The original has one of the greatest keyboard sounds in rock music but the 2nd version with the full orchestra was so amazing, even more surprising is how well his voice has held up over the years.
@@zorrozorro42Well The Moody Blues would have been a much shorter reach than going all the way to folk rock, but The Sound of Silence certainly shares the same air.
John Lennon used to drive around in his psychedelic-colored Rolls Royce (where he had a turntable installed) and blasted out this song over and over. Love it. 1967 That second clip is outstanding....he has lost NOTHING in his vocal quality.
You have just listened to one of the most magical moving pieces of music ever written I am over seventy years old and listened.to this hundreds of times over the years and love it more each time its played its like a wonderful musical drug in my day their was a lot of serious talent about but this was a stand out I'm so lucky goes without saying I love all forms of music
I love the way the song refuses to speed up. It refuses to fill in the gaps. It just holds a steady course, allowing the gorgeous melody to unfold and those haunting lyrics, supported by that classic Hammond organ to weave its spell. Wonderful.
Agreed! The only other performer I can think of that also applies to is Billy Joel. He is phenomenal in concert, his voice even better than it was at his peak.
Tom Johnston of Doobie Brothers is pretty great too. Its kinda ironic that he wasn't well enough to continue with the Doobies when he was younger but now his age isnt keeping him back. Michael McDonald... not so much.
The version without words was played as my wife walked down the aisle at our wedding. My mum didn't believe me when I told her we were having this played. And it will be played when its my time to go. Words cannot express how much I love this song.
One of my favorite songs since I first heard it in 67! Then I came across the live from Denmark version a few months ago. So beautiful! Gary's voice is even better with age! Love your reaction!
I'm sure someone has already commented on this, but two points: 1) The music is based on Bach's Air (On A G String) BWV 1068, 2nd movement. I'm surprised Kel didn't pick up on that. 2) The chorus's lyrics refers to someone reading aloud Chaucer's Miller's Tale (from the Canterbury Tales) which is a bawdy, gross, hilarious story. As the story progresses it goes from bawdy to just plain gross but hilarious if you're a 14 year old boy. Thus the line : "That her face, at first just ghostly
Thank God (And I'm an atheist). OK. Falling bass lines aren't all owned by Bach, but most of them are. (Looking at you Jack Bruce) And Chaucer. Nuff said. And SoloGuitar, you are the first to pick up on it
And remember, this is only the first half of the song! There are two more verses. The original release was just these two, as the total time (for these two verses & chorus) was slightly over 4 minutes in length-pushing the limits of playability on am radio!
"Hi, Rich and Kel... I'm crying liters here. What a wonderful moment! My order has been placed. This is one of my earliest songs, of all time, and is included in my top 10 of the greatest classics of all. Thank you for making my night memorable. Hugs from here in Brazil. "- M.S.C.
I have never heard that second version before, but while the first is of course a classic, this orchestrated version really ruled not just because it was orchestrated, it was also because it is live and his singing was just sublime.
First of all, what a surprise for me - I'm 65. I've heard that song hundreds of times. I have, until just now, only heard the version that fades out, not this full version. About the live version; imagine being Gary Booker. After all those years, singing your hit with that orchestra. He must have loved it!
Oh...my...WORD!!! I've never heard/seen that 2nd video. I am awestruck. That took an already gorgeous song and elevated to the heavens! Thank you so much for sharing that. And thanks to Taun for confirming my "Canterbury Tales" suspicions for this song.
Oh my god. That last version really was blowing my mind.😍🤗💪🤘👏 Thank you so much #Rich. I'm a fan of Procol Harem and even didn't know of this version. Gary Brooker is one of that special breath of singers who still has a strong voice at his senior age. Shame on me I didn't know this version. Again, thank you very much for placing this on you channel.
I definitely liked the live version with the orchestra in the background It made an already epic song from the late 60's Even more epic than it already was
His voice matured majesticly, If you haven't done it you should liste the whole concert. I wish I'd been there. This is absolutly spot on. Great singer, great band an great orchestra.
FINALLY !!!!! Thank you thank you thank you !!!!! Love how you set up the live version with the studio !!! Gary Booker is like a fine wine that gets better with age. I recommend doing the same with "Conquistador", "A salty dog" and "The Grand Hotel", all three performed live in the same concert. Thanks again !!! ( I KNEW that live version would touch Kel's soul ).......
My daughter and I danced to this song at her wedding in 2004. We used to dance in the kitchen while I was packing my lunch for work with her standing on my feet as we moved around the room when she was 7 or 8. Definitely a lot of memories of simpler times.
The story I heard was that the song was about an epiphany, at a party, sitting at a table full of friends, across from his girlfriend- thinking she was in love with him and trying to talk her out of leaving for a college far away. Everyone else, including her, was having a bawdy time... and he gradually realizing he had already lost her. She was only seeing her future... while he was seeing the ghost of what they had been, growing paler as the night wore on.
The reality is that this song was written based on the Canterbury Tales by Chaucer . In the story the 4 main characters are sitting around a table in a inn telling story's. When it was the millers turn his story was so shocking that a young lady (with pale skin) listening turned even paler.
According to Wikipedia, Keith Reid, who wrote the lyrics, when asked about the song in an interview, would not be drawn other than to say it is a story of "boy loses girl". Gary Brooker who wrote the music said the mood of the song is significant, not the story. So anything else is just speculation and boy there has been plenty of that. Just enjoy that folks. I think this performance in Denmark, when Gary was 61, is one of the finest I have ever seen.
