Procol Harum - A Whiter Shade Of Pale (REACTION)

‪@AirplayBeats‬ reacts to Procol Harum - A Whiter Shade Of Pale
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[@annk.9159]

The 2006 live version from their concert in Denmark is one of the absolute best I have ever seen in my life. I’m 65 years old, and trust me when I say, I know my music. Gary Brooker’s voice aged like a fine wine. May he rest in sweet peace.

[@Cheshirecat-nx9zn]

We truly grew up with the best music.

[@gerhardbraatz6305]

Amen! ​@@Cheshirecat-nx9zn

[@BethHutter]

Was just getting ready to write the same thing. And the benefit they'll have is they'll have heard this first!

[@papawinthewoods]

Absolutely! Maybe the best live performance of any song ever!

[@robertprice6830]

Along with the Danish symphony.

[@Andy-Capp]

The live version in Denmark is a must.

[@scottblakey1603]

Not the same band.

[@rmhanseniii]

@@scottblakey1603who cares…it’s a better version

[@Bassman2353]

@@scottblakey1603 It's the same singer

[@t.j.payeur5331]

​@@rmhanseniiino..it isn't.

[@Andy-Capp]

I don’t think I said it was the same band I said it was a must listen.

[@tjmasson1013]

One of most iconic classic rock songs of all time.

[@destinyreelly2974]

Yeah guys. You must do the live version in Denmark. It’s transformative.

[@dbradx]

Killer choice, one of the monster classics of the 60s for sure, and that organ riff is legendary. Definitely worth checking out 'Conquistador', my fav Procol Harum track, and the live version of this with the Danish National Symphony is absolutely fan-frikking-tastic. Great reaction as always, guys - much love from Canada!

[@GaryColemanNC]

For sure...

[@chrisjamieson3452]

Conquistador live with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. Superior to the studio verson.

[@mr.snicker-doodles7081]

Really, with the finger tap "Eddie Van Halen" solo.?? The OG from your Homeland (Edmonton) in 71, still better haa.

[@deborahcornell171]

I like it when reactors do the studio version of a famous, popular song because that's what we all listened to growing up. But I also agree with everyone else that you need to also react to it live (Denmark) version. It's so wonderful. Reactors usually ignore requests to do a second reaction to a song but when so many people ask for it, reactors should be willing to do that one too. Please don't ignore it. We'd love to see what you think of the live version of this truly beloved song as it was done at that particular Denmark performance. Thanks guys! 🩵✨️🩵✨️🩵✨️🩵✨️🩵✨️🩵✨️🩵✨️🩵

[@827dusty]

Finally, someone played the original Record/radio version we all listen to, rather than the newer version when they were older men in their 70s. Both are great, but the record version is the one we heard first on the radio. To this day, people still ask them, what the song was about, and they have said different things over the years, including "we don't know."

[@Drewzer154]

Can you explain to me the differences? The version I have sounds similar to this but a little different and a runtime of 3:59 so it's not long enough to be the 50th anniversary version.

[@Drewzer154]

After some extensive Googling, apparently the version I have is from the 2 promo films they did.

[@historyguy5942]

Agree

[@MichaelMorse-q4t]

To me this sounds as if it is live from the late 60’s. This does not sound as good as the original version, which has better production. It’s similar, but not as good. A bootleg, possibly?

[@MichaelMorse-q4t]

Also, the original faded out, whereas this version does not

[@GaryColemanNC]

Beautiful song... One day check out the live version from Denmark. If anything, his live voice here is even better... Thanks, guys.

[@mojobag01]

47 songs have sold over 10 million physical copies. This is one of them.

[@STAMPER-DESIGN]

All I hear is Bach being sung by Steve Winwood - both are not true but it's what I hear every time I listen to this. An epic piece of music that will live on forever. Thanks, gentlemen, keep digging!

[@leannmiller7153]

You just made this 70 year old woman’s heart happy! I’ve had this on my playlists my entire adult life❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@neillenet291]

Please react to the live version from Denmark, 2006 I think. just a PHENOMINAL rendition of this wonderful song.

