Shine On Brightly, Procol Harum’s classic second album, is released in a new remastered vinyl edition.

Release date: Available now

Label: Esoteric Records / Cherry Red Records

Format: Remastered Vinyl Edition

Shine On Brightly, released in 1968, was Procol Harum’s second studio album. It followed on from their iconic single, A Whiter Shade of Pale, which reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, and their 1967 debut studio album, Procol Harum.

Shine On Brightly highlights the progressive path the band were trailblazing in 1968, with a unique mix of rock, blues, classical, and psychedelic influences. Quite Rightly So, the opening track, showcases all these elements. Matthew Fisher’s Hammond organ mixes classical and psychedelic influences, over which Gary Brooker’s expressive voice, and urgent piano playing, give flight to Keith Reid’s figurative lyrics. Robin Trower part way through the song adds a trademark squall of bluesy guitar. The very capable rhythm section of Dave Knights on bass and B. J. Wilson on drums, propel the song forward with some very funky playing. A really striking opening to the album.

Shine On Brightly, the title track, features B. J. Wilson’s imaginative drumming built on subtle fills and splashing cymbals, and Robin Trower’s atmospheric and wailing guitar phrases. Gary Brooker’s vocal has a lament quality, as he gives an eloquent reading of Keith Reid’s lyrics which convey bewilderment and questioning. The opening couplet is quite intriguing:

“My Prussian blue electric clock

Alarm bell rings, it will not stop

And I can see no end in sight

And search in vain by candlelight

For some long road that goes nowhere

For some signpost that is not there

And even my befuddled brain

Is shining brightly, quite insane”

Matthew Fisher’s organ solo at the midpoint in the song is quite exquisite, and the song is undoubtedly one of the album highlights. 

Skip Softly (My Moonbeams) is possibly the most psychedelic track on the album. It has a playful musical feel, with what sounds like a tuba in the mix. The song then evolves and offers up an impressionistic instrumental section, that begins softly with just organ and piano, before Dave Knights’s bass brings back in the drums and guitar, with a marvellous solo from Robin Trower, full of ringing reverb. Wish Me Well, offers another side of the band, and has an expansive blues base, where Gary Brooker’s rolling piano chords and soaring voice prove irresistible. Complementing this is Robin Trower’s sublime sustain laden guitar fills and solo.  

Rambling On has a classic progressive rock flavour, with its slow build, anthemic middle section, and slight return coda. Magdalene (My Regal Zonophone), in contrast, is a slow paced ballad, that shines the spotlight back on Gary Brooker’s very fine voice. Both these tracks set the scene nicely, for the lengthy five section suite that follows, In Held Twas in I. It is a hugely ambitious piece with varying musical colours and lyrical concepts, and evidences the innovative and creative drive that was at the heart of the band.

Part One, Glimpses Of Nirvana, has two mystical spoken word passages, that appear to muse on philosophical questions about being. A central musical theme is played, which at different points involves piano, organ, guitar, sitar, and choral voices. Part Two, Twas Tea Time At The Circus, begins with tubular bells, and has a freewheeling and jaunty mood, which somewhat contrasts with the lyrical content which asks the listener to look below the surface of what we think we see. Part Three, In The Autumn Of My Madness, mixes a lilting organ harmony, and syncopated rhythm, with random sounds that fly in and out of the mix, including an old-fashioned car horn and sirens. Part Four, Look To Your Soul, has an initial instrumental section, with some wondrous hard rock guitar effects and an organ motif, that are complemented by some precision ensemble playing. When the vocal enters, Gary Brooker’s voice weaves around the tumbling drums and then soars over the music. The very best vocal performance on the album and a perfect complement to the words that pose the process of learning and seeking as the key to being.  Part five, Grand Finale, is a majestic instrumental piece that has the choral vocals returning and provides the setting for Robin Trower’s stand out guitar solo, full of melodic runs. It just has to be heard.

This is a quite exceptional remastered vinyl edition, which has been cut at Abbey Road Studios. The clear separation of all the instruments, and strong rhythmic drive, this remastered vinyl edition brings, makes for a great listening experience. Particularly brought into focus are the subtle tone variations in Gary Brooker’s voice and B. J. Wilson’s powerhouse and inventive drumming. In addition, Robin Trower’s guitar work on the album literally screams out of the speakers, giving a very live feel to the record. The new vinyl edition also utilises the gatefold sleeve design of the 1968 United States release. Well done to Esoteric Records for releasing this classic album on a high quality new vinyl edition.

From the official Beat-Club channel (a German music program that ran from 1965 to 1972) view Procol Harum performing the title track of Shine On Brightly:

Esoteric Recordings Website

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