...this song has accompanied me through my whole life. "A Whiter Shade of Pale," "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye, "Nights in White Satin" by the Moody Blues - these three songs have shaped my life and my musical taste. Today I'm 70 years old, I enjoy the old songs (but also the new ones) - back in 1967 I was a young guy who loved music and danced the night away. With this song I met my first great love, lost her again with much heartache... man, those were the times...
Oh, it's over so soon? lol I could listen to this for hours and hours. Understand the orchestra played the same melody over and over and you never get bored. You want it to keep coming, and coming. Gary's voice? Impossible to use words to describe it. You can only feel it and smile.
Full lyrics: 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 through my playing cards And would not let her be One of sixteen vestal virgins Who were leaving for the coast And although my eyes were open They might have just as wellve been closed She said, Im 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 If music be the food of love Then laughter is its queen And likewise if 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
Thank you, David, so much. What an incredible performance, soup to nuts! Is there something I can give to you, a gift? Yes, there is. David, please listen to someone with the name Angelina Jordan sing her version of Bohemian Rhapsody on AGT/The Champions. I will not give you any further information. Enjoy.
I graduated from HS in 1971. For our senior prom, we selected four ballads from each of our four years of high school as feature slow dances. This was one of them and it was my favorite of all songs. Check out "Conquistador' with the Edmonton Alberta orchestra recording. Kel will love that one
I really enjoy listening to your channel. I love Rich's taste in music, a lot of really wonderful songs. Kel's reactions, from laughing to crying. And then you have his reactions, to her reactions.
Rich, Procol Harum was the beginning of prog. I was a sheltered classical pianist not permitted to listen to rock and roll, too. But I rebelled, and listened outside the home, taught myself guitar, and played professionally for 20 years. Please let Kel hear Procol Harum's "A Salty Dog". It will give her an even greater appreciation of them. It is brilliant, especially from 1969. Then let her hear it with an orchestra. There are many wonderful recordings of it. She'll love you even more for it. Peace, love, music. Michael
Thanks for that reaction! And thanks further for that bonus live version - had never heard that one, and it was pure splendor! It actually brought a tear to my eye. The orchestral treatment was amazing, vocals just as good as original, and when the organ kicks in...just wow! (I'm a sucker for keyboards). There is a peaceful serenity with this song that just transcends time. My morning has been made!
I’m a 60’s survivor and the original song was so cool when it came out that all of the people just knew it would be something special for ever. That orchestra version was done perfect and it affected me like it did Kel. You guys really need to get into #UriahHeep “Circle of hands” and “July Morning “. Or the entire Demons and Wizards album. They had a revolving door with lead singers and the best bass guitar player in any genre. (Gary Thain) He pretty much played lead guitar in the back ground with his bass. You won’t be disappointed with Heep. I like how you both react to great music, keep having fun.
Procal Harum "Conquistador" live 1972 with orchestra. Love it. The original version of Whiter fades out at the end. The organ was based on a Bach piece and was wonderfully used in a scene in a church in The Commitments (1991). Like the Grateful Dead, PH writes the music and the have a poet write their lyrics. These allied also to The Canterbury Tales.
I'm quite certain those of an age quite lesser than ours have even heard of "The Canterbury Tales" much less read any of it's passages. Good catch, thanks for noting that and enlightening my mind.
I was 9 when this came out - part of the soundtrack of my life. I feel privileged to have grown up with the Beatles, Stones, Who and songs like this. The youth of today are being robbed.
Im 20 right now. Growing up, i had no mainstream artists that wrote and performed true music. My grandad who just passed away at 69, showed me all the music and clothes of the 60s/70s, and i grew up like him instead.
I once attended a church with an organist who sometimes tucked in a bit of rock/pop music here & there. On more than one occasion, he played a very stately rendition of "Whiter Shade of Pale" while the offering was being collected!
One of my all-time favorite songs from the beginnings of prog rock! I'd never heard the orchestral version but it gave me good bumps!!!! Thanks so much for this!
A few facts. This was hosted by DR, Danish first national TV station, going back to 1925ish. DR stands for Danmarks Radio. They have their own orchestra, which is also the national symphony orchestra, and the choir is also part of the radio- and TV station, DR. This was just one of many concerts, but they thought this as so great, that they asked Procol Harum, to make a DVD out of the concert. This took a while, so the DVD only came out 3 years later, in 2009. The orchestra, or rather the music department of DR, also has a RUclips channel, called DR Koncerthuset. It's pretty popular. Their most popular recording, is "The Good, the bad and the ugly", which has over a hundred million views. It is well worth a watch, and also reaction. Maybe a hundred million views doesn't sound like a lot, but for an orchestral peace, it's quite a lot.
Certainly one of greatest songs of the sixties, and almost certainly up there as one of the best songs of all time. This was my mother's boyfriend's favourite song of all time.
Robin Trower was a member of this band but at times you wouldn't know it, i.e., this song. Gary Brooker was the founder, keyboard player and vocalist so I guess he called the shots.
When I was a kid in the late '60's, I remember they used to play the organ solo from Whiter Shade of Pale on the tv when the test pattern would interrupt programming. I still think of these times and running off to play with my hotwheels when the programming went down, every time I hear this song.