[@davidmarrazzo774]

This song was based off a story from the Canterbury Tales a novel written in the 1300’s by Chaucer. There is actually 2 more verses that were not included in the song. Good luck figuring it out,the Canterbury Tales are written in very old English which I personally can not comprehend. At the end of the day it’s a beautiful sound…

[@diamondlil9807]

One of the greatest songs of my youth. Now that you've heard the original PLEASE do yourself a favour and listen to the live version years later at an outdoor concert in Denmark with the Denmark National Concert Orchestra and Choir. The lead singer's voice is just as beautiful, strong and powerful as it ever was and the orchestra and choir are magnificent.

[@mr.snicker-doodles7081]

"WHISKEY TRAIN"...Robin Trower shreds!! "Conquistador" is probably one of their best..Live in 1971 with the Edmonton Orchestra is the OG.. Nice one guys!

[@GaryColemanNC]

Word...

[@midnightrambler7716]

Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. I just saw them do a 100th anniversary tribute to Gershwin. And a few years ago a tribute to Led Zeppelin. Both brilliant.

[@mr.snicker-doodles7081]

@@midnightrambler7716 Oops you are correct! I meant Edmonton...REALLY, I'd like to see that Zeppelin show.

[@mr.snicker-doodles7081]

@@midnightrambler7716 One of my favorite things about youtube, you can say NICE, wonderful, and even complimentary things ALL day long, NO one will respond. But boy, you get something wrong..LOOK OUT!! Haa..why is that??

[@midnightrambler7716]

@@mr.snicker-doodles7081Lol the nature of social media I guess. Mostly nasty. I don’t comment on or participate in or have accounts in any other social media due to most of the morons out there I see on platforms like X etc. (this is not directed towards you 😂 ). I make exceptions commenting on KZbin because I am a child of the 60’s and grew up with this stuff. I enjoy seeing younger generations appreciate the music I grew up with and the amazing thing to me from some of these reaction videos is I pick up stuff I never noticed or knew before from songs I’ve heard for 50 years. So I appreciate it if someone fills me in on something I didn’t know. I meant you no ill will by correcting you. I live in Alberta and a lot of people from other countries don’t know Edmonton is in Alberta. I find lot of Americans especially don’t realize we have provinces similar to their states. Like Edmonton is in Alberta similar to Boise is in Idaho….if they’ve even heard of Edmonton at all 😂

[@tomgribbin9531]

John Lennon and I have at least one thing in common ; when this came out in '67 we both thought it was the most beautiful song we had ever heard .

[@noother964]

The main organ melody of this one is derived from Johann Sebastian Bach. I already see many good suggestions for Procol Harum songs. My favorite is "A Salty Dog". It's not one of their most well-known songs but it'll give you the chills.

[@sharont8229]

That's one of my favorites as well. 💕

[@ziggy107]

mathew fisher (organist). fought for years for co-credit on the song, and finally won in 2009

[@noother964]

@@ziggy107 Indeed, he fought against frontman Gary Brooker and the lyricist. He got 40% of the credit but was granted no royalties prior to 2005.

[@petermay5488]

I have loved this band for 60 years. Unfortunately, we lost Gary Brooker (songwriter, pianist, and singer) in 2022. His voice remained strong to the very end. Check out their album "Grand Hotel". Thanks so much for your reaction video.

[@sharon-jo9gb]

The organ part is based on Bach's Air on a G string

[@757optim]

In 1967, public school still exposed students to classic literature. In Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, the (drunken) Miller's Tale followed The Knight's Tale and was purposely vulgar. Whether this is what is alluded to in the song is up to the listener to decide.

[@petermay5488]

I heard an interview with Keith Reid in which he said he never actually read Chaucer. Hmmm...

[@757optim]

@@petermay5488 And I read somewhere that there's no such thing as a coincidence. ; )

[@mfournier8033]

Check out their song Conquistador recorded with the Northern Alberta Symphony Orchestra. Classic Procol Harum!

