Procol Harum - Grand Hotel (Reissue)
by Dan MacIntosh
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Grand Hotel is a most appropriate name for a Procol Harum album. As usual, Keith Reid wrote the words for this 1973 release, while keyboardist/vocalist Gary Brooker sang them. The overall impression left by this classy album, is the lifestyle of the rich, famous and elegantly wasted.
Both Elton John and Bernie Taupin are quoted as being fans of the band in the liner notes, and it's obvious why these two smart songwriter contemporaries would dig the equally intelligent Procol Harum. Brooker's jazzy piano chords during "A Rum Tale", matched to Chris Copping's distinctive organ parts, help set the scene of a man more than willing to drop out of society � no matter how steep the fall. But one needs to understand such a man's rarified air first, before describing his sudden descent.
Reid is such a wily wordsmith, too. You may not pick up on the subject matter for "A Souvenir of London" right away. But to save you time and trouble, it's by no means a postcard with the Queen's pretty picture on it. Instead, this boozy acoustic guitar and accordion workout is about a sexually transmitted disease. It's not something you would ever brag about after getting home, that's for sure. Another song called "Robert's Box" seems to be a sequel to The Beatles' "Dr. Robert", as it's all about scoring painkillers.
One track called "T.V. Caesar" complains about the omnipresence of television. Yet Grand Hotel is by no means a moralistic work. Like the tuxedo-clad band members on the CD's cover, these rich and famous hotel jet setters have problems, just like poorer folks. Yet Brooker and Reid express these hard times with such style and class, it's sometimes difficult to feel pity for the obvious victims. However, the sad truth is that emotional healing cannot simply be ordered from room service.
As far as bonus tracks go, this reissue contains relatively slim pickings. There are alternate takes on "Grand Hotel" and "Bringing Home the Bacon", as well as a healthy CD booklet, but that's it.
Maybe these Brits can teach Americans a thing or two about handling the current economic recession. It is okay to suffer; so long as you always look sharp doing so.
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Procol Harum - Grand Hotel (Reissue)
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