Christopher Pardell said below about this song: The story I heard was that the song was about an epiphany, at a party, sitting at a table full of friends, across from his girlfriend- thinking she was in love with him and trying to talk her out of leaving for a college far away. Everyone else, including her, was having a bawdy time... and he gradually realizing he had already lost her. She was only seeing her future... while he was seeing the ghost of what they had been, growing paler as the night wore on.
"Strawberry Fields", "White Rabbit", "Season of the Witch", the time period was deep magic and if you weren't there, "You know something's happening, but you don't know what it is, do you, Mr. Jones." - Bob Dylan
Kels reaction was so moving you are my kind of people.this music is pure genius Gary Brookers voice is incredible I'm seventy two and listened.to this hundreds of times over the years love it more each time its a musical drug what the hell
One of my favourite songs of all time. Absolutely love the melancholy of the organ. A gem! For some reason I always get emotional by this one. "Homburg" is a great one of them aswell. And in comparison,... nothing beats that original organ.
Rich- Awesome that you did both versions! Definitely Gary Brooker!. Kel- Your reaction was classic! Absolutely wonderful to see how much you enjoyed the LIVE Denmark performance. One of the best ever!!!
Oh thank you for reacting to one of the most beautiful and iconic songs of the sixties. This has always been one of my favorite songs from my childhood. I love the orchestral version because the sound is so much fuller and richer.
This was one of my oldest friend's favorite songs. When he died his daughter sang it at his memorial service.She started and couldn't finish so we all sang it for her and for him. Needless to say we were all crying.
This was my high school slow dance go-to. (Class of 76) But remember, this was the era when the couple stayed glued together like sucker fish. It was a make-out and sway song on 4 feet.
For some reason my brain ,which I'm kinda stuck with, always associates this song with Moody Blues- Nights in White Satin and vice versa, kudos on the second version Back again, see ye've reacted to that a couple of days ago, excellent👍
One of the legendary stories about this song is when it was released John Lennon drove around London in his Rolls-Royce listening to it over and over again
To describe this song, it was during the Viet Nam war. They sang about beauty and peace. One of the best songs of that generation. Robin Trower did a single called Bridge of sighs. A slow song and very deep. Try Bridge of Sighs. Very deep and soulful.
I was 10 years old and remember listening to the song on the radio, life was so full of expectations and tredipdation as I was in the 4th year of junior school and looking at my life changing moving to start secondary school and not knowing what life held in store at a new school. England had won the world cup the year before and life seemed fantastic with not a care in the world and this song epitimised what life really felt like in the UK in the late 60's.
Pure psychedelia. Stream of consciousness . Gary Brookner sings and plays this like he did at 23-just unbelievable! They turn this into a slow blues-Hammond organ, Great vocal with orchestra and chorus..beautiful, haunting, and one my all-time favorite songs.
When this hit the radio everyone went What?. But then a few years later we all got stoned and it finally made sense! Loved the live version with the orchestra. And the Hammond B3. The sound of B3 is all over classic rock. It was the synthesizer before there were synths. The miller's tale I believe is a reference to Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales". I've always thought I should go back and read the Miller's tale and see if there is something in that tale that might have caused her "face at once just ghostly to turn a whiter shade of tale". And when "the ceiling flew away" I'm willing to bet there were drugs involved!! But i guess if you had lived through the times when this music first arrived it might have made more sense. Some art is rooted in another place and time. And believe me the sixties where definitely a DIFFERENT place and time.
I only saw Gary Booker when he was playing keyboards in Eric Clapton's band. I don't remember them doing Whiter Shade Of Pale and I had to lie about my age to get in to the gig. Great times.
Watching this video is the best half hour I've spent in a long time. The song has haunted me, in the best way, for most of my life... ever since it was first released. I was a teen then. Both of your reactions are a mirror image of how I feel whenever I hear it. Thanks, many thanks.
In these troubled times it would do the world 🌎 good to go back and give the songs of the Vietnam War era another listen. So much pain yet so much love. Another great choice. Bless you both.
I can't remember what my first thoughts were when I first heard this song - it was too many years ago ('67 to be exact - wow I'm getting old!) but I do remember that I fell in love with the song right off and still feel the same way... The line in the song "As the Miller told his tale" - is a reference to Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales", so the woman in the song should probably be viewed through the lens of The Millers Tale (Infidelity if my memory serves)... My second favorite PH song is "Conquistador"... Great reaction BTW I would love to see Kels reaction to #ironbutterfly Inna-gadda-da-Vida..
sound of my young years,one of many. This version not the single edit version but still superb. Gary Brooker said he "had no idea" what the lyrics meant,lol. It was the 60's man,where you didnt have to explain. Conquistador was also excellent. the 60's,what a unique time to be alive,followed by the magnificent 70's. Blessed.
Wow, I've never heard this song so clearly before as the first cut! Must be a different take than was on the radio so much. And Booker sounded exactly like he did all those years ago in that live take. Awesome, and I just now cried, too!