[@thirty2wins]

Live with the Edmonton Symphony! 10 rows deep for an amazing concert.. Snow storm delayed them, very little practice and...Gary came out and asked...Could we do the show again as the encore?? The record was the second run trough. Conquistador with full choir and symphony !

[@BigTimeRushFan2112]

wow, that sounds like a memorable night!

[@gavinschwier8242]

This is an all time classic. The slow dance for a generation.

[@richdiddens4059]

Of course it's a classic. The music is based on Bach's Air On A G String. In the UK this is the song most frequently heard in public places.

[@lazerx1828]

...according to the groups' lyricist "I was trying to conjure a mood as much as tell a straightforward, girl-leaves-boy story. With the ceiling flying away and room humming harder, I wanted to paint an image of a scene.” The general consensus is that “A Whiter Shade Of Pale” is a snapshot of a drunken sexual escapade gone awry. He is describing his view of a drunken night with a girl, the ceiling flying away can be compared to getting the bed spins ( if you know you know).

[@ziggy107]

always thought it was psychedelic-related sensastions, i.e room breathing, etc, since the song came out in the peak time of london psychedelia

[@JeanCollier-ps5qh]

You should look up the lyricist for Procol Harum and he'll explain the lyrics. I thought a tavern in ancient Rome and a girl who was one of the Vestal Virgins decided to party and when the guy realized she would be killed if she lost her purity, he sent her away.

[@cowboy-o3m]

no auto tune, no computer magic,,,just a pure, clear perfect voice,,,mr brooker was da man!!

[@gailjohnson5950]

I have to agree with many of the other comments here. The live version done with a full orchestra in Denmark several years ago is absolutely must see. It was not long after that concert that the lead singer Gary Brooker passed away, but his voice and presence onstage were just amazing. Thanks for all your great reviews!!

[@bigdave1302]

At last, a reaction channel that 'listens' to the studio version!!!

[@CuriousGeorge1111]

Amen! Way to not get copyright struck!

[@neilmartin99]

It's about whatever you choose for it to be about. That's the great thing about music that speaks to you. You can never be wrong.

[@Jude_196]

💗💗💗💗 All RELATIVE TO YOURSELF! :)

[@marymargaretmoore9034]

"The miller told his tale" is from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. This is such a great song.

[@garyrausch1184]

Late 60s pre-prog the keyboard is so prominent

[@lloydbraun6026]

Robin Trower was a guitarist with Procol Harum

[@grahamharley4895]

One of those songs... backdrop to my youth.

[@chrisbanks5925]

Watch the live in Denmark version, when the singer Gary Brooker is much older.

[@StuartBearden]

Conquistador is another great one

[@bluesrock1]

Gary Brooker. Great voice, and a great keyboard player, any keyboard. RIP

[@justpassingthrough6550]

You have to see the The 2006 live version! Please react to that one, you will not be disappointed!

[@Sp33gan]

Great spotting on the Sam Cooke connection, La and Che. Before they were Procol Harum, the band spent several years known as The Paramounts, and playing a wide variety of R&B/Soul covers during the early/mid 1960s. Cooke's music was a favourite of the group.

[@gregharmon3797]

I believe it was either Paul or John of the Beatles said this was best song ever written

[@JB-Deadskins]

Another track from this band is Whiskey Train, which I think Lenny Kravitz "borrowed" from for Are You Gonna Go My Way

[@FABIO_MARTINSS]

Peter Frampton said this is the most beautiful ballad he has ever heard. I agree with him. 1967, the Summer of Love. Nobody knows what they 're talking about. There are tons of fóruns trying to figure It out for decades. Some say it's about a sexual intercourse

[@bepto4877]

Now you simply MUST check put the live version from Denmark, it is AWESOME.

