There has been 43 single records to physically sale 10,000,000 copies. This is one of them and they are in the ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME. Remember this song was released in 1967. 54 years ago. Still powerful.
Well one of my favourite bands are Queen - because they are brilliant musicians, composers, songwriters - and Freddie Mercury - but the musicians were forgotten. They still live on - thanks to their good music .- they can do everything - but of cause some don't like it - - really - - in secret??
Keith Reid, who wrote the lyrics has stated “I’d like the song to feel like a Dali painting looks. You know, clocks dissolving. You know fantastical things. You know the colors that somebody would use in a picture. You try to come up with that in words.”
Don't worry about not understanding the lyrics. No one understands them. The main thing is how the music flows and how it feels. By the way, I believe that Gary Brooker was 61 years old when this performance took place. He was little more than a kid when this song was originally recorded. I think he sang it better at age 61 than at age 21.
Took me many years to understand the story. I am a musician not lyricist. But finally listened very carefully ,+ got it. But with all due Respect people can take whatever it means to them ; home ! Hint : its a story about the story about what happened.
These guys recorded this song like 50 years ago without the orchestra. It's still worth hearing. Never have I heard any song this produced this much. It was nothing short of magnificent.
What I noticed more than anything was, the wonderful audience ,no shouting and screaming just total silence, and respect. I must stop listening to it as I cry everytime.
This is one of those songs where you just don't need to understand what the lyrics are about. You just get to enjoy them. Yes, rock is both the "doo duh do" you air drummed, and it is soft ballads like this with many types in between. There are songs and artists that just do not fit into a specific category.
I think it actually gets worse if you realize what the lyrics are about. It's just about being drunk at a party with your rowdy mates and trying to get with some girl before she leaves with her friends. But there's a bit of Bach and a Chaucer reference in it so that makes it sophisticated.
Right you are .Sometimes i prefer lyrics that i don't fully understand as it allows me to fill in the gaps with what i want it to be .Bob dylan was like this on many of his songs . He admitted in an interview that on some of his songs like desolation , row he didn't know where that song came from . i think a lot of the best music is like this . an artist seems to tap into a song that is waiting to be discovered in an un manifest state . all that is necessary is to tune into the right frequency and it begins to flow outward .
"I really don't get the lyrics." Hey, you're not alone. Thousands of people have gone mad trying to figure them out. Just enjoy the music, and thank you for the beautiful reaction.
@@mickgrace2558 Yes; it's betrayal, love gone wrong. This can be an epic-level, soul-stirring experience to anyone and he indulges it fully. Wonderful, deep, obscure and classical references throughout.
This is a timeless and very popular song, even today. The lyrics were a mystery in 1966 and still are today to my knowledge. Gary Brooker never explained them. The instrument you are so taken with is a Hammond B-3 two manual electric organ. Arguably the finest ever produced. I've owned and played one for nearly forty years, this is one of favorite pieces to play.
Listen to the original from '67 and you'll find that Gary Brooker's voice hasn't changed in 50 years. Another great song from this concert is Conquistador. Think you'll be amazed by it too.
Gary Brooker, the leader and singer songwriter for Harum is one of the best talents from the 60's with his thought provoking lyrics and music. I bought every one of his albums. My fav Album was "Shine On Brightly". And even today his voice still remains unchanged. Nice pick.. He recorded the song "Conquistador" in my home with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra in Canada.
Always loved this song but was never really sure what it was about until I got much older! "Conquistador" is another great song they did in 1971 or 72. Thanks Marie! Love your channel!
Bon Jour Marie ! The Intro ( Strings ) was played by a Baroque sounding Organ , Someone mentioned Bach Already and at your first go the Lyrics are kinda of difficult to understand , Music in the 60’s was unbelievably diverse that included flirting with Classical Music , to get some context on this performance I suggest to listen to the original along with Whaling Stories both original and from this Concert , By the Way regarding Classical Music and Rock you might want to listen to Nights in White Satin by The Moody Blues
Thank you Marie for listening to this song. It brought back so many good memories I had tears streaming down my face. Pretty strange for a 70 year old biker. Had this song on 8-track and listened to it all the time. Thanks again.
Great choice Marie. It's a beautiful song no matter which arrangement is used to perform it. So happy you are discovering so many different musical genres.
When this song was first heard on the "radio" everyone called everyone else to listen. This was a game changer in our day. Go back and find the full length version and absolutely immerse yourself. Talk to your grandparents about their experience the first time👍
Was in HS 1967 when this was first released .. timeless classic You might want to listen to a clip back in the day .. that was done 40 years ago from this presentation
Lead singer Gary Booker passed away in February 2022. There are old videos of Procol Harum on TH-cam c.1967. He was 21 or 22. Amazing voice even then. And he was a handsome kid. He was happily married for about 54 years. The songwriter with the band was a fan of Salvador Dali. He liked the idea of composing lyrics in the same way. He heard someone at a party comment that a guest was turning a whiter shade of pale. There are more lyrics to this song. I found one rare clip of it on TH-cam with him singing it. If they’re performed in order, the story makes more sense. I was about 9 when the song came out. Still makes me cry.
