Procol Harum - A Salty Dog

Procol Harum could be credited (if not blamed) for popularizing classical rock with its J.S. Bach-inspired hit, 1967's "A White Shade of Pale," but the band only rarely drifted into the precious territory explored by groups like the Moody Blues and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. A Salty Dog, Procol Harum's third and best album, was built around the twin keyboards of Gary Brooker and Matthew Fisher (who also produced this album), but also showcased the bluesy, fuzz-toned guitar of Robin Trower. The title tune is a fully orchestrated sea ballad memorable for Brooker's soulfully majestic vocal. Folk-rock tunes like "The Milk of Human Kindness" and "Too Much Between Us" were more stripped-down but no less effective. And on "The Devil Came from Kansas," Trower uncorked a burly guitar solo that was downright heavenly. --John Milward