[@jebh5203]

The miller must of been telling a hell of a story! Great song.❤🇨🇦

[@ls1959]

As much as many folks praise the 2006 live version of this song, I'm glad to see someone respond to the original song, which is and has always been a classic. One of the great songs of the late 1960s. This version is what many of us grew up hearing and enjoying. So visit the live version, but always come back to where it all started.

[@chrisjamieson3452]

Lead singer Gary Brooker, died a couple of years back. Great voice, and one who is usually better heard live than his studio work.

[@Sammylu-greenbeatsred]

I think they just went for the melancholy feels not a specific storyline. They played the hell out of this song on America radio. One important piece of music trivia...Robin Trower was in this band before he went solo.

[@petervandervlies6427]

As a dutchie I never could make bread of these lyrics 😅 I was in a rockband in the 70's, and we did this song,I was the rithme guitar player. Easy for me to play the chords, the singer was in trouble 😅 Great record, big hit in the Netherlands, Nr1. Thanks guys, brought back memories. 😁👍💪

[@kathiek4239]

Dude, you don’t make bread with the lyrics! You’re supposed to sing them! 😉

[@petervandervlies6427]

@@kathiek4239 sorry, it's just an old dutch saying, and it sounds funny in English 😁👍

[@kathiek4239]

@@petervandervlies6427 I figured as much, just busting chops (which makes just as much sense as making bread). 😎

[@JJReagan]

There you go fall into this rabbit hole! Robin Trower was a big part of this band.Another great choice guys thanks!

[@edgeg.708]

Gotta do the live from Denmark rendition!

[@324cmac]

Enormous hit. Still holds up today.

[@petermorgan5303]

Do the live version in Denmark. Sooo much better with the orchestra and visual. Love the channel guys!

[@frankmerris8821]

i concur

[@ErikaSMHS]

You took the words out of my mouth! Chills with that. His voice was so pristine. Awe struck

[@AttackChefDennis]

Who'd have thought that there would be a CHAUCER reference in a classic rock song.?!

[@boomtownrat5106]

Only in the mind of Keith Reid, their lyricist.

[@jasoncaldwell5627]

Why not? We get Tolkien in Zeppelin songs...

[@vernonallen3370]

This was a product of the psychedelic 60’s, I think the lyrics are basically a stream of consciousness put to music inspired by classical composer J.S. Bach. It’s for the listener to determine their own meaning from it

[@Caseydog3]

This song comes from a Bach song written hundreds of years ago that’s why it’s stands the test of time

[@cazgerald9471]

Popularized by August Wilhelmj's arrangement commonly referred to as "Air on the G String"

[@Caseydog3]

@@cazgerald9471 yes that’s right I couldn’t remember it

[@dianegardner7210]

I was 14 when this first came out and have always loved it

[@mitzifrancis9843]

Yes, please watch the 2006 live version of this iconic 60s song with the Danish National Symphony Orchestra!

[@davidloughridge2343]

Check out their song ""Conquistador"

[@robertkilby6210]

Ditto - need to do live version in Denmark

[@peterbarelli6104]

Need to check out the live version with the orchestra that's beautiful music

[@homie1kenobi95]

2006 Denmark, with full orchestra...ya boys should do it definitely! Love your reactions as always

[@kevinmarker-cz3bx]

Funeral is a relationship..that is dying..and it can't be revived..she says the truth is plain to see..I wondered through my playing cards..but I could not let it be. Excellent choice Gentlemen.

[@loisr3970]

Such an amazing cut! Soul touching!

[@VFLPlus]

I’ve been listening to that for more than 50 years. I have no idea what it’s about. I gave up trying to work it out about 40 years ago. 🙂

[@DavidEveritt74]

I have to agree with the previous comment. The Denmark 2006 version is a do not miss!

[@rubyswaim1441]

..."and although my eyes were open they might just as well been closed. " Deep thoughts...

[@urbangardener66]

Another great classic from the groovy psychedelic 60s. Like many songs from that era the meaning buried in the lyrics, is just that buried. Just enjoy that regal melancholy organ. This song was all over the radio for years. The version from a Danish music festival is wonderful to hear and see that Gary Brooker really took care of his voice well into his 70s. Thanks for a great reaction. Cheers fellas!.