This is a perfect song. The weirdest thing about this performance is that Gary Brooker's voice is still really good. One of the best songs of all time.
It's often called one of the best songs of all time. There have been over 1,000 cover versions! Your dad will know it very well, I'm sure. The lyrics are not easy to explain, even for a native English speaker, but basically it's about an encounter between a man and woman.
The melody is derived from a classic composition from Bach, so it is perfect for an orchestral accompanied performance. Have always loved this song, stay safe, Marie 🌹.
Quite often a rock band brings out a ballad and it becomes a million seller, this is my favourite track and this is my most favourite performance, incredible ❤
Thank you for reacting to this masterpiece. If you like Procol Harum, other songs of theirs you might like are Homburg, A Salty Dog, and Conquistador. Thank you reaction.
Love your channel! Thank you for playing this song. I’m from Nova Scotia Canada and I grew up listening to this song in the 70s. It still gives me chills to this day at the age of 63. RIP Artist Gary Brooker Feb 2022.
I'm native English speaker. I could not understand many of the words he was singing. One of my favorite all time songs. Even tho it always induces a since of melancholia. I'm too old to be hitting on you, so I will say you have the prettiest eyes. If your Dad hasn't said it, I bet he's thought it.
I can't understand you not understanding the words, not understanding the lyrics is another thing. The lyrics are allusive and somewhat metaphorical in the style of Jonathan Swift and Lewis Carroll - see also Jefferson Airplane's White Rabbit.
@@vtbn53 You misunderstood. I have heard that song many times before where the individual words were distinct. The singer this time, or the sound engineer this time, or both, did a poor job. This is one of my all time fave songs.
It's great seeing young people reacting to music that i heard in my youth. Music is like a river it's constantly moving on like the river of life, but occasionally you get a song that resists the flow of the time and picks up new fans along the way. The music is based on Barch's air on a g string and the lerics is based on the miller's tale taken from the Canterbury Tales by Jeffrey Chaulser
This is a beautiful song. It came out in the later sixties when I was in the 8 th grade. It immediately takes me back to that time and a middle school crush that I had on a cute blonde. It is timeless and will always take me back to that era.
Loved your reaction to this classic rock anthem! I never tire of this great 1967 hit! You are probably a great person to have a drink with and chat about memorable rock music!
Gary Brooker the Piano Player and Vocalist is the only Original member of the Group! "Procol Harum" is Latin for "Beyond These Things"! Gary's cat a Siamese was the Group's name inspiration! Their name was "The Paramounts" until 1967.
I loved those first moments while you were trying to figure out how this related to "Rock and Roll". The expressions on your face were amazing! Great reaction!
Nice of you to react to this 1967 song. I was in college at the time and never knew much about the singers although it was one my favorites. I was very busy. This was dance music. Slow dance music. All of those old couple sitting there once danced to this music and probably still do. It may very well have been this song that first brought them together - love at first sight (or touch) you know. Thanks.
Nice! Procol Harum was popular at the end of the 60’s and beginning of the 70’s. The most famous person to come out of this band was Robin Trower who went on to have a very successful solo career as a hard rocker. He is still around and in his 70’s. You should react to Bridge of Sighs or Too Rolling Stoned by Robin Trower.
Early Procol Harum ( 'beyond these things' in Latin - miss-spelled actually) - was a unique mixture of Bach / rock / surrealism / and blues - especially Robin Trower's contribution . He was not on the original recording of 'Whiter Shade of Pale ' -- but was on their first album .
Their music is mainly based on both classical music and blues. They also have good rock songs. Great band, great singer, great text writer. Thanks Marie and warm regards from the Netherlands!
The Danish Symphony Orchestra introduces one of the most iconic songs of 1967. Musically, the arranger has made the brilliant choice of placing the melody in the minor key. This instantly conveys a wistful and nostalgic emotion to the listener. Then, just before Brooker's vocal entry, a lovely Tierce de Picardie signals a change in mood. Also, the live mix by the audio engineers of a full orchestra, choir, piano, B3 organ, guitars, bass, drums and vocal is absolutely stunning!
HELLO0O0O0 miss Marie! 👍another awesome video!! I was born in 1966 growing up through the 70's and 80's I also listened to music of the 60's....🤗🤗 Keep smiling and be safe angel eyes!!
This performance in '06 is 40 yrs from it's release, he's about 65 here I believe...and still kills it today. I believe the intro is Moonlight Sonata, not part of original. I assure you, most people don't get the lyrics either, matters not...he's selling intensity and it's what you want it to be. Nice job!
