Greatest Hits [A&M] (CD - 1996)

Procol Harum: Gary Brooker (vocals, piano); Robin Trower, Chris Copping, Alan Cartwright, David Ball, Maick Graham, Ray Royer (guitar); Pete Soley (keyboards); Matthew Fisher (organ); Dee Murray, David Knights (bass); John Eyden, Bobby Harrison, Barrie "B.J." Wilson (drums).

Producers: Chris Thomas, Denny Cordell, Matthew Fisher.

All tracks have been digitally remastered.

This is part of A&M Records' Backlot series.

Audio Remasterer: Patricia Sullivan.

Liner Note Author: Jim Bickhart.

Photographer: Stuart Watson .

Classics, Vol. 17 is an adequate, 12-song retrospective of Procol Harum's biggest hits and best-known songs, featuring "A Whiter Shade of Pale," "Conquistador," "A Salt Dog" and "Homburg." Although the disc is hardly comprehensive, it nevertheless remains a good overview for casual fans. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

These dozen songs follow Procol Harum's activities on the hit parade over the course of the band's first six albums. "A Whiter Shade of Pale" announced the band's 1967 arrival in no uncertain terms. The combination of classical overtones and an R&B underbelly created enduring moments of electric tension, romantic breadth, and mysterious power. Some of the group's later hits, such as "Simple Sister" and "Whiskey Train," were more straight-ahead blues-rock numbers, but were still infused with a consistent vision, largely due to Gary Brooker's soulful singing and Keith Reid's poetic lyrics. This hit-filled set is highly recommended, as are the band's second and third releases, SHINE ON BRIGHTLY and A SALTY DOG. minimize