[@pegajense]

Another great song from my youth thank you ❤❤❤❤

[@77bevo]

Their drummer, BJ Wilson was top notch. Intro to Bringing Home the Bacon on Grand Hotel album is great example.

[@Kuesel68]

That's the song that often is cited as the proper beginning of prog and art rock. No one ever heard lyrics like that before - pure kind of nonsense poetry that is so beautiful that no one cared not to understand anything of it. The organ is based on Bach's Air. ELP, Uriah Heep, Moody Blues, Deep Purple, even the Beatles... nameless acts were highly influenced by this track. But as many here mentioned; The Denmark concert version is a MUST.

[@strathman7501]

The Beatles' 'I Am The Walrus' has been said to be influenced by 'Whiter Shade' and it's possible, Lennon loved it. But then The Beatles had already released Strawberry Fields Forever/Penny Lane several months before WSP came out, and Sergeant Pepper's (with lyrically and musically groundbreaking tracks like Lucy in the Sky, A Day In the Life, Within You Without You) had been completed already, coming out that same month (May 1967). So WSP was important, but I think "the proper beginning of prog and art rock" overstates it. (Should add - Dylan had put out a few great pieces of "beautiful nonsense" too!)

[@glennmitchell9107]

@@strathman7501 Nonsense poetry and prose are English literary staples (Jabberwocky). Lennon employed it often.

[@strathman7501]

@@glennmitchell9107 I think that's consistent with what I just said.

[@glennmitchell9107]

@@strathman7501 Consistent perhaps, but a completely different point.

[@strathman7501]

@@glennmitchell9107 Sorry, I thought your reply to my post was in the nature of a comment on it. Yes, of course, Lennon's influences included a literary and comedic tradition (Carol, Lear, The Goons etc) that long predated A Whiter Shade of Pale.

[@wendyt7958]

This version is a bit different than the full stereo recording. This seems to have a less orchestral sound Fantastic song... As everyone is telling you, the live 2006 version is a must!

[@johnr8820]

This is one of the greatest songs ever recorded…that organ riff is perfect. I love the sonic quality of this song.

[@johnthegreek5836]

Great classic song

[@hookalakah]

You have to know that Procol Harum loved soul music. They wrote their own material, which reflected many musical influences, but '60s soul was bedrock for them.

[@kbrewski1]

Oh gentlemen........someone steered you wrong. The original is a must hear classic, don't get me wrong, but there is a LIVE VERSION from Denmark that is incredible. Hope you can do that one too. Gary Brooker, the lead singer and organist, had a voice touched by God. Powerful. I finally got to see Gary on one of the last tours Procol Harum ever did. It was a bucket list to hear him sing this iconic song live. He didn't disappoint. He STILL had the pipes. This was about a decade ago! He passed away a few years ago. So glad I traveled to see them live.

[@sooty951]

Based on J.S. Bach's 'Air on a G String'

[@dangaiser4729]

The Latin phrase Procul Harun (roughly meaning “far beyond these things”), which was also the pedigree name of his friend's cat.

[@kathiek4239]

This song always makes me think of my college roommate. She wore a sash one night that said “Vestal Virgin” and everyone kept calling her Miss West Virginia for some reason. None of it makes sense but it still makes me laugh. 🤣

[@killiansred1000]

It had a Motown feel, especially the drums.

[@carol-mariefleming8689]

This song always makes me feel some sort of way. Thanks for making me feel that way today.

[@victorjohnson7512]

This was the number 5 song on US charts for the entire year of 1967. But in many other countries it was number 1. (UK, Australia, Canada, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, etc).