Great song! Great reaction! I like most music, except for rap but I love classical music and my favorite instrument is the cello. I could listen to it all day long. Hugs from Idaho!
My brother and I loved this song all of our lives, but it was one of his Top 3. When he died at the very young age of 42 (7 years ago) when we played this at his wake it struck me that this song can bring a tear of sadness to your eye as you smile so happily. It haunts you to your bones as it lifts you on angels wings... The lyrics are not meant to tell any one story, it is meant to encompass the entirety of the "human experience"...
Yes Marie, you want to start to understand the 60s? The turmoil, the counter-culture, the vibe? This song embodies the aura of that incredible era. Iconic. Legendary. Beautiful.
Usually, a piece of music in its original version is the best thing you can hear. I have known this piece since it was released in 1967, it has accompanied me all my life. Here Gary Brooker has managed to interpret A Whiter Shade Of Pale even better than he did in 1967. Unfortunately, he has already passed away. R.I.P. Gary The original version in 1967 had 4 verses. Because the song was much longer than usual at over 4 minutes, two verses were left out. Keith Reid said: "No problem, it works just like that." But with verses 3 and 4, things become clearer. Here are all four verses: We skipped the light fandango turned cartwheels 'cross the floor I was feeling kinda seasick but the crowd called out for more The room was humming harder as the ceiling flew away When we called out for another drink the waiter brought a tray And so it was that later as the miller told his tale that her face, at first just ghostly, turned a whiter shade of pale. She said: "There is no reason and the truth is plain to see." But I wandered trough my playing cards and would not let her be one of sixteen virgins who were leaving for the coast and although my eyes were open they might have have just as well been closed And so it was that later as the miller told his tale that her face, at first just ghostly, turned a whiter shade of pale. She said: "I'm home on shore leave" Though in truth we were at sea So I took her by the looking glass and forced her to agree saying: "You must be the mermaid Who took Neptune for a ride." But she smiled at me so sadly that my anger straightway died And so it was that later as the miller told his tale that her face, at first just ghostly, turned a whiter shade of pale. If music be the feed of love the laughter is its queen and likewise is behind is in front then dirt in truth is clean My mouth by then like cardboard seemed to slip straight through my head So we crash-dived straightway quickly and attacked the ocean bed. And so it was that later as the miller told his tale that her face, at first just ghostly, turned a whiter shade of pale.
Hi again Marie! To answer your questions : always were 5 members in band : Singer/pianist , organist, drummer, lead guitar and bass guitar. Only Gary Brooker - the singer/pianist is left from the original group. He also wrote the music for this song and is the guy on the far right in the photo you showed from 1967. As someone commented, the lead guitarist in 1967 was Robin Trower - who left soon after, but was the most “well known” person from the band. As several people said, the song uses imagery from Chaucer’s “The Miller’s Tale” to describe his feeling about a love affair that he just realized is over while sitting with a group of friends, including his girlfriend.. As I said in my other comment, it’s the “slow dance” nature of this song that is important- because it was one of the first songs of “our generation” that you could dance to like this - and therefore brings back a lot of memories for those of us from, say 55-75!
Love you and your reactions. Love Procol Harum. Love this song. Grew up with this song. At one point had memorized the words to this song. I also have no idea what it means either. :)
Gary Brooker was the singer in the band Procol Harum back in the 60s I saw him in concert at the outdoor Amphitheater at the Minnesota Zoo with Bill Wyman from the Rolling Stones
The orchestra and choir is The Danish National Orchestra (part of the Danish national television called DR), they do this every year with original gueststars
When it was released as a debut single in 1967 (obviously without the orchestra, but 'driven' by the sublime Hammond organ). It shot to no.1 in the record sales charts in at least 14 countries including the UK, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain and, of course, France! It is known to have been covered by more a thousand other artists and is officially the most broadcast record in the UK of the past 70 years!
I was in the same airport bar as him in London, 5ft away, and wanted to tell him how much I loved this song but I didn't want to disturb him as he was eating. Still the right decision, but sorrowful also.
I have loved this song since the 60’s, the orchestra and choir joining Procol Harum just makes the song mor beautiful. Gary Brooker was ahead of his time in rock.
I saw them live right after that song was released in 67. Gary's voice stayed the same all thru his career. Thats a very small crowd at that venue. The time I saw them there were 40k in attendance at least. Bands back then real raw talent and their musicianship was top notch. Bands these days can't hold a candle of This band and most any band form the 60s and 70s..
