Where & Which Procol Harum CD

Whiter Shade of Pale wasn't actually on the first Procol album, so if you want it, you'll be looking at a later compilation/remaster. Pandora's Box is from  "Procol's Ninth", a much later album.

I've a Japanese mono CD  - "A Whiter Shade of Pale" - with extra tracks on the Cube label that sounds pretty decent.

The first Procol Harum in the UK did not contain the hit singles because PH had visions of being at the top along side the Beatles and felt they were good enough not to have to include singles on the albums or maybe they just didn't want to catch their fans. However, for the American release Whiter Shade of Pale opened the LP. In Germany, the LP opened with Homburg (was that a tribute to Tony Hancock) - great track. 

Procol Harum Plus is a CD on Westside that merges the three releases and adds some goodies of its own and it is nicely re-mastered, unlike the awful 40th anniversary set that was massacred.

Sorry it doesn't have Pandora's Box on it, but as Tony advises this was a much latter and so will only appear on true compilation - sorry I haven't heard the compilations so cannot advise. However, if you are content with 2 out of 3 then I'd go for the Westside release.  

Wouldn't it be great if there were one definitive version of these classic albums, as there are only one set of master tapes? However, we shall always these different version. Roy Harper is convinced that his CD releases were dreadful compared with the vinyl, but hopes the reequalisation for the latest versions put this right. Certainly Steven Wilson does a good job. 

By the way my favourite version of Conquistador is the one PH recorded with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra - it is shame no studio version exists, but the live version is very good.

Saw PH live once and they were not very good on that occasion; they were supporting the late great Kevin Coyne, who equally was not at his best, but Hatfield and the North who made up the numbers were superb. I'm sure on good days, PH and KC would be outstanding, but it was just my luck to see 'em on an off day. 

Hi Guido, Interesting information - thank you.

Could you link to the CD you mention please. There seem to be so many around that I always have the nagging doubt that I have managed to pick the wrong one.

Thanks a lot,

Huw

 I agree Mr Fawkes, that version of Conquistador (which in my book is a truly great song) is indeed special.

I saw PH at the Wimbledon theatre many years ago & they were superb. I've been a huge fan ever since, and have all their albums (save the last one) on the original vinyl.

If you haven't got it I can heartily recommend "Procol Harum Live at the Union Chapel" on BluRay disc, recorded in 2004. It includes the seldom-performed long version of Whiter Shade of Pale and a most amusing and illuminating interview with Mr Brooker as a bonus.  The sound and picture quality are the best I've ever seen on BluRay. The DVD (well, my copy anyway) suffers from an annoying lip-synch problem in the latter part of the concert.

Please click here for a review

Sorry Huw, I just checked the Amazon and the price new is silly (I bought in 12 years ago according to the Amazon banner and I think I paid a few pounds). I hope you can find a reasonably priced copy. 

If you click on the Should You Buy It? link then these give some useful insight in to the quality of the releases. 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/pro...3&pf_rd_i=468294

There are some second hand ones here. The album cover in this review is different to the one in your link though. It mentions the right company in the blurb but I guess the sellers could actually have the wrong version for sale by accident.

regards

Huw

As Guido says, the Westside releases of PH were very good (thought the Repertoire ones are very good too). However, the recent Salvo relese of the first album, including Whiter Shade Of Pale, is an absolute belter sound quality wise (and the original wasn't an oil painting to start off with).

See here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Procol-Harum-40th-Anniversary-Edition/dp/B001V6PSSG/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1336409014&sr=1-1

It has the pink cover of the original Italian release, but don't let that put you off.

BTW, Salvo can be recommended across the board for their re-releases - they've done the old ZTT catalogue proud too.

Hi Gary,

I've read that the Salvo versions have timing issues - they were recorded on the wrong speed.

That was on the amazon site i think.

Regards

Huw

PS: By belter, do you mean good or bad?

I mean good. I have the original vinyl, a previous CD issue and the Salvo. If there are issues, they've escaped me!

Sorry Huw, off PH topic...

Gary, good to see you back, missed your eclectic selections. If your going to the Wilson gig on the 15th, were meeting in the Reilly's pub next to the SBE.

BTW, liked your Out Side Room sample on FB.

ATB Denis

Cheers Denis. I've been busy avoiding relegation. Won't be seeing Steven WIlson (more's the pity), last gig was Rammstein (terrific). Even if daughter wasn't going out with Out Side Room's main man (Max) I'd rate them as a top pop band, and one to watch for (if they can get that break).

Have been Witch Housing a lot. Not your cup of tea, but I feel a thread coming on.