Something Magic [IMPORT]

Procol Harum

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 10, 1996)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Castle Essential
• ASIN: B00000592H
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #355,670 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

1. Something Magic

2. Skating on Thin Ice

3. Wizard Man

4. Mark of the Claw

5. Strangers in Space

6. Worm

7. Part One - Introduction/Menace/Occupation

8. Part Two - Enervation/Expectancy/Battle

9. Part Three - Regeneration/Epilogue

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Something Magic, February 16, 2000

By	Gary Smalz (California) - See all my reviews

I enjoyed this album. It features organist Pete Solley on a Yamaha of all things, replacing Chris Copping's Hammond. While the Yamaha can imitate the Hammond, it adds a new dimension of the synthsizer, which was emerging technology in the 70s. This album includes the obligatory Procal 3/4 waltz, with BJ Wilson's outstanding, explosive drumming. While many have panned the song/poem "the Worm & the Tree", I feel the piece has withstood the test of time. It's composition is sophisticated, well executed and spans many musical styles. Recited or sung, the piece has merit, especially when put in the context of 1977. I recommend this album. It is Procal Harums 10th and final effort (if you don't count the re-union albums of the 1990s) and is worth a listen.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Once-proud Procol calls it a day., September 2, 1998

By A Customer

Reaching the final leg of a ten-year run, complete with the highest highs (mega-hit A Whiter Shade Of Pale) and many lows (the loss of Matthew Fisher and Robin Trower, lack of commercial success, etc.), Procol Harum released their last "official" album in '77 (they would regroup briefly over a decade later). Nicknamed "Something Tragic" by its detractors, this album unfortunately showcases a band that sounds old, tired and ready to retire. Gary Brooker's once-soaring vocals sound hoarse and strained here. So much so, that Brooker actually recites the lyrics to the side-long The Worm & The Tree instead of singing them - a "tragic" lapse in judgement. It is rumored that British actor James Mason was originally chosen to recite the words, not a brilliant idea either. Musically, the band makes a valliant attempt to regain their classic form on the orchestrated title cut and Skating On Thin Ice, but it's just not enough to halt the slide. After a final tour to promote the album, Procol Harum quietly faded away. "Those at peace shall see their wake..."

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Procol gone flat., June 18, 1999

By A Customer

This is a most unfortunate recording. What was once a dynamic and creative outfit sounds dulled and uninspired. The drumming, for the first time in their recording history, is devoid of those interesting fills and complex rythms that marked prior recordings. The use of the synthesizer sounds dated. Only Brooker is in fine form as vocalist. The production is also substandard as it comes across quite coldly and sparse, lacking the muscle and density of the three prior recordings(Grand Hotel, Exotic Birds and Fruit, Procol's Ninth). The final cut is a dreadful reciting of a childish poem that is woefully long. Save yourself some money and skip this one. Purchase Grand Hotel and Exotic Birds...and you'll be much happier. Not recommended at all...Simon