Procol Harum: Gary Brooker (vocals, piano), Robin Trower (guitar), Chris Cooping (bass, organ), B.J. Wilson (drums).
Includes 9 bonus tracks.
Personnel: Gary Brooker (vocals, piano); Robin Trower (guitar); Chris Copping (organ, bass guitar); B.J. Wilson (drums).
Recording information: Abbey Road Studios, London (02/11/1970); Trident Studios, London (02/11/1970); Abbey Road Studios, London (02/14/1970); Trident Studios, London (02/14/1970); Abbey Road Studios, London (1969); Trident Studios, London (1969).
The fourth album by Procol Harum was released as the band was in the midst of a significant shift. With the departure of organist Matthew Fisher, guitarist Robin Trower stepped more to the fore. The two-keyboard approach was still being utilized, with singer Gary Brooker's piano being joined on some selections by the organ playing of multi-instrumentalist Chris Copping. However, the stately grandeur that had been previously applied with grace and subtlety gave way to a band that rocked much harder.
HOME is the work of a changed but still very compelling Procol Harum. Just compare this album's opening track, "Whiskey Train," to title-track opener on the band's previous album, A SALTY DOG. Orchestral epics largely give way to bluesy riffing, but as the album rolls along the familiar characteristic strains, both sonic and lyrical, offer a full dose of Procol Harum's dark and symphonic sensibilities.
Professional Reviews
Rolling Stone (9/3/70, p.42) - "...Trower has stepped in and is truly playing lead guitar...an atmospheric, Hendrix-style wailing, screeching assault...Gary Brooker hasn't lost any of his vocal charisma..."
Rolling Stone (9/3/70, p.42) - "...Highlights here include the violent 'Still There'll Be More'...down to the expansive, image-taut 'Whaling Stories' that culminates wondrously in the last four lines, as the song shalimars onto a whole different level of meaning..."
