Something Magic [Original recording remastered]

With their record sales in decline, and no hit singles in several years either, Procol Harum entered the studio to record their "make it or break it" tenth album, 1977's "Something Magic." Onboard was new keyboardist Pete Solley, while former keyboardist Chris Copping moved over to play bass, replacing Alan Cartwright. "Something Magic" is easily Harum's most controversial album, primarily for the 18 1/2-minute epic, "The Worm & The Tree," which takes up the second-half of the album, and was roundly criticized at the time as being pretentious. However, I say the controversy has been completely blown out of proportion. "Something Magic," although not the greatest record Procol Harum ever made, is a very excellent album. Bad? Not at all. Gary Brooker & company, in my opinion, have *never* recorded a bad album, and "Something Magic" is no exception. The title song, "Wizard Man," and "Mark Of The Claw" are all first-rate Harum pop-rockers, "Skating On Thin Ice" is the track that mostly resembles classic Harum of old, and it's great. And "Strangers In Space," with it's hypnotic, ethereal feel, is very beautiful stuff.And "The Worm & The Tree"? Granted, I can understand why this epic piece, structured like a children's rhyme set to music, with Brooker *speaking* all of the lyrics instead of singing them, probably wouldn't work as a live number. But, as a studio creation, I think "The Worm & The Tree" works just fine. The music is wonderful (including some excellent orchestral arrangements), the band's performance is strong, and Brooker's narration is quite good (even when he's not singing, Gary Brooker has a great voice!). And the story itself, written by band lyricist Keith Reid, is a very good allegorical tale about life, death, and re-birth. Pretentious or not, I like "The Worm & The Tree." And I like the whole album, too.Deciding that they'd finally run out of steam as a band, Procol Harum disbanded following the tour for "Something Magic," and Gary Brooker went on to a short-lived solo career, releasing three albums on his own. But, like in the tale of "The Worm & The Tree," Procol Harum was NOT gone for good. 14 years later, Harum were re-born with their fantastic comeback album, 1991's "The Prodigal Stranger." But "Something Magic," despite the poor sales, was a great album for Harum to end their first phase of work together. It's also a fond farewell to the band's late, great drummer, B.J. Wilson, who made his final appearance with the band on this release (he passed away in 1989). "Something Magic" is an excellent Procol Harum album, "Worm" and all.

I bought this years ago when it first came out on vinyl, hoping it would be an improvement over it's very uneven predecessor, Procol's Ninth. I was appalled at the musical stench that arose from the grooves of the album as it played. The Worm and the Tree was the worst; it was a sad swan song for the most intellectual song writing duo of the 60s/70s and for the band that gave voice to their creative vision. The words and music reeked of creative and spiritual exhaustion.
In the last couple of years, I have rediscovered my old love for the music of Procol Harum and have been building a CD library that includes many recordings that were not readily available in the days of the LP. Recently, I decided to give Something Magic another shot and so ordered this remastered reissue.
Repertoire Records has done a fine job presenting this recording in the most attractive light possible. Included with the CD is an informative and well-written booklet that gives the listener an idea as to why Procol Harum was on the rocks at this time.
Now that I have revisited the album and have listened with new ears, I find that it has risen in my esteem. Gary Brooker and Keith Reid were still a formidable songwriting team. Just read the lyrics of the first four songs and listen to the musical arrangements on them. They scream classic Procol Harum. Even The Mark of the Claw, the music for which was written by Mick Grabham, is Brookeresque in its sound.
The Worm and the Tree remains problematic. The music, particularly in part one is often gorgeous and dreamy. The lyrics on the other hand, though they are meant to be allegorical, are often maudlin and jejune. As for the final two "bonus" cuts, they are OK, but rather disposable and not worthy of the Procol Harum I knew.
Though this album may not delight everyone, those who are Procol Harum fans should own it to remind themselves that even at their nadir, this was (and is again) a very good band. On the strength of the first four songs and select parts of the infamous Worm and the Tree, this CD rates a solid three.

I enjoyed this album. It features organist Pete Solley on a Yamaha of all things, replacing Chris Copping's Hammond. While the Yamaha can imitate the Hammond, it adds a new dimension of the synthsizer, which was emerging technology in the 70s. This album includes the obligatory Procal 3/4 waltz, with BJ Wilson's outstanding, explosive drumming. While many have panned the song/poem "the Worm & the Tree", I feel the piece has withstood the test of time. It's composition is sophisticated, well executed and spans many musical styles. Recited or sung, the piece has merit, especially when put in the context of 1977. I recommend this album. It is Procal Harums 10th and final effort (if you don't count the re-union albums of the 1990s) and is worth a listen.

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