Procol Harum is a 5 member Rock/Pop Band of the 1960 with Gary Brooker - lead singer / pianist. Other band members as in 2018 were Matthew Fisher - keyboard, Marc Brzezicki - Drummer, Matthew Pegg - Bass guitar and Geoff Whitehorn - Guitarist. A few band members have changed over the years. A whiter shade of pale was their debut single released in 1967 and went straight to number 1 in the UK charts at the time. The song is believed to be about a drunken one night stand that went horribly wrong. Reference to the 'Miller' telling his tale is taken from Geoffry Chaucer's Canterbury Tales and gives us a subtle hint of what the song is all about. There is also a "missing" original section in the lyrics with speaks of a "mermaid" that took King Neptune for a ride. This can be heard in the other versions of the song. Yes there a quite a few. Fourteen years after Procol Harum had disbanded in 1977, the Band got back together again in 1991 because Gary Brooker had realised that there were many people out there who were still big fans of the group, and in particular the song A whiter shade of pale. The song celebrated it 50th Anniversary in 2017 with the release of a Studio remix. The decision to include an orchestra with the band was taken by Gary Brooker in 2006. It was intended to add to the rather "sombre" but beautiful musical arrangement that gave the song a sense of foreboding, but it is the strained vocals of Gary Brooker and the way that he delivers the story and the song to his audience that is powerful and emotional. Gary sings from his very soul as he tells us this story. There are many cover versions of the song and a few variations coming from the band itself. The song itself is Iconic. Sadly Gary Brooker lost his fight against Cancer and he died on 19th February 2022 aged 75.
Back in the rock and roll days, the bands didn't have orchestras backing them up. That was one of the times that it worked out nicely . A little trivia. After that song became a huge hit, the organ he was playing , a Hammond ( I can't remember the model# ) with the leslie speaker system, became very popular and worth a good bit more money.
Perdona que te escriba en español, pero hace un poco de tiempo que no te veía tus reacciones, eres única y sensible y me encanta tu selección, yo tendría sobre 10 años y me trasladas a tiempos más felices, gracias de todo corazón 🎶🌈💙
That's what I refer to as the "Beautiful torcher of translation". I mostly use [ Southern most USA] English and practically my native language now. But there is a lot of poetic nuances lost while learning a different language. But also something more often more appreciated than native speakers. It's so natural they (and myself as well at times) miss it entirely. Life is a giant learning curve. 😁
I was 12 in 1967 and the lead singer was an adult, that is over twenty so I calculate that he must be at least in his early to mid 60s here. Still in good voice. Everyone loved this song and I can still remember all the words.
That moment when you realize your grandparents were way cooler than you will ever be.
Exactly right!
Yep, we were!
I too remember this in the charts and the impact it made. Must be getting old.
You hit the nail on the head there, Barry! We were.
Yeah... you got it, my friend!!!
There has been 43 single records to physically sale 10,000,000 copies. This is one of them and they are in the ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME. Remember this song was released in 1967. 54 years ago. Still powerful.
Well one of my favourite bands are Queen - because they are brilliant musicians, composers, songwriters - and Freddie Mercury - but the musicians were forgotten. They still live on - thanks to their good music .- they can do everything - but of cause some don't like it - - really - - in secret??
Keith Reid, who wrote the lyrics has stated “I’d like the song to feel like a Dali painting looks. You know, clocks dissolving. You know fantastical things. You know the colors that somebody would use in a picture. You try to come up with that in words.”
Don't worry about not understanding the lyrics. No one understands them. The main thing is how the music flows and how it feels. By the way, I believe that Gary Brooker was 61 years old when this performance took place. He was little more than a kid when this song was originally recorded. I think he sang it better at age 61 than at age 21.
Took me many years to understand the story. I am a musician not lyricist. But finally listened very carefully ,+ got it. But with all due Respect people can take whatever it means to them ; home !
Hint : its a story about the story about what happened.
You are so correct and how did he do it better at 61? But he did.....amazing---Ahhhh- the 60's - what a decade for music-
gary was 71 when he did this, he died in February 2022.
Their is a story behind the lyrics.
@@uliwehner 61or 62 he was. In 2006. He was 76 when he passed away
These guys recorded this song like 50 years ago without the orchestra. It's still worth hearing. Never have I heard any song this produced this much. It was nothing short of magnificent.
What a timeless and beautiful song. I'm sure that people will still love this song in 100 years.💜🤍💜🤍 Thank you for the memory.
What I noticed more than anything was, the wonderful audience ,no shouting and screaming just total silence, and respect.
I must stop listening to it as I cry everytime.
Well it is music - not just rhythm -
This is one of those songs where you just don't need to understand what the lyrics are about. You just get to enjoy them. Yes, rock is both the "doo duh do" you air drummed, and it is soft ballads like this with many types in between. There are songs and artists that just do not fit into a specific category.
I think it actually gets worse if you realize what the lyrics are about. It's just about being drunk at a party with your rowdy mates and trying to get with some girl before she leaves with her friends.
But there's a bit of Bach and a Chaucer reference in it so that makes it sophisticated.