Whiter shade of pale: Kel, you are so lucky to have your own DJ. Rich is fortunate to have a rich body of memories with these songs, you have none but in twenty years, you will have this react journey to reference the first time you heard all these songs. You felt it on this song. You felt so differently when you heard it a second time. I’m happy for you Kel but sad because I know what Rich feels and desperately wants to share it with you. The music yes but he can’t share what he feels. You will receive that but it takes time and each time you hear a song, it will touch your soul deeper than the time before. I so feel for you Rich, your desire to share ~ Peace ✌️
I was 17-18, thereabouts, & I was still reeling from my 1st heartbreak 6-8 months earlier & this song was forever on the radio. Listening to the 2nd version, couldn't help but think, that guy has no idea, even as I watched, that he'll never know the storm of confusion I was carried over. I was a mess! I still think about her, tho, I learned she passed awhile back, whenever I hear songs from the late 60's...RIP, Carmen!
I was 16 when this song came out and the haunting melody always resonated with me as part of the soundtrack of my life. The 2006 version with the Danish National Concert Orchestra and choir at Ledreborg Castle, Denmark somehow carries it to an almost religious experience - stunningly beautiful.
Kel, I realize that you are a young lady and that some of this music is before your time. However, to truly understand this music you have to look at the ear in which it came from. Whiter shade of pale was termed "Head Music". That is to say to understand where the band was coming from it helped if you were stoned. If you can sit in a darken room, close your eyes and allow the images from the lyrics to pop into your mind's eye, you can see and feel the music. If you go line by line of the lyrics they have special meaning; which is now lost to time, yet a few of us still remember what they mean. A good example of this type of lyrics if "American Pie" by Don Mclean. The second version of this song was beautiful.. It did help understand the first version a little bit better. But if I may suggest, listen to it in the dark and concentrate on the imagery. :-) Great pick Rich. :-)
Very clear beautiful and with a hidden meaning. This sounds the original version and I shall call it timeless. Thankyou for playing it with the latest technology. Delighted to hear "A whiter shade of pale " with an symphony orchestra.
This was played at the funeral of a friend back in the 90's when the coffin was about to leave the church. There was not a dry eye in the place........ Those first few notes still get to me now.
The original has one of the greatest keyboard sounds in rock music but the 2nd version with the full orchestra was so amazing, even more surprising is how well his voice has held up over the years.
The "original" one in the beginning of the video, was also a live version, and nowhere near as good, as the one from the single.
I think it would be hard to find a song just so classic, so elegant, so soft & beautiful, so touching, so haunting, in the realm of Rock n' Roll.
Simon & Garfunkel?
@@zorrozorro42Well The Moody Blues would have been a much shorter reach than going all the way to folk rock, but The Sound of Silence certainly shares the same air.
John Lennon said it was one of the greatest songs ever
English folk music on acid!
I agree with all that but what the hell as it all about? I'm 65 and wondered for the last 50 years..lol
'Conquistador', by Procol Harum, would be so awesome to hear you two react too... Well done and Thanks for doing these videos, my friends.
Great choice
W-a-y better choice.
Live 1971 with the Edmonton Symphony
Nothing wrong with the "67 studio version but this is the one.
Conquistador live with Edmonton Symphony! Or anything from Grand Hotel.
Conquistador was also played at the same concert in Denmark. GREAT.
One of my favourite songs of all time :-)
Just in tears here, thinking back to beautiful times of passion, and optimism, and my beautiful wife who was taken from me, so young.....xx
I’m so very sorry.
sorry friend of your loss , thats the magic of music its like a time machine take care
My heart to your loss.
My condolences. Peace and love to you.
So sad to hear about that my friend.
John Lennon used to drive around in his psychedelic-colored Rolls Royce (where he had a turntable installed) and blasted out this song over and over. Love it. 1967 That second clip is outstanding....he has lost NOTHING in his vocal quality.
La canzone preferita di John Lennon! 💝
I remember when John Lennon said that this was his favorite song ever written!
Timpthy e' vero. Era la canzone preferita di John Lennon! Ascolta a salty dog sempre dei Procol Harum...e' da brividi....
I heard a story that Lennon would drive around London in the day and play the vinyl in the his psychedelic painted Rolls Royce.....loud.
We have to admit he was full of different stuff that time ...
But the song is for going for paradies .
You have just listened to one of the most magical moving pieces of music ever written I am over seventy years old and listened.to this hundreds of times over the years and love it more each time its played its like a wonderful musical drug in my day their was a lot of serious talent about but this was a stand out I'm so lucky goes without saying I love all forms of music
That song always makes me feel both happy and sad at the same time. Greetings from Costa Rica.
I love the way the song refuses to speed up. It refuses to fill in the gaps. It just holds a steady course, allowing the gorgeous melody to unfold and those haunting lyrics, supported by that classic Hammond organ to weave its spell. Wonderful.
I guess nobody told him that his voice is supposed to get worse as he grows old...
I think it’s better with a rasp that clips his expressions so well.
Agreed! The only other performer I can think of that also applies to is Billy Joel. He is phenomenal in concert, his voice even better than it was at his peak.
Tom Johnston of Doobie Brothers is pretty great too. Its kinda ironic that he wasn't well enough to continue with the Doobies when he was younger but now his age isnt keeping him back. Michael McDonald... not so much.
One of the most wonderful songs create by mankind.
Thanks for this video, so beautiful!
Slow dancing with my wife to this in New Orleans in 1977. We still do every year on our anniversary. Thanks for reviewing it.
The version without words was played as my wife walked down the aisle at our wedding. My mum didn't believe me when I told her we were having this played. And it will be played when its my time to go. Words cannot express how much I love this song.
