Procol Harum – Exotic Birds and Fruit (1974)

For most people, Procol Harum is a one hit wonder. Their song Whiter Shade of Pale was a massive hit, but not many people know any other songs, let alone albums, by them. This would've been the case for me as well, unless I hadn't gotten my hands on this album from my grandma's place. I don't know who originally owned this album, but I think it might've been one of my uncles. Nevertheless, I got quite a few vinyl albums from there that were just laying there un-used. Exotic Birds and Fruit is the seventh album by Procol Harum. The band is normally called progressive rock, but I feel like there are also some heavy baroque pop influences in the music, which makes the album sound a bit more modern than most prog rock albums of the time. There are quite a few similarities to more modern indie pop bands in the sounds.



I got this album only a bit before I moved to London, which means that I haven't listened to it much. When I started listening to it for this blog, it was quite a surprise how much I enjoyed this album. The melodies remind me of Elton John or even some later Beach Boys. I had never thought that much about Procol Harum based on Whiter Shade of Pale. I mean, it's an okay hit song, but I wasn't expecting to enjoy rest of their repertoire.

The album starts with power poppy rock song Nothing But the Truth. It reminds me of some Electric Light Orchestra songs, but there are some elements that make me think of glam rock that was really popular at the time. Beyond the Pale is one of the best songs on the album. I don't know if it's a reference to Whiter Shade of Pale, but at least it's a completely different kind of song. It has this amazing rhythmic beat along with innovative melodies. The thing I like the most is the sounds though. Saloon style piano that's slightly off-key gives this song really nice edge. As Strong As Sampson is perhaps a bit more traditional prog rock song with quite cheesy echo in the sounds. There's definite feel of 70s in this song. The Idol is another excellent song. It uses melodic, almost musical style, pianos and bouncy bass lines that give that sense of baroque pop that is seminal to bands like The Zombies or Beach Boys. The Thin Edge of the Wedge is a proper prog rock song with crazy melody that reminds me of some Frank Zappa or Captain Beefheart songs. Monsieur R Monde takes a more direct rock approach, which is good for the attitude, but at the same time, the composition is a bit boring. Fresh Fruit is a strange song compared to the rest of the album. It has that kind of children's music style that was used on Sgt. Pepper's or Yellow Submarine by the Beatles, but of course in 74 this would've already sounded a bit old fashioned. Butterfly Boys has some excellent rock pianos and fast tempo rock n' roll. There's a good groove, but the composition is not that great. The album ends with a calmer song New Lamps for Old, which sounds most like Whiter Shade of Pale because of the organ sounds.

It's quite interesting to find these albums that history has forgotten. Apparently the album got good reviews back in the day, but it wasn't much of a success. If I'm right, I think it has something to do with this kind of music being a bit out of style in 1974. Then again, when it comes to sounds, this album sounds quite fresh and it doesn't sound too old even from today's perspective. I guess music comes in waves and this style was a bit out of style when it came out.

Like I said, I haven't listened to this album that much, but I was pleasantly surprised that I liked it more than I thought I would. If I get my records from Finland at some point, I'm sure I will listen to this every once in a while.

Listen to the album on Spotify.