28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Progressive rock's finest hour (and three minutes), December 28, 2003
This review is from: Salty Dog - Plus (Audio CD)
Most people I know either love prog-rock or hate it - except for "A Salty Dog." One of the pioneers of their much maligned genre, Procol Harum proved early on that it was possible to bring classical stylings and elaborate arrangements into rock without sounding bombastic or pretentious. Few other bands have managed to do so, and even Procol themselves didn't always live up to their own standards after their third album. But however briefly, they proved it could be done.
The title track is still the show-stopper, with its gorgeous orchestration and haunting lyrics, but it's only the tip of the iceberg. The nautical theme recurs throughout the album, most prominently on "The Wreck of the Hesperus," which features the album's most frantic musical arrangement. Cleverly tucked about halfway into the original album's progression, it serves as an unexpected climax if you listen to the songs in order. Elsewhere, "Juicy John Pink" and "The Devil Came From Kansas" serve as reminders that progressive rock is still rock and are a lasting testament to Robin Trower's influence during his too-brief sojourn with the band. Toward the end, the minor-key "All This and More" and "Pilgrim's Progress" bring things full circle with their more characteristic keyboard-driven melodies and dark lyrics.
As usual, the "new" bonus tracks clutter the setting a bit, but on balance they're a nice addition. "Long Gone Geek," a long-lost B-side, is one of the hardest rockers they've ever recorded. "Still There'll Be More" is apparently the same take found on the "Home" album, but as one of the best songs on one of their lesser efforts, it's welcome on this CD as far as I'm concerned. "McGreggor," a tale of a wayward soldier recorded in late 1968, is the most obscure of the bunch. The liner notes are almost apologetic about the sound quality of this only known recording of the song, but it's not really bad at all.
Recommended for anyone with an open mind about rock music. Next time someone says prog-rock is boring, just put "A Salty Dog" on and wait for your apology!
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Like wine to the ears,, June 10, 2003
This review is from: Salty Dog - Plus (Audio CD)
this album should be listened to and taken in deeply, because there hasn't been something this singular made since rock music became formulaic and went corporate. Salty Dog is a wonderful musical mirror of its time: it's theme is the search and journey through life; it has Sgt. Pepper-like orchestrations on the title track and the totally awesome "Wreck of the Hesperus" (I've actually been on a ship in those kinds of waters and this song gives you that same kind of giddy rush!); there are pseudo-biblical references with "The Devil Came from Kansas", and the Bunyonesque "Crucifiction Lane"; there is the eccentric/exotic xylophone driven "Boredom"; and some fine Trower guitar on "Juicy John Pink" "Milk of Human Kindness" The Devil came From Kansas" and "The Wreck of the Hesperus". The last song, "Pilgrim's Progress" will just float you along and then waft you away like a forgotten dream. The bonus tracks, the usual outtakes and alternate performances, are for enthusiasts only who like to track songs in their creative processes and in no way detract from the enjoyment of this fine album.
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17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Procol Harum peaks on A Salty Dog., August 23, 1998
By A Customer
Considered the ultimate Procol Harum album, A Salty Dog is where it all came together for the band...and just as quickly fell apart. Anyone back in the spring of '69 expecting to hear a typical rock album when putting needle to vinyl was in for a severe shock. The stately orchestration and Gary Brooker's mournful vocals on the opening title track signaled a truly unique sonic experience about to unfold. A loosely based concept album about sailors and the sea, A Salty Dog contained melancholy odes (Too Much Between Us, Pilgrim's Progress), seafaring epics (The Wreck Of The Hesperus, the title song) and classic Procol rockers (The Milk Of Human Kindness, The Devil Came From Kansas). Unfortunately, the album was followed by the departure of two band members - the irreplaceable organist Matthew Fisher and bass player David Knights. After this, only their third album, and the loss of these two musicians, Procol Harum would never again sound as regal and self-assured as on this masterpiece.
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