Procol Harum

Beyond
the Pale

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MMX • Procol Harum live in 2010

The download album , reviewed by Richard Solly


I've just downloaded a copy of MMX and here are my initial thoughts after two listens. I won't go through each song.
 
Firstly I'm pleased it contains some more unusual songs. We all love A Salty Dog, Grand Hotel, Conquistador etc but this is a refreshing jamboree bag of emotions. 
 
The orchestral Barnyard Story is so uplifting.
 
The Grand Hotel / Exotic Birds era does it for me. The songs are timeless frankly.  As Strong As Samson is frightening inasmuch as the lyrics are more poignant today than ever. Bankers and brokers, starvation and deprivation, preachers and warmongers  ... sooo familiar.
 
I remember hearing Sister Mary at the 40th tea-party. What an atmospheric song this is. Well represented here.
 
Yours If You Want Me conjures up too many fags and whisky. You can almost smell it wafting out of your USB cable. Gary 'Bluesman' Brooker and Inky Reid, the original and the best.
 
War Is Not Healthy I have always loved. What a stomper. They must do this at some festival. What a reaction it would get.
 
So many new twists and turnings in old roads. The signpost is still signing.
 
Coming full circle back to the orchestral theme with a magnificent Grand Finale ... simply heavenly.
 
Everyone plays their heart out. Memorable performances from the universal sages. An excellent band.
 
The sound quality is stunning. Some previous downloads had a 1,000 decibel vocal while the band seemed to be in the pub next door. The mixing here is extremely good.
 
Doctor doctor what a remedy to all the rubbish they call music these days.

Thanks, Richard 'Wizard Man' Solly


Concert reviews from Richard Solly All about MMX | More reviews

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