Right you are .Sometimes i prefer lyrics that i don't fully understand as it allows me to fill in the gaps with what i want it to be .Bob dylan was like this on many of his songs . He admitted in an interview that on some of his songs like desolation , row he didn't know where that song came from . i think a lot of the best music is like this . an artist seems to tap into a song that is waiting to be discovered in an un manifest state . all that is necessary is to tune into the right frequency and it begins to flow outward .
This is the music of my youth, I loved it.
One of THE quintessential rock songs on the '60s.
It reminds me of my youth!
Of all time!
Hands down one of my most favorite songs of all time and of the many versions they've done this one is at the top
"I really don't get the lyrics." Hey, you're not alone. Thousands of people have gone mad trying to figure them out. Just enjoy the music, and thank you for the beautiful reaction.
The lyrics relate to writings of a "Canterbury Tales". Middle English by Geoffrey Chaucer between 1387 and 1400.
@@mickgrace2558 Yes; it's betrayal, love gone wrong. This can be an epic-level, soul-stirring experience to anyone and he indulges it fully. Wonderful, deep, obscure and classical references throughout.
This is a timeless and very popular song, even today. The lyrics were a mystery in 1966 and still are today to my knowledge. Gary Brooker never explained them. The instrument you are so taken with is a Hammond B-3 two manual electric organ. Arguably the finest ever produced. I've owned and played one for nearly forty years, this is one of favorite pieces to play.
Listen to the original from '67 and you'll find that Gary Brooker's voice hasn't changed in 50 years. Another great song from this concert is Conquistador. Think you'll be amazed by it too.
❤️
And Salty Dog
Gary Brooker, the leader and singer songwriter for Harum is one of the best talents from the 60's with his thought provoking lyrics and music. I bought every one of his albums. My fav Album was "Shine On Brightly". And even today his voice still remains unchanged. Nice pick.. He recorded the song "Conquistador" in my home with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra in Canada.
❤️
Keith Reid wrote the lyrics, Gary created the music to go with them. Amazing team and entire band = astoundingly tight and good!
I lived in Edmonton: 10602 81st Ave. I had no idea of the connection to Conquistador! Thanks! They demolished that beautiful house 🥲
this song is from my era..... so iconic....you can look back at this like i looked at George Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue
Always loved this song but was never really sure what it was about until I got much older! "Conquistador" is another great song they did in 1971 or 72. Thanks Marie! Love your channel!
So now you know what it is about? Please tell me!
Bon Jour Marie ! The Intro ( Strings ) was played by a Baroque sounding Organ , Someone mentioned Bach Already and at your first go the Lyrics are kinda of difficult to understand , Music in the 60’s was unbelievably diverse that included flirting with Classical Music , to get some context on this performance I suggest to listen to the original along with Whaling Stories both original and from this Concert , By the Way regarding Classical Music and Rock you might want to listen to Nights in White Satin by The Moody Blues
Gary Brooker M.B.E - R.I.P. This is an absolutely perfect performance in every way possible. it cannot be topped.
Thank you Marie for listening to this song. It brought back so many good memories I had tears streaming down my face. Pretty strange for a 70 year old biker. Had this song on 8-track and listened to it all the time. Thanks again.
Great choice Marie. It's a beautiful song no matter which arrangement is used to perform it. So happy you are discovering so many different musical genres.
When this song was first heard on the "radio" everyone called everyone else to listen.
This was a game changer in our day.
Go back and find the full length version and absolutely immerse yourself.
Talk to your grandparents about their experience the first time👍
Was in HS 1967 when this was first released .. timeless classic
You might want to listen to a clip back in the day .. that was done 40 years ago from this presentation
Lead singer Gary Booker passed away in February 2022. There are old videos of Procol Harum on TH-cam c.1967. He was 21 or 22. Amazing voice even then. And he was a handsome kid. He was happily married for about 54 years. The songwriter with the band was a fan of Salvador Dali. He liked the idea of composing lyrics in the same way. He heard someone at a party comment that a guest was turning a whiter shade of pale.
There are more lyrics to this song. I found one rare clip of it on TH-cam with him singing it. If they’re performed in order, the story makes more sense.
I was about 9 when the song came out. Still makes me cry.
The meaning of the song is a love encounter gone wrong. The meaning is secondary to the performance of the song. Just listen and enjoy.
That's news to me .
Can't ask for much more than that. A Beautiful Lady, Reacting to a Beautiful Song. 👍
This is a perfect song. The weirdest thing about this performance is that Gary Brooker's voice is still really good. One of the best songs of all time.
It's often called one of the best songs of all time. There have been over 1,000 cover versions! Your dad will know it very well, I'm sure.
The lyrics are not easy to explain, even for a native English speaker, but basically it's about an encounter between a man and woman.
The melody is derived from a classic composition from Bach, so it is perfect for an orchestral accompanied performance.
Have always loved this song, stay safe, Marie 🌹.