One of my favorite songs since I first heard it in 67! Then I came across the live from Denmark version a few months ago. So beautiful! Gary's voice is even better with age! Love your reaction!
I'm sure someone has already commented on this, but two points:
1) The music is based on Bach's Air (On A G String) BWV 1068, 2nd movement. I'm surprised Kel didn't pick up on that.
2) The chorus's lyrics refers to someone reading aloud Chaucer's Miller's Tale (from the Canterbury Tales) which is a bawdy, gross, hilarious story. As the story progresses it goes from bawdy to just plain gross but hilarious if you're a 14 year old boy. Thus the line :
"That her face, at first just ghostly
Turned a whiter shade of pale"
Indeed - and it wasn't her 'face'...
Thank God (And I'm an atheist).
OK. Falling bass lines aren't all owned by Bach, but most of them are. (Looking at you Jack Bruce)
And Chaucer.
Nuff said.
And SoloGuitar, you are the first to pick up on it
Do0d, I'm wondering about her actual training not recognizing that.
It wasn't? I've got to go back and re-read my Miller's Tale!
And remember, this is only the first half of the song! There are two more verses. The original release was just these two, as the total time (for these two verses & chorus) was slightly over 4 minutes in length-pushing the limits of playability on am radio!
"Hi, Rich and Kel... I'm crying liters here. What a wonderful moment! My order has been placed. This is one of my earliest songs, of all time, and is included in my top 10 of the greatest classics of all. Thank you for making my night memorable. Hugs from here in Brazil. "- M.S.C.
I've always loved this song thanks to my dad but this live performance was just next level. Masterpiece
I have never heard that second version before, but while the first is of course a classic, this orchestrated version really ruled not just because it was orchestrated, it was also because it is live and his singing was just sublime.
Live in Denmark 2006
Have you heard the first version before?! It wasn't the original, but a live version, and not even close to the original.
First of all, what a surprise for me - I'm 65. I've heard that song hundreds of times. I have, until just now, only heard the version that fades out, not this full version. About the live version; imagine being Gary Booker. After all those years, singing your hit with that orchestra. He must have loved it!
Oh...my...WORD!!! I've never heard/seen that 2nd video. I am awestruck. That took an already gorgeous song and elevated to the heavens! Thank you so much for sharing that. And thanks to Taun for confirming my "Canterbury Tales" suspicions for this song.
Oh my god. That last version really was blowing my mind.😍🤗💪🤘👏
Thank you so much #Rich. I'm a fan of Procol Harem and even didn't know of this version.
Gary Brooker is one of that special breath of singers who still has a strong voice at his senior age.
Shame on me I didn't know this version. Again, thank you very much for placing this on you channel.
The Full dvd of this concert is a must for all Procol Harum fans and I hope you have obtained a copy
I definitely liked the live version with the orchestra in the background
It made an already epic song from the late 60's Even more epic than it already was
Just one of the most beautiful songs of all time. Always nice to listen.
His voice matured majesticly, If you haven't done it you should liste the whole concert. I wish I'd been there. This is absolutly spot on. Great singer, great band an great orchestra.
FINALLY !!!!! Thank you thank you thank you !!!!! Love how you set up the live version with the studio !!! Gary Booker is like a fine wine that gets better with age. I recommend doing the same with "Conquistador", "A salty dog" and "The Grand Hotel", all three performed live in the same concert. Thanks again !!! ( I KNEW that live version would touch Kel's soul ).......
What a fantastic voice still after all these years he sounds just as good as when first singing that song
My daughter and I danced to this song at her wedding in 2004. We used to dance in the kitchen while I was packing my lunch for work with her standing on my feet as we moved around the room when she was 7 or 8. Definitely a lot of memories of simpler times.
The story I heard was that the song was about an epiphany, at a party, sitting at a table full of friends, across from his girlfriend- thinking she was in love with him and trying to talk her out of leaving for a college far away. Everyone else, including her, was having a bawdy time... and he gradually realizing he had already lost her. She was only seeing her future... while he was seeing the ghost of what they had been, growing paler as the night wore on.
That is a sad story
If that is the meaning, how sad... but as we often see on our small planet, heartache is so often followed by great joy, beauty , and insight 🥰 xxx
The reality is that this song was written based on the Canterbury Tales by Chaucer . In the story the 4 main characters are sitting around a table in a inn telling story's. When it was the millers turn his story was so shocking that a young lady (with pale skin) listening turned even paler.
According to Wikipedia, Keith Reid, who wrote the lyrics, when asked about the song in an interview, would not be drawn other than to say it is a story of "boy loses girl". Gary Brooker who wrote the music said the mood of the song is significant, not the story. So anything else is just speculation and boy there has been plenty of that. Just enjoy that folks. I think this performance in Denmark, when Gary was 61, is one of the finest I have ever seen.
...this song has accompanied me through my whole life. "A Whiter Shade of Pale," "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye, "Nights in White Satin" by the Moody Blues - these three songs have shaped my life and my musical taste.
Today I'm 70 years old, I enjoy the old songs (but also the new ones) - back in 1967 I was a young guy who loved music and danced the night away.
With this song I met my first great love, lost her again with much heartache... man, those were the times...
Oh, it's over so soon? lol I could listen to this for hours and hours. Understand the orchestra played the same melody over and over and you never get bored. You want it to keep coming, and coming. Gary's voice? Impossible to use words to describe it. You can only feel it and smile.
