such perfection! Thank you Lord for the talent this man had!!!! RIP Gary Booker!!!🙏🏻♥️

[@kimberlystark3944]

Such a beautiful masterpiece! When his voice comes in...❤ and then the organ comes in...❤

[@kleinnel]

They did a performance in my home town Edmonton, Alberta Canada with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra of their song Conquistador many years ago. Also worth a listen.

[@CharCanuck14]

Best version of Conquistador! - cheers from Ontario

[@Laniefj]

There are no words to adequately describe this song. Chills. Every single time!!

[@rosemarymccarron3887]

You should listen to the original version which is still very beautiful . Rest in peace Gary.

[@billhipple6076]

From the same concert..."Conquistador" and "A Salty Dog"

[@georgesheffield1580]

English poetry with Danish musicians at their very best

[@kezzatries]

You are a perceptive reviewer. You sound like you should have been on radio in the 80s. This is Mr L Boyd bringing you the best music of the day, sit back and relax.

[@mollywoolsey7677]

One of my favorite songs. Annie Lennox also has a wonderful version ❤️

[@jonhuntress]

When the song first came out in 1967, the DJ in our small college town radio station loved it so much he played it over and over and over one Saturday morning.

[@richardkilgore8922]

My first slow dance , first kiss first love! 14 years old, Summer 1967! Yep stepped on her foot!😅! Thank you for this Wonderful memory!❤!

[@soonertee]

"We skipped a light fandango" is my all time favorite opening line to any song. For most of my life i had no idea what it meant, but i knew i loved it.

[@BethHutter]

You need to also go back and listen to the original. Both are amazing. Gary Brooker had a truly amazing voice, and he killed it here. RIP

[@quinjesuis9187]

Beyond Beautiful ❤️‍🔥

[@katiemurray5862]

I tear up every time I hear this song. I'm 41 years old. I grew up listening to all sorts of music with my dad. But, Procol Harum, were by far one of his favorites. I hear it and just think of the best times I had with my dad. Just soaking all the music in. My tiny hand in his, just listening. I miss him so much. Thank you for reacting and bringing many great memories to my mind. Have a beautiful day. Blessed Be 🖤

[@davidrauh8118]

Yea you should listen to Conquistador and A Salty Dog from the same concert. You won't be disappointed.

[@ptyptypty3]

like you said in one word, "PERFECTION" that's all that needs to be said. :) Thank you. soulful, sublime, timeless :)

[@bosvigos9165]

Like any true classic, this song never ages. I had just hit my teens when this came out. This performance was quite magnificent. It took me back sooo far. Thank you for reacting to this wonderful song and band. RIP Gary. 💚☘️🇮🇪

[@americanaforever6725]

“Conquistador” from the same concert is pure 🔥

[@raydemoll5542]

This is a live revamped orchestrated version (beautifully done, i might add) of the original song. You should now check out the studio version and see where this extravaganza began. I would suggest the audio only version.

[@christineschmidt8501]

This is perfection. Pure and simple.

[@edwardrutledge2765]

It has lasted decades, and I suspect it’ll continue to thrive, however without the vocalist (writer) who past away. I lived through its introduction; it was huge.

[@eddiebirdie1545]

Simply beautiful ❤🎶🐦.

[@sitkoh]

The best slow dance song at high school dances back in the day... loved this song. Still do.

[@jane-ju2op]

Another great live performance....Pink Floyd Comfortably Numb at Pulse festival. Love your reactions

[@ivanalaff5346]

They Are (in fact) “ flawless “! Another great Reaction!

[@SheenaRea]

LOTS of sumptious tunes from Mr. Brooker!! "Homburg" (was very popular in Europe; elegant lyrics) "Salty Dog" and "Magdalene" and "Shine on Brightly" ....... loads of good stuff!

[@patrickladucer4118]

Also thank you for your services. Your comments are in line with many of us. I was a boy when I first heard this song, now I'm 59. I never get tired of this song.

[@gwenkruger2779]

I got married late 1966 and Whiter Shade of Pale came out at the beginning of 1967 and immediately became a favourite of my husband and I. I still absolutely love it but now it brings tears to my heart as my precious Husband passed away and can't share it with me. Gary Brooker passed away in 2022 RIP.

[@gordonhaire9206]

It was written and composed by stoned people for stoned people in 1967

[@oliver6749]

You are absolutely correct of everything you said! Played at weddings many times and John Lennon's favourite song as is mine.

[@ComfortablyNumb24]

Conquistador is amazing . They sang it at this venue.

[@home2624]

I've often thought what my top 5 songs of all time would be, and even though I am still a Beatles fanatic, this has to be my number 1.

[@patrickladucer4118]

This song provoked my curiosity early on. " The Truth is plain to see". So I pursued that quest and found it later in life.

