Procol Harum Shine On Brightly

Half a century ago, powered by the huge and ongoing success of their debut single "A Whiter Shade Of Pale," Procol Harum went on to help define the progressive rock genre while at the same time embracing their roots in blues and soul. Proving they were no one hit wonder the group released their well received self-titled debut album later in 1967 and pioneering progressive rock follow-up Shine On Brightly the year after. Home to the ahead of its time 18-minute suite "In Held 'Twas I," the soundscapes created by Procol Harum here are among the most distinctive and original sounds in rock. So powerful and evocative are the pieces heard on Shine On Brightly that the term 'songs' barely does justice to their musical intentions. These are complete tonal poems. Like landscapes in art, they are broad pictures painted with carefully placed brushstrokes.