Full lyrics: 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 through my playing cards
And would not let her be
One of sixteen vestal virgins
Who were leaving for the coast
And although my eyes were open
They might have just as wellve been closed
She said, Im 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
If music be the food of love
Then laughter is its queen
And likewise if 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
Thank you, David, so much. What an incredible performance, soup to nuts! Is there something I can give to you, a gift? Yes, there is. David, please listen to someone with the name Angelina Jordan sing her version of Bohemian Rhapsody on AGT/The Champions. I will not give you any further information. Enjoy.
Classic song -was played during my high school years as the slow dance to close every school dance in late 60’s
I graduated from HS in 1971. For our senior prom, we selected four ballads from each of our four years of high school as feature slow dances. This was one of them and it was my favorite of all songs. Check out "Conquistador' with the Edmonton Alberta orchestra recording. Kel will love that one
most underrated band ever. the first 5 albums are brilliant.
Absolutely. Killer band. And Rich, Gary's last name is "Brooker", not "Booker".
A Salty Dog - a perfect album. Broken Barricades - really, really rocks.
You are correct in every way I would say the best band ever.Theres many fine songs on their later albums too
I really enjoy listening to your channel. I love Rich's taste in music, a lot of really wonderful songs. Kel's reactions, from laughing to crying. And then you have his reactions, to her reactions.
The song was based on Chaucer's Canterbury tales, hence the reference to the 'miller'.
Rich, Procol Harum was the beginning of prog. I was a sheltered classical pianist not permitted to listen to rock and roll, too. But I rebelled, and listened outside the home, taught myself guitar, and played professionally for 20 years. Please let Kel hear Procol Harum's "A Salty Dog". It will give her an even greater appreciation of them. It is brilliant, especially from 1969. Then let her hear it with an orchestra. There are many wonderful recordings of it. She'll love you even more for it. Peace, love, music.
Michael
Now you're on a roll for pop&roll classics.
This. Song. Is a must. For anyone who loves music.
Thanks for that reaction! And thanks further for that bonus live version - had never heard that one, and it was pure splendor! It actually brought a tear to my eye. The orchestral treatment was amazing, vocals just as good as original, and when the organ kicks in...just wow! (I'm a sucker for keyboards). There is a peaceful serenity with this song that just transcends time. My morning has been made!
I’m a 60’s survivor and the original song was so cool when it came out that all of the people just knew it would be something special for ever. That orchestra version was done perfect and it affected me like it did Kel. You guys really need to get into #UriahHeep “Circle of hands” and “July Morning “. Or the entire Demons and Wizards album. They had a revolving door with lead singers and the best bass guitar player in any genre. (Gary Thain) He pretty much played lead guitar in the back ground with his bass. You won’t be disappointed with Heep. I like how you both react to great music, keep having fun.
Procal Harum "Conquistador" live 1972 with orchestra. Love it.
The original version of Whiter fades out at the end. The organ was based on a Bach piece and was wonderfully used in a scene in a church in The Commitments (1991). Like the Grateful Dead, PH writes the music and the have a poet write their lyrics. These allied also to The Canterbury Tales.
One Hit wonder my eye, CONQUISTADOR is even a better song particularly the live version IMO!!!
"As the Miller told his tale.." is a reference to Jeffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales".
It's also one of the more "earthy" tales in the collection
That's the only reference I could ever think they were talking about. I've read the Canterbury Tales when I was much younger.
PageMonster fie what have I done for a woman has no beard lol
@@brucefelger4015 Yes, this tale is fire. (That's what Nicholas said...)
I'm quite certain those of an age quite lesser than ours have even heard of "The Canterbury Tales" much less read any of it's passages. Good catch, thanks for noting that and enlightening my mind.
His name is Gary Brooker and he's a great composer. Listen to the orchestral album Live with the Edmonton Orchestra. Sublime.
Bach is the composer.
I was 9 when this came out - part of the soundtrack of my life. I feel privileged to have grown up with the Beatles, Stones, Who and songs like this.
The youth of today are being robbed.
It was a great time for music.
The young one's of today are being robbed. I count myself lucky to have grown up on this music.
The memories are fond.
BiteYerBumHard I would have been 9 too and I still remember watching it on Top of The Pops, in black and white on the tv when it came out.
Im 20 right now. Growing up, i had no mainstream artists that wrote and performed true music. My grandad who just passed away at 69, showed me all the music and clothes of the 60s/70s, and i grew up like him instead.
@@bjaded1 That's excellent.
I once attended a church with an organist who sometimes tucked in a bit of rock/pop music here & there. On more than one occasion, he played a very stately rendition of "Whiter Shade of Pale" while the offering was being collected!
One of my all-time favorite songs from the beginnings of prog rock! I'd never heard the orchestral version but it gave me good bumps!!!! Thanks so much for this!
THANK YOU for the 2nd version. I have never heard that before. It blew me away. Love you guys!
One of my favorite all time songs, can listen to this song 20 times in a row, get chills/goosebumps every time 🔥🔥🔥
A few facts.
This was hosted by DR, Danish first national TV station, going back to 1925ish. DR stands for Danmarks Radio.
They have their own orchestra, which is also the national symphony orchestra, and the choir is also part of the radio- and TV station, DR.
This was just one of many concerts, but they thought this as so great, that they asked Procol Harum, to make a DVD out of the concert. This took a while, so the DVD only came out 3 years later, in 2009.