[@chris...9497]

The original was released in 1967, when this lead singer was all of 22 years old; this song MADE them. The most identifiable components, apart from the lyrics, is the lead singer's voice and the organ; the song is not the same without those things. So sad that the lead singer, Gary Brooker, passed away last year; RIP. Don't fuss too much about the lyrics; this is a mood piece, not meant for the lyrics to be 'precise'. The lyricist was very into avante garde literature and graphic art, which meant it was about setting a mood, and this song definitely does that. The lyrics have been debated for over 55 years; no one is correct or wrong. The whole point about avante garde writing is that the reader/listener gets a 'private performance' of whatever the song means to that individual. No one from the band ever provided any sense of the lyrical meaning, so it comes down to what this piece means to YOU. This group was one of the first to create in the genre of 'Progressive Rock', which broke away from the rock and roll style to embrace and include instrumentation and styles across all cultures and time frames. I would recommend to you the STUDIO version of their song "A Salty Dog", which utilizes orchestration as well as other soundscapes like seagull song. There are live performances available on KZbin, but the live versions don't have that additional soundscape additions, and I think the song suffers for it. "A Salty Dog", from the album of the same name, is another avante garde mood piece, loosely based on 19th century seafarers' experience. Again, there is debate on the exact meaning and story, but there is credible theory that it's about a shipwrecked vessel bringing its dead crew to seafarers' heaven. Another hauntingly beautiful, sophisticated, dignified song.

[@simonrangeley]

Such a shame that the band spent the rest of their lives arguing over the royalties from this song. One of the all time great songs but it broke the band.

[@lovelyskull3483]

I love your analysis and appreciation. I’m 70yrs old and just subscribed because you are such a lovely person and I’m a Lovely Skull.

[@johnligon2368]

Just found your channel. Amazing. This song is underrated greatness

[@SheenaRea]

Gary Brooker wrote this song long ago ('67), and it was his wedding song too. Fun fact. 🙂

[@georgesheffield1580]

Ive heard many covers oof this and this may be the best , procol harum covering themselves . Gary rip

[@097534]

This was a huge number one worldwide in 67 and the melody is based on Air On A G String by Bach

[@matangiandtheparrot4614]

One on the "Greatest Rock Songs" ever...

[@alabhaois]

You just got yourself a new subscriber!! 💕😎👍

[@gilballmes9709]

I use to slow dance to this in Catholic Elementary School dances in 67 and 68. It's favorite song to dance with a girl even today.

[@jamesbondbond8388]

This is , Procol Harum with Orchestra & Chorus !!!!!!!!1

[@mattyball]

My Dad’s favourite song , R.I.P Gary Brooker ❤❤❤

[@stephenhuber1219]

The melody is BACH Sleepers Wake and Air On A G-String

[@myrathomas2742]

I first heard this song played through out the movie “Breaking the Waves.” Woman with a very simplistic, view life and faith sacrifices herself for her man. It’s a movie so heartbreaking that I can’t watch again, but it has stuck with me since 1996. This song was used perfectly in this movie.

[@CharCanuck14]

Loved that film!

[@harrygreenstuff]

Yes please MORE!!!

[@richdiddens4059]

This is one of those songs where, in a perfect world, you'd listen to the original 1967 recording first. Then follow up with this. Considering that the original was 1967 it was so far ahead of its time. This song is similar to Tales of Brave Ulysses with all the literary references from a Classic English education.

[@edgarsnake2857]

Great song, heartfelt reaction.

[@blindreactions9498]

Similar. What I call Orchestra Rock is Moody Blues ..Nights in White Satin.(Full Version) ..what today comes close today❤ is Apocalyptica and Nightwish

[@KarenK1025]

One of my all-time favorites

[@lokibrux]

This song popped into my head earlier today and I just knew you would have done a reaction to it. I didn't count on it being one of my favourite ever reactions.

[@garyjohnson7133]

We all miss you Gary!❤️❤️❤️

[@somebodyelseful]

Seems to be : "Procol Harum - In Concert With The Danish National Concert Orchestra & Choir (2008)" Eagle Records - COVLP 80901 Side 1 A1 - Grand Hotel - 7:02 A2 - Something Magic - 4:00 A3 - Homburg - 5:04 Side 2 B1 - Fires (Which Burnt Brightly) - 5:44 B2 - Nothing But The Truth - 3:51 B3 - Into The Flood - 5:54 Side 3 C1 - A Salty Dog - 6:38 C2 - Sympathy For The Hard Of Hearing - 7:23 Side 4 D1 - A Whiter Shade Of Pale - 6:54 D2 - Conquistador - 5:09

[@kristin5700]

The introduction to Jethro Tull’s studio rendition of “Locomotive Breath “ is the best intro in all of rock n roll… in my opinion .

[@reedp44]

First time listening to you. Brilliant thanks you. As for any other songs by Procul Harem Conquistador and A salty dog are both musts. Keep well. Phil from the UK

[@kristin5700]

Salty Dog. When the drums come in…orgasmic.

[@SheenaRea]

Holy lord!!! YESSSSSSS!!!! Insanely gorgeous and emotional.

[@jeffstark9121]

I have always loved Conquistador by Procol Harum......a totally different sound but also with a sort of epicness about it