A Whiter Shade Of Pale (1967 16mm Scopitone conversion 4 min)

americandigest. ^

[virgil283]

Procol Harum performing A Whiter Shade of Pale.. the 1967 version.... This is the original 16mm Scopitone conversion, from the 'summer of love' 1967 hit record. Vocals and piano played by Gary Brooker, Matthew Fisher played the Hammond organ, and these original lyrics were written by Keith Reid...[H/T maggiesfarm]

[Jaxter]

Bump.

[Fiji Hill]

the last two verses of the song were trimmed off to make it short enough for radio play back “in the day”.

Not an uncommon thing back then, as a song had to be short enough to fit on a 45 if you wanted the radio station to play it.

They did that to "Surfer Joe" by the Surfaris. I never understood why the song ended with "Poor Joe," which doesn't jive with the lyrics, until I heard the full, uncut version about 10 years ago. Here it is:

Surfer Joe--The Surfaris (1963)

[Fiji Hill]

Not exactly the same thing now, is it?

Kind of like these Eagles versus these Eagles.

[Jet Jaguar]

Beautiful versions. Both of them.

Thanks.

[Fiji Hill]

I don't think anyone has posted Procol Harum's Homburg yet. It got some airplay on Boss Radio 93 KHJ in the early fall of 1967.

[Revolting cat!]

whoda thought a post about Procol Harum would start an argument over Guy Lombardo

That's what happens when people get attached to the pop music that played when they were 19, and then for the rest of their lives insist on claiming that it's the best in history, that Elvis will live forever, and the Beatles will never be forgotten. Well, let me tell you pop confection fans, Rudy Vallee was supposed to live forever too! Oh, and while we're at it, here's a free investment tip: don't put good money in buying the publishing rights to the Beatles songs - their value diminishes every year.

[informavoracious]

Interesting tune. However, the lyrics don’t make sense.

They might if you're high.

[deadmenvote]

ping for later listening

[Dr.Deth]

In Held 'Twas In I got airplay when the DJ needed a bathroom break.

[Fiji Hill]

You had all the fun!

[Liberty Valance]

bump

[poobear]

Hey, this mid 50’s chick will join you for that concert. To hell with the spouse! :)

[St_Thomas_Aquinas]

-— Got 2 tickets to see the Moody Blues this fall, don’t know who I’ll share the 2nd ticket with... ——

I’ve seen them three times in the last 6 years. They’re still fabulous, and they put on a great show. My teenaged daughters went to one show, and enjoyed it.

Their music holds up very well, unlike a lot of 60s music.

________

Oh yeah, and I will take the live version of Conquistador any day. Crank it!

[Fiji Hill]

That's what happens when people get attached to the pop music that played when they were 19, and then for the rest of their lives insist on claiming that it's the best in history, that Elvis will live forever, and the Beatles will never be forgotten.

That may be true with Elvis and the Beatles. I have yet to meet a teenager who doesn't know who they were.

[Fiji Hill]

Hugh Hewitt is a big fan of “Conquistador.” He once recited its lyrics on his radio show.

[St_Thomas_Aquinas]

Cool! You got me to read the lyrics. I love the drums on the live version.

[Fiji Hill]

I have always wondered how and where the conquistador died. “The sea has washed across your face” indicates that the action takes place on a seacoast. Perhaps he was killed while fighting English pirates in Panama, Dutch raiders in Mexico or Cuba, or Muslims in North Africa.