The orchestra, or rather the music department of DR, also has a RUclips channel, called DR Koncerthuset. It's pretty popular. Their most popular recording, is "The Good, the bad and the ugly", which has over a hundred million views. It is well worth a watch, and also reaction.
Maybe a hundred million views doesn't sound like a lot, but for an orchestral peace, it's quite a lot.
Certainly one of greatest songs of the sixties, and almost certainly up there as one of the best songs of all time. This was my mother's boyfriend's favourite song of all time.
I've heard this song 100's of times but this live performance is absolutely stunning! Love the way you guys presented it as well.
Robin Trower was a member of this band but at times you wouldn't know it, i.e., this song. Gary Brooker was the founder, keyboard player and vocalist so I guess he called the shots.
Robin is a great guitarist but wasn't yet in the band when this was first recorded.
@@davidjohnson00001 he was still second fiddle even afterwards. It was all Gary Booker and keyboards
I was 15 when I first heard this 1967 my older brother said you have to hear this after that I was hooked. Thanks guys really was a beautiful song.
When I was a kid in the late '60's, I remember they used to play the organ solo from Whiter Shade of Pale on the tv when the test pattern would interrupt programming. I still think of these times and running off to play with my hotwheels when the programming went down, every time I hear this song.
Christopher Pardell said below about this song: The story I heard was that the song was about an epiphany, at a party, sitting at a table full of friends, across from his girlfriend- thinking she was in love with him and trying to talk her out of leaving for a college far away. Everyone else, including her, was having a bawdy time... and he gradually realizing he had already lost her. She was only seeing her future... while he was seeing the ghost of what they had been, growing paler as the night wore on.
If you did not live in the 60's. You will not know the background and the sense (feel) of the time, to these song's. Psychedelia, rock & roll etal.
You've got it spot on.
"Strawberry Fields", "White Rabbit", "Season of the Witch", the time period was deep magic and if you weren't there, "You know something's happening, but you don't know what it is, do you, Mr. Jones." - Bob Dylan
Thanks Rich. I've loved that song for over 50 years but never saw that live version.
Whenever these old rock bands include an orchestra it just adds such a richness to the original music.
Kels reaction was so moving you are my kind of people.this music is pure genius Gary Brookers voice is incredible I'm seventy two and listened.to this hundreds of times over the years love it more each time its a musical drug what the hell
One of my favourite songs of all time. Absolutely love the melancholy of the organ. A gem! For some reason I always get emotional by this one.
"Homburg" is a great one of them aswell.
And in comparison,... nothing beats that original organ.
Oh man me too! That organ kills me every time I hear this song. Don't know why, but it does.
*A salty dog* is a spine chiller for me.
Rich- Awesome that you did both versions! Definitely Gary Brooker!.
Kel- Your reaction was classic! Absolutely wonderful to see how much you enjoyed the LIVE Denmark performance. One of the best ever!!!
Kel looked like she was moved to tears on the 2nd playing of this song
Oh thank you for reacting to one of the most beautiful and iconic songs of the sixties. This has always been one of my favorite songs from my childhood. I love the orchestral version because the sound is so much fuller and richer.
This was one of my oldest friend's favorite songs. When he died his daughter sang it at his memorial service.She started and couldn't finish so we all sang it for her and for him. Needless to say we were all crying.
Wonderful story...
It will be played at mine
This was my high school slow dance go-to. (Class of 76) But remember, this was the era when the couple stayed glued together like sucker fish. It was a make-out and sway song on 4 feet.
For some reason my brain ,which I'm kinda stuck with, always associates this song with Moody Blues- Nights in White Satin and vice versa, kudos on the second version
Back again, see ye've reacted to that a couple of days ago, excellent👍
Thank you Kel and Rich,thats the first time I`ve heard the orchestral version of that song.Much apriciated.
One of the legendary stories about this song is when it was released John Lennon drove around London in his Rolls-Royce listening to it over and over again
You guys are great! I can see how much you love her, and how much feeling she's capable of. Thanks!
Wow just Wow even after all this time, 42 years latter beautiful.
To describe this song, it was during the Viet Nam war. They sang about beauty and peace. One of the best songs of that generation. Robin Trower did a single called Bridge of sighs. A slow song and very deep. Try Bridge of Sighs. Very deep and soulful.
I'm with ya Kel. That live version just elevated a song that was already a classic to a life-changing experience.
I was 10 years old and remember listening to the song on the radio, life was so full of expectations and tredipdation as I was in the 4th year of junior school and looking at my life changing moving to start secondary school and not knowing what life held in store at a new school. England had won the world cup the year before and life seemed fantastic with not a care in the world and this song epitimised what life really felt like in the UK in the late 60's.
WOW that live version is incredible! What a bonus Rich!
They were both live versions.
Pure psychedelia. Stream of consciousness . Gary Brookner sings and plays this like he did at 23-just unbelievable! They turn this into a slow blues-Hammond organ, Great vocal with orchestra and chorus..beautiful, haunting, and one my all-time favorite songs.
Thanks for sharing the second version. Hadn't seen that. Some tears flowing.
