Check out these new and used Procol Harum vinyl records LPs for sale. We recommend starting your Procol Harum vinyl collection with the essential albums A Whiter Shade Of Pale, She Wandered Through The Garden Fence and Something Following Me. Our inventory is always changing, so check back often, or browse our list of vinyl records for sale from rock musicians.

Procol Harum: A Journey Through Time and Sound

Early Beginnings and Formation

Procol Harum, a name synonymous with progressive rock and symphonic influences, emerged during the 1960s British rock scene. The band’s journey began in 1967, with a lineup that included Gary Brooker (vocals and piano), Robin Trower (guitar), Matthew Fisher (organ), Dave Knights (bass), and B.J. Wilson (drums). The name “Procol Harum” itself is a Latin phrase meaning “beyond these things,” reflecting the band’s inclination towards the unconventional and the experimental.

“A Whiter Shade of Pale” and Breakthrough Success

In the same year of their formation, Procol Harum released their debut single, “A Whiter Shade of Pale.” The song’s hauntingly beautiful melody and enigmatic lyrics quickly propelled the band to international stardom. The success of the single also led to the release of their eponymous debut album in 1967.

Procol Harum (1967)

The debut album not only featured the iconic “A Whiter Shade of Pale” but also showcased the band’s musical prowess and innovative songwriting. Songs like “Conquistador” and “She Wandered Through the Garden Fence” hinted at the band’s ability to fuse classical elements with rock music, a characteristic that would become more pronounced in their subsequent works.

Exploring Symphonic Rock: Shine On Brightly (1968) and A Salty Dog (1969)

Shine On Brightly (1968)

The sophomore album, Shine On Brightly, marked Procol Harum’s further exploration into symphonic rock. The title track, a 17-minute opus, demonstrated the band’s willingness to push the boundaries of traditional song structures. With Matthew Fisher’s organ playing a central role, the album showcased a maturing sound that hinted at the band’s potential for greatness.

A Salty Dog (1969)

Continuing their evolution, A Salty Dog showcased Procol Harum’s lyrical depth and musical complexity. The title track, with its maritime theme and orchestral arrangements, solidified the band’s reputation as pioneers of symphonic rock. The album also featured the emotionally charged “The Milk of Human Kindness” and the progressive “Wreck of the Hesperus.”

Experimental Sounds: Home (1970) and Broken Barricades (1971)

Home (1970)

Home marked a departure from the purely symphonic sound of their previous albums. The addition of guitarist Dave Ball brought a bluesy and experimental edge to the band’s music. Tracks like “Whisky Train” and “Still There’ll Be More” showcased Procol Harum’s versatility and willingness to explore diverse musical landscapes.

Broken Barricades (1971)

The departure of Robin Trower led to the recruitment of guitarist Mick Grabham for Broken Barricades. The album featured a harder, more rock-oriented sound, evident in tracks like “Simple Sister” and “Power Failure.” Despite the lineup changes, Procol Harum’s commitment to musical innovation remained unwavering.

Transitional Years: Grand Hotel (1973) and Exotic Birds and Fruit (1974)

Grand Hotel (1973)

Grand Hotel marked a return to a more orchestral sound. The title track, with its intricate arrangements, and the poignant “A Souvenir of London” showcased the band’s continued dedication to crafting elaborate and multi-layered compositions.

Exotic Birds and Fruit (1974)

Exotic Birds and Fruit continued the trend of sophisticated songwriting. The album’s standout track, “Nothing But the Truth,” blended rock and jazz influences, highlighting the band’s adaptability to different musical genres.

Later Years and Resilience: The Prodigal Stranger (1991) and Beyond

The Prodigal Stranger (1991)

After a hiatus, Procol Harum reunited for The Prodigal Stranger. While not achieving the same commercial success as their earlier works, the album demonstrated the band’s resilience and ability to adapt to the changing music landscape.

Legacy and Influence

Procol Harum’s influence on the progressive rock genre is immeasurable. Their symphonic and experimental approach paved the way for bands that followed in their footsteps.

Bands Influenced by Procol Harum

1. Genesis: The intricate compositions and fusion of classical and rock elements in Genesis’s early work bear the mark of Procol Harum’s influence.
2. Yes: Procol Harum’s adventurous spirit and willingness to experiment resonated with Yes, influencing their progressive and symphonic sound.
3. The Alan Parsons Project: Procol Harum’s orchestral arrangements found echoes in the music of The Alan Parsons Project, particularly in their concept albums.

Similar Bands and Contemporaries

While Procol Harum’s sound is undoubtedly unique, several bands of their era share certain musical qualities.

1. The Moody Blues: Known for their orchestral and symphonic approach, The Moody Blues were contemporaries of Procol Harum, and both bands contributed to the progressive rock movement.
2. The Nice: With keyboardist Keith Emerson leading the way, The Nice embraced a fusion of rock and classical music, similar to Procol Harum.
3. King Crimson: While more experimental, King Crimson shared Procol Harum’s inclination towards complex arrangements and pushing the boundaries of conventional rock.