I am sure a few of the orchestra members enjoyed this song in their younger days while enjoying things that were not 100% legal.
Air on a g string
Just love when youngins finally hear our music 🎶 😮
a very beautiful song which marked all its génération of hippies, you should listen to the version of the 60s.
Quite often a rock band brings out a ballad and it becomes a million seller, this is my favourite track and this is my most favourite performance, incredible ❤
Thank you for reacting to this masterpiece. If you like Procol Harum, other songs of theirs you might like are Homburg, A Salty Dog, and Conquistador. Thank you reaction.
❤️
Thanks for this one. Brings back high school memories.
Love your channel!
Thank you for playing this song. I’m from Nova Scotia Canada and I grew up listening to this song in the 70s.
It still gives me chills to this day at the age of 63.
RIP Artist Gary Brooker Feb 2022.
I'm native English speaker. I could not understand many of the words he was singing. One of my favorite all time songs. Even tho it always induces a since of melancholia. I'm too old to be hitting on you, so I will say you have the prettiest eyes. If your Dad hasn't said it, I bet he's thought it.
I can't understand you not understanding the words, not understanding the lyrics is another thing. The lyrics are allusive and somewhat metaphorical in the style of Jonathan Swift and Lewis Carroll - see also Jefferson Airplane's White Rabbit.
@@vtbn53 You misunderstood. I have heard that song many times before where the individual words were distinct. The singer this time, or the sound engineer this time, or both, did a poor job. This is one of my all time fave songs.
@@carlopton In that case I would go and get your hearing checking, as I am 67 and heard him perfectly.
@@vtbn53 Nice. Thank you.
@@carlopton Bollocks.
He was 61 when he gave this performance. Still knocked it out of the park.
This is an all time classic, no matter how old you are, it's musical culture, it's that simple.
It's great seeing young people reacting to music that i heard in my youth. Music is like a river it's constantly moving on like the river of life, but occasionally you get a song that resists the flow of the time and picks up new fans along the way. The music is based on Barch's air on a g string and the lerics is based on the miller's tale taken from the Canterbury Tales by Jeffrey Chaulser
Very good choice to react to, this has been one of my favorites since it came out in '67.
He was 23 years old 1967. Listen to the record too.❤️
Thank you for sharing another great reaction, it was beautiful.
This is a beautiful song. It came out in the later sixties when I was in the 8 th grade. It immediately takes me back to that time and a middle school crush that I had on a cute blonde. It is timeless and will always take me back to that era.
Gary Brooker...one of the greatest voices ...ever
We had to figure out the words from the radio!
Til we got the album! Love you and your reactions! Big fan! Look back! Go deep!
I've been listening to this song for many years and I still don't know what it means, but it's so beautiful I don't even care! lol
the band didn't know what it means :)
@@cthomish The words are 'surreal' -- they are not meant to give you a direct story . They are usually from the subconscious mind .
Loved your reaction to this classic rock anthem! I never tire of this great 1967 hit! You are probably a great person to have a drink with and chat about memorable rock music!
One of my favorite classic songs from the 60's.
Gary Brooker the Piano Player and Vocalist is the only Original member of the Group! "Procol Harum" is Latin for "Beyond These Things"! Gary's cat a Siamese was the Group's name inspiration! Their name was "The Paramounts" until 1967.
This is a beautiful timeless song!
Sweet reaction, Marie!
I loved those first moments while you were trying to figure out how this related to "Rock and Roll". The expressions on your face were amazing! Great reaction!
So cute, you are so young and everything is still new to you.
Nice of you to react to this 1967 song. I was in college at the time and never knew much about the singers although it was one my favorites. I was very busy. This was dance music. Slow dance music. All of those old couple sitting there once danced to this music and probably still do. It may very well have been this song that first brought them together - love at first sight (or touch) you know. Thanks.
Nice! Procol Harum was popular at the end of the 60’s and beginning of the 70’s. The most famous person to come out of this band was Robin Trower who went on to have a very successful solo career as a hard rocker. He is still around and in his 70’s. You should react to Bridge of Sighs or Too Rolling Stoned by Robin Trower.
❤️
Early Procol Harum ( 'beyond these things' in Latin - miss-spelled actually) - was a unique mixture of Bach / rock / surrealism / and blues - especially Robin Trower's contribution . He was not on the original recording of 'Whiter Shade of Pale ' -- but was on their first album .
Whiter Shade of Pale that's Gary Brooker on the piano from Procol Harum back in 1967
This song came out in ‘67 and caught my attention when it did.
Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, "The Miller's Tale" seems to be the image behind the song. I have always loved it.
I saw Gary Brooker at outdoor Amphitheater with Bill Wyman from the Rolling Stones and other musicians beautiful concert
Love you Marie! Blessings!
Their music is mainly based on both classical music and blues. They also have good rock songs. Great band, great singer, great text writer. Thanks Marie and warm regards from the Netherlands!