[@CoolCoyote]

GUYS PLEASE DO THIS VERSION FOR YOURSELVES ITS THE BEST BY A LONG WAY kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKOwiYKXgsSmftE HE DOES A GOOD LIVE' VERSION WHEN HES OLDER BUT ITS NOT AS GOOD DENMARK ONE NOT AS GD

[@deegomez2089]

2006 Denmark. ....Mr Brooker's voice only got better with time 💚🎶🎵

[@nazfrde]

"I was trying to conjure a mood as much as tell a straightforward, girl-leaves-boy story. With the ceiling flying away and room humming harder, I wanted to paint an image of a scene. I wasn't trying to be mysterious with those images, I was trying to be evocative. I suppose it seems like a decadent scene I'm describing. But I was too young to have experienced any decadence, then. I might have been smoking when I conceived it, but not when I wrote. It was influenced by books, not drugs." - Keith Reid

[@richardromney9205]

i am an old salty dog. check out. a sailors anthem. good work guys. entertainment for ears.

[@elisaabolafia9542]

Loved this band . My favorite song by them is KALEIDESCOPE. Hope you can react to that one. And the LYRICS are crazy.

[@debbiel.1655]

this is one of those songs that the live version ( the one in Denmark) is SO MUCH MORE AMAZING!!!

[@jesselobo3213]

Simply one of the greatest songs of any decade. This is a timeless masterpiece that always get me in a contemplative mood and has me reexamining my life journey. The live version mentioned by other subs is not to be missed.

[@mr.snicker-doodles7081]

I think I heard somewhere...correct me if i'm wrong, but U heard Gary Brooker bet a friend that he could write "A number one song" that is about NOTHING...zip, ziltch! La and Che are trying to figure out the meaning of the song. I don't think there is one!?? haha..

[@grandwazoodebris1015]

classic, beautiful song. One of the best from pop-rock music really. Coincidentally, Robin Trower came from Procol Harum. I just left long winded comment on your Trower video today. You guys are batting a 1000 w/ great old songs.

[@ORagnar]

Finally, someone playing the original. Piece inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach. 2

[@anitawright7169]

Procol Harum are icons. This song is so very awesome. Please react to the one that was done in 2006 in Denmark. It will blow your mind. Gary Brooker's voice was so awesome. RIP Gary. Love your reactions! ♥

[@CuriousGeorge1111]

I only know Procol Harem by their hits. For me they've always had a unique, hypnotic sound. The way I heard it, AWSP tells the story of a man out carousing, who ruthlessly sexually harasses a proper woman who tells him "no" "still I wandered through my playing cards, I could not let her be", and in the end, causes her great pain--whiter shade of pale. There's also some trivia about The Miller's Tale being bawdy folklore. IMO Conquistador is another great record, with a much clearer message. I appreciate you guys. 🙏

[@ALD56]

This was about as big a hit as a song can be, over 10 million singles sold. But it was Conquistador that helped turn this geeky young fan of pop music into a geeky young fan of prog and rock. We were visiting my cousin's family when I was about 14 and she put this album on. Beat the hell out of The Monkees and 1910 Fruitgum Company.

[@CoolCoyote]

nice but wtf? this isnt the version im used to, in fact its not as good by miles.

[@michaelkallman4368]

Suggestion: Take a full album listening on one of their albums, like 'Home'. Good music and lyrics :)

[@ThistleAndSea]

I agree with the many others here, the 2006 live version with a symphony orchestra backing him is pretty incredible. 40 years after the original, it's something you'll want to hear. Thanks for sharing this one. 🙂

[@maruad7577]

Such a classic sound to the organ and Broker's voice is perfect for the song.

[@Sactown5472]

You definitely need to do the live version in Denmark amazing ,full orchestra behind the band.

[@edwardmeradith2419]

Yeah the 2006 live Denmark version is richer and SO good.

[@Zopf-international]

From the same LP... -Something following me- Please do it next.

[@koenjules]

Everyone is saying to do the Denmark version, which is great, but this recording also doesn't seem like the original to me. In the original single the drums and the bass are more subdued with a lot of reverb, which gives it the sound that makes the song so beautiful. I hope you'll listen to that one too!