Disco de Procol Harum: “Salty Dog [Bonus Tracks]”

Most people I know either love prog-rock or hate it - except for "A Salty Dog." One of the pioneers of their much maligned genre, Procol Harum proved early on that it was possible to bring classical stylings and elaborate arrangements into rock without sounding bombastic or pretentious. Few other bands have managed to do so, and even Procol themselves didn't always live up to their own standards after their third album. But however briefly, they proved it could be done.

The title track is still the show-stopper, with its gorgeous orchestration and haunting lyrics, but it's only the tip of the iceberg. The nautical theme recurs throughout the album, most prominently on "The Wreck of the Hesperus," which features the album's most frantic musical arrangement. Cleverly tucked about halfway into the original album's progression, it serves as an unexpected climax if you listen to the songs in order. Elsewhere, "Juicy John Pink" and "The Devil Came From Kansas" serve as reminders that progressive rock is still rock and are a lasting testament to Robin Trower's influence during his too-brief sojourn with the band. Toward the end, the minor-key "All This and More" and "Pilgrim's Progress" bring things full circle with their more characteristic keyboard-driven melodies and dark lyrics.

As usual, the "new" bonus tracks clutter the setting a bit, but on balance they're a nice addition. "Long Gone Geek," a long-lost B-side, is one of the hardest rockers they've ever recorded. "Still There'll Be More" is apparently the same take found on the "Home" album, but as one of the best songs on one of their lesser efforts, it's welcome on this CD as far as I'm concerned. "McGreggor," a tale of a wayward soldier recorded in late 1968, is the most obscure of the bunch. The liner notes are almost apologetic about the sound quality of this only known recording of the song, but it's not really bad at all.

Recommended for anyone with an open mind about rock music. Next time someone says prog-rock is boring, just put "A Salty Dog" on and wait for your apology!

After many horrible attempts to improve the original mix through remastering somebody finally got it right.

Considered the ultimate Procol Harum album, A Salty Dog is where it all came together for the band...and just as quickly fell apart. Anyone back in the spring of '69 expecting to hear a typical rock album when putting needle to vinyl was in for a severe shock. The stately orchestration and Gary Brooker's mournful vocals on the opening title track signaled a truly unique sonic experience about to unfold. A loosely based concept album about sailors and the sea, A Salty Dog contained melancholy odes (Too Much Between Us, Pilgrim's Progress), seafaring epics (The Wreck Of The Hesperus, the title song) and classic Procol rockers (The Milk Of Human Kindness, The Devil Came From Kansas). Unfortunately, the album was followed by the departure of two band members - the irreplaceable organist Matthew Fisher and bass player David Knights. After this, only their third album, and the loss of these two musicians, Procol Harum would never again sound as regal and self-assured as on this masterpiece.

1969 was a year of musical excesses. From the Who to Iron Butterfly, the long song was it. Procol had already done that. "In Held 'Twas In I" was more than a year old, "A Whiter Shade of pale" more than two years old. "A Salty Dog" (the album) took the band back to shorter songs but with a mix of styles, moods, and effects that few bands then or now could match. Keith Reid's words are obscure, challenging, funny. Robin Trower's guitar, Barrie Wilson's drum lines, and Matthew Fisher's Hammond are tight throughout with only hints at how they could swing. This is the only Procol album with three different singers and composers. Gary Brooker's baritone clearly was the main vocal force (title track, "Too Much Netween Us," "All This and More"). Matthew Fisher's tenor provided a very different feeling ("Boredom," "Wreck of the Hesperus" [with no nod to Longfellow], "Pilgrim's Progress") and Robin Trower rasps out "Crucifiction Lane" in a style to be heard only twice more (on 1971's Broken Barricades) before disappearing for 26 years. The bonus tracks on this release make Procol less distant (listen to the studio banter before take one of "Pilgrim's Progress") but why include "Still There'll Be More" from 1970's Fisher-less "Home" album? If you only buy one album this year, your budget is too tight. If it's only one Procol album, this should be it.

I loved this album so much when it came out in the 60s. Buying it and playing it again I am amazed at how much resonance it has for my way of life and admittedly more mature view of the world now I am a hell of a lot older.

In a nutshell everything about Procul Harem's "inner meaning" and descriptive poetic way with lyrics was ahem, a wee bit over my head when I was 18. But I just knew they were saying something tremendously important. Even if I couldn't quite understand what these unusual plays on words REALLY meant, I knew it was about something REAL but just beyond the tip of my own tongue.

And who cared back then? If you loved "Whiter Shade of Pale" and I did, the whole concept of the band which is an Art Nouveau pastiche of orchestrational brilliance with majestic themes and melodies worth of Bach himself. Well it was simply thrilling and daring enough and who actually needed to know what it MEANT?

So no matter what your age timeline this album is one for the ages. After "Whiter Shade of Pale" it burst on the scene and was Procul's first well recorded effort (hey it was finally in Stereo, where Pale was NOT.)

If you like "Whiter Shade of Pale" then this album is just WAITING for you to stumble upon it. I guarantee you will be stunned.

And if you were alive back then and can swear you actually were in on what was being said---then I am glad you are alive now and reading this. Sorry I missed meeting you and so much of what happened the first time. Remember when we used to not trust anybody over 30? Isn't that hilarious?