The Danish Symphony Orchestra introduces one of the most iconic songs of 1967. Musically, the arranger has made the brilliant choice of placing the melody in the minor key. This instantly conveys a wistful and nostalgic emotion to the listener. Then, just before Brooker's vocal entry, a lovely Tierce de Picardie signals a change in mood. Also, the live mix by the audio engineers of a full orchestra, choir, piano, B3 organ, guitars, bass, drums and vocal is absolutely stunning!
HELLO0O0O0 miss Marie!
👍another awesome video!! I was born in 1966 growing up through the 70's and 80's I also listened to music of the 60's....🤗🤗
Keep smiling and be safe angel eyes!!
I googled the song with the lyrics showing. The melody is hauntingly beautiful and beautifully sung.
Went to one of their concerts in 1968, and Whiter Shade of Pale is still very striking.
This performance in '06 is 40 yrs from it's release, he's about 65 here I believe...and still kills it today. I believe the intro is Moonlight Sonata, not part of original. I assure you, most people don't get the lyrics either, matters not...he's selling intensity and it's what you want it to be. Nice job!
Great song! Great reaction! I like most music, except for rap but I love classical music and my favorite instrument is the cello. I could listen to it all day long. Hugs from Idaho!
My brother and I loved this song all of our lives, but it was one of his Top 3. When he died at the very young age of 42 (7 years ago) when we played this at his wake it struck me that this song can bring a tear of sadness to your eye as you smile so happily. It haunts you to your bones as it lifts you on angels wings... The lyrics are not meant to tell any one story, it is meant to encompass the entirety of the "human experience"...
Yes Marie, you want to start to understand the 60s? The turmoil, the counter-culture, the vibe? This song embodies the aura of that incredible era. Iconic. Legendary. Beautiful.
Usually, a piece of music in its original version is the best thing you can hear. I have known this piece since it was released in 1967, it has accompanied me all my life. Here Gary Brooker has managed to interpret A Whiter Shade Of Pale even better than he did in 1967. Unfortunately, he has already passed away. R.I.P. Gary
The original version in 1967 had 4 verses. Because the song was much longer than usual at over 4 minutes, two verses were left out. Keith Reid said: "No problem, it works just like that." But with verses 3 and 4, things become clearer.
Here are all four verses:
We skipped the light fandango
turned cartwheels 'cross the floor
I was feeling kinda seasick
but the crowd called out for more
The room was humming harder
as the ceiling flew away
When we called out for another drink
the waiter brought a tray
And so it was that later
as the miller told his tale
that her face, at first just ghostly,
turned a whiter shade of pale.
She said: "There is no reason
and the truth is plain to see."
But I wandered trough my playing cards
and would not let her be
one of sixteen virgins
who were leaving for the coast
and although my eyes were open
they might have have just as well been closed
And so it was that later
as the miller told his tale
that her face, at first just ghostly,
turned a whiter shade of pale.
She said: "I'm home on shore leave"
Though in truth we were at sea
So I took her by the looking glass
and forced her to agree
saying: "You must be the mermaid
Who took Neptune for a ride."
But she smiled at me so sadly
that my anger straightway died
And so it was that later
as the miller told his tale
that her face, at first just ghostly,
turned a whiter shade of pale.
If music be the feed of love
the laughter is its queen
and likewise is behind is in front
then dirt in truth is clean
My mouth by then like cardboard
seemed to slip straight through my head
So we crash-dived straightway quickly
and attacked the ocean bed.
And so it was that later
as the miller told his tale
that her face, at first just ghostly,
turned a whiter shade of pale.
What an incredible performance - Gary Brooker still doing it.
Hi again Marie!
To answer your questions : always were 5 members in band : Singer/pianist , organist, drummer, lead guitar and bass guitar. Only Gary Brooker - the singer/pianist is left from the original group. He also wrote the music for this song and is the guy on the far right in the photo you showed from 1967. As someone commented, the lead guitarist in 1967 was Robin Trower - who left soon after, but was the most “well known” person from the band. As several people said, the song uses imagery from Chaucer’s “The Miller’s Tale” to describe his feeling about a love affair that he just realized is over while sitting with a group of friends, including his girlfriend.. As I said in my other comment, it’s the “slow dance” nature of this song that is important- because it was one of the first songs of “our generation” that you could dance to like this - and therefore brings back a lot of memories for those of us from, say 55-75!
Beautiful reaction, subscribing now!
Love you and your reactions. Love Procol Harum. Love this song. Grew up with this song. At one point had memorized the words to this song. I also have no idea what it means either. :)
There's something undeniably and irresistably cool about that old feller. I could watch him sing for hours.