When this hit the radio everyone went What?. But then a few years later we all got stoned and it finally made sense! Loved the live version with the orchestra. And the Hammond B3. The sound of B3 is all over classic rock. It was the synthesizer before there were synths. The miller's tale I believe is a reference to Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales". I've always thought I should go back and read the Miller's tale and see if there is something in that tale that might have caused her "face at once just ghostly to turn a whiter shade of tale". And when "the ceiling flew away" I'm willing to bet there were drugs involved!! But i guess if you had lived through the times when this music first arrived it might have made more sense. Some art is rooted in another place and time. And believe me the sixties where definitely a DIFFERENT place and time.
Absolute masterpiece it will be played for eternity 🙏
My first time seeing that live video with the orchestra. I was moved to tears as well. What a beautiful rendition✌️❤️🎵🎶
Brilliant! Perfect way to gain even deeper appreciation for a timeless song.
I only saw Gary Booker when he was playing keyboards in Eric Clapton's band. I don't remember them doing Whiter Shade Of Pale and I had to lie about my age to get in to the gig. Great times.
I saw him play with Ringo Stars Band of Allstars. He played WSoP and Conquistador. Jack Bruce was on bass. Great show. I was 9th row center.
OH MY GAWD... I didn't know the newer one existed... compound goosebumps!!! And I know exactly how Kel felt.
Get the dvd it's something else
Watching this video is the best half hour I've spent in a long time. The song has haunted me, in the best way, for most of my life... ever since it was first released. I was a teen then. Both of your reactions are a mirror image of how I feel whenever I hear it. Thanks, many thanks.
I instantly fell in love with this song. I was 16
In these troubled times it would do the world 🌎 good to go back and give the songs of the Vietnam War era another listen. So much pain yet so much love. Another great choice. Bless you both.
I can't remember what my first thoughts were when I first heard this song - it was too many years ago ('67 to be exact - wow I'm getting old!) but I do remember that I fell in love with the song right off and still feel the same way... The line in the song "As the Miller told his tale" - is a reference to Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales", so the woman in the song should probably be viewed through the lens of The Millers Tale (Infidelity if my memory serves)... My second favorite PH song is "Conquistador"... Great reaction
BTW I would love to see Kels reaction to #ironbutterfly Inna-gadda-da-Vida..
Thanks for confirming the Canterbury Tales connection. I was wondering if that was it.
The contrast between then and now is brilliant. Thanks for recognizing talent that doesn't age.
sound of my young years,one of many.
This version not the single edit version but still superb.
Gary Brooker said he "had no idea" what the lyrics meant,lol.
It was the 60's man,where you didnt have to explain.
Conquistador was also excellent.
the 60's,what a unique time to be alive,followed by the magnificent 70's.
Blessed.
Wow, I've never heard this song so clearly before as the first cut! Must be a different take than was on the radio so much. And Booker sounded exactly like he did all those years ago in that live take. Awesome, and I just now cried, too!
BRooker!
You'll have to play Conquistador, Salty Dog,Whiskey Train,Hamburg at some point.
Whiter shade of pale: Kel, you are so lucky to have your own DJ. Rich is fortunate to have a rich body of memories with these songs, you have none but in twenty years, you will have this react journey to reference the first time you heard all these songs. You felt it on this song. You felt so differently when you heard it a second time. I’m happy for you Kel but sad because I know what Rich feels and desperately wants to share it with you. The music yes but he can’t share what he feels. You will receive that but it takes time and each time you hear a song, it will touch your soul deeper than the time before. I so feel for you Rich, your desire to share ~ Peace ✌️
Takes me back to my youth and the second version is the greatest i have ever heard.
I was 17-18, thereabouts, & I was still reeling from my 1st heartbreak 6-8 months earlier & this song was forever on the radio. Listening to the 2nd version, couldn't help but think, that guy has no idea, even as I watched, that he'll never know the storm of confusion I was carried over. I was a mess! I still think about her, tho, I learned she passed awhile back, whenever I hear songs from the late 60's...RIP, Carmen!
I've always loved that song and the new version is great too!
I was 16 when this song came out and the haunting melody always resonated with me as part of the soundtrack of my life. The 2006 version with the Danish National Concert Orchestra and choir at Ledreborg Castle, Denmark somehow carries it to an almost religious experience - stunningly beautiful.
Kel, I realize that you are a young lady and that some of this music is before your time. However, to truly understand this music you have to look at the ear in which it came from. Whiter shade of pale was termed "Head Music". That is to say to understand where the band was coming from it helped if you were stoned. If you can sit in a darken room, close your eyes and allow the images from the lyrics to pop into your mind's eye, you can see and feel the music.
If you go line by line of the lyrics they have special meaning; which is now lost to time, yet a few of us still remember what they mean. A good example of this type of lyrics if "American Pie" by Don Mclean.
The second version of this song was beautiful.. It did help understand the first version a little bit better. But if I may suggest, listen to it in the dark and concentrate on the imagery. :-) Great pick Rich. :-)
I'm from this era and there were good music around in the sixties a and London was the place to be for would be band's.
Very clear beautiful and with a hidden meaning. This sounds the original version and I shall call it timeless. Thankyou for playing it with the latest technology. Delighted to hear "A whiter shade of pale " with an symphony orchestra.
From the same time period: "When a Man Loves a Woman" by Percy Sledge.
The song will keep marching on and on for years
What a great voice Gary Brooker had/ has wow.
This was played at the funeral of a friend back in the 90's when the coffin was about to leave the church. There was not a dry eye in the place........ Those first few notes still get to me now.