Greatest Hits

It’s fair to say that Procol Harum’s “A Whiter Shade Of Pale” is one of the most familiar hits of the ‘60s, but far too few rock aficionados know this band’s larger body of work. Though favoring classical motifs and trappings at times, Procol avoided progressive-rock pomposity thanks to its earthy rhythms and quirky sense of humor. These recordings stand out for their distinctive musicianship and creative ambition — Procol could deliver brooding mini-operas like “A Salty Dog” and “Whaling Stories” without succumbing to excess. The secret lay in the dignified yet tormented singing of Gary Brooker, the baroque-tinged organ lines of Matthew Fisher and the stately yet supple drumming of B.J. Wilson. Added to this were Keith Reid’s surreal lyrics, well represented here by such visionary excursions as “Power Failure” and “Shine on Brightly.” After Fisher’s departure in 1969, Robin Trower’s meaty guitar work became more prominent, as heard in “Simple Sister” and “Whisky Train.” Whatever the permutations of their sound, Procol Harum were consistently interesting and often achieved true grandeur.