ขนลุก น้ำตาไหล วันเวลาช่างผ่านไปเร็วจริง นี่คือเพลงโปรดของผมฟังตั้งแต่เด็กยันแก่❤❤❤
A good, heart-felt reaction video. Your passion is "wow."
There were 5 members: piano, organ, drums, and 2 guitar players.
Btw the message of the song is 🤷♀️🤷♀️🤷♀️😁❤️
Awesome love to see you smile you light up the room.
Yes this is procol harum. Awesome Marie love your reaction to this band
❤ He's been practicing that song for over 50 years singing that song.
R.I.P.
Gary Brooker was the singer in the band Procol Harum back in the 60s I saw him in concert at the outdoor Amphitheater at the Minnesota Zoo with Bill Wyman from the Rolling Stones
That's a Hammond B3 organ with Leslie speakers that had spinning horns. Totally unique sound.
The orchestra and choir is The Danish National Orchestra (part of the Danish national television called DR), they do this every year with original gueststars
When it was released as a debut single in 1967 (obviously without the orchestra, but 'driven' by the sublime Hammond organ). It shot to no.1 in the record sales charts in at least 14 countries including the UK, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain and, of course, France! It is known to have been covered by more a thousand other artists and is officially the most broadcast record in the UK of the past 70 years!
This was released when I was a ki. I am now 70 years old. I have heard this live twice in my life. John
I was in the same airport bar as him in London, 5ft away, and wanted to tell him how much I loved this song but I didn't want to disturb him as he was eating. Still the right decision, but sorrowful also.
I have loved this song since the 60’s, the orchestra and choir joining Procol Harum just makes the song mor beautiful. Gary Brooker was ahead of his time in rock.
I saw them live right after that song was released in 67. Gary's voice stayed the same all thru his career.
Thats a very small crowd at that venue. The time I saw them there were 40k in attendance at least.
Bands back then real raw talent and their musicianship was top notch.
Bands these days can't hold a candle of This band and most any band form the 60s and 70s..
I was very fortunate, my wife and I saw Procol Harum live many years ago.
He was about 60 in this performance... Blessed with such pipes
I love this song my French beauty!
A Hymn to my Nostalgia.
Just imagine the process in the work just to put all this together
Procol Harum is a 5 member Rock/Pop Band of the 1960 with Gary Brooker - lead singer / pianist. Other band members as in 2018 were Matthew Fisher - keyboard, Marc Brzezicki - Drummer, Matthew Pegg - Bass guitar and Geoff Whitehorn - Guitarist. A few band members have changed over the years. A whiter shade of pale was their debut single released in 1967 and went straight to number 1 in the UK charts at the time. The song is believed to be about a drunken one night stand that went horribly wrong. Reference to the 'Miller' telling his tale is taken from Geoffry Chaucer's Canterbury Tales and gives us a subtle hint of what the song is all about. There is also a "missing" original section in the lyrics with speaks of a "mermaid" that took King Neptune for a ride. This can be heard in the other versions of the song. Yes there a quite a few. Fourteen years after Procol Harum had disbanded in 1977, the Band got back together again in 1991 because Gary Brooker had realised that there were many people out there who were still big fans of the group, and in particular the song A whiter shade of pale. The song celebrated it 50th Anniversary in 2017 with the release of a Studio remix. The decision to include an orchestra with the band was taken by Gary Brooker in 2006. It was intended to add to the rather "sombre" but beautiful musical arrangement that gave the song a sense of foreboding, but it is the strained vocals of Gary Brooker and the way that he delivers the story and the song to his audience that is powerful and emotional. Gary sings from his very soul as he tells us this story. There are many cover versions of the song and a few variations coming from the band itself. The song itself is Iconic. Sadly Gary Brooker lost his fight against Cancer and he died on 19th February 2022 aged 75.
Great review! From your friendly Australian living in the US :)
Back in the rock and roll days, the bands didn't have orchestras backing them up. That was one of the times that it worked out nicely . A little trivia. After that song became a huge hit, the organ he was playing , a Hammond ( I can't remember the model# ) with the leslie speaker system, became very popular and worth a good bit more money.
Perdona que te escriba en español, pero hace un poco de tiempo que no te veía tus reacciones, eres única y sensible y me encanta tu selección, yo tendría sobre 10 años y me trasladas a tiempos más felices, gracias de todo corazón 🎶🌈💙
That's what I refer to as the "Beautiful torcher of translation".
I mostly use [ Southern most USA] English and practically my native language now.
But there is a lot of poetic nuances lost while learning a different language.
But also something more often more appreciated than native speakers.
It's so natural they (and myself as well at times) miss it entirely.
Life is a giant learning curve. 😁
I was born in 1967 this song is beautifully haunting. My mother played and had a great genre of music.
I was 12 in 1967 and the lead singer was an adult, that is over twenty so I calculate that he must be at least in his early to mid 60s here. Still in good voice. Everyone loved this song and I can still remember all the words.