I honestly don't understand how anyone could not be moved by this truly outstanding performance. It doesn't matter what genre you normally listen too. Thank goodness for Lex, who knows what good music is.
@@isolationstation5157 If you listen to Beth Roar's analysis (she's a voice coach), she says he probably kept exercising his voice and singing all those years. I agree that it's not given to everyone, though. It's kinda sad to hear Art Garfunkel now, but he did have vocal chords issues.
@@Samhalta I'm going to see them in London on 1st February - I hope the 15 years since this concert have been equally kind to Gary! I did see Art Garfunkel in 2019, it *was* sad. I mean, I can say I've heard Art sing Bridge Over Troubled Water, and I never thought I'd be able to say that, but I haven't, not really.
@@markharris1125 Wow, that's great! I hope he'll be in good shape :) I just checked out a 2018 video of one of Gary's concerts but the quality of sound isn't great. It seems that his voice of course has aged a little, but he still sounded pretty good.
@@Samhalta Yes, they're doing a tour of Europe, starting at the London Palladium. I did see a video of Gary singing with the Alan Parsons Project - is that the one you meant? Yes, the sound isn't brilliant. If I can video any of the concert and it turns out okay, I'll put it up on my channel.
Singer Gary Brooker was born in Hackney Hospital, East London, on 29 May 1945,[3] Brooker grew up in Hackney before the family moved out to Middlesex (Bush Hill Park and then to nearby Edmonton).[4] His father Harry Brooker was a professional musician, playing pedal steel guitar with Felix Mendelssohn’s Hawaiian Serenaders, and as a child Brooker learned to play piano, cornet and trombone.[5] In 1954 the family moved to the seaside resort of Southend-on-Sea, Essex, where Brooker attended Westcliff High School for Boys.[6] His father died of a heart attack when Gary was 11 years old, forcing his mother to work in order to make ends meet, while Brooker himself took on a paper-round.[7] When he left school, he went on to Southend Municipal College to study zoology and botany but dropped out to become a professional musician.
I have noticed that many of the young reactors are very keen on putting every song in a "genre". Everything has to have a label and be in a box. It's very interesting to me.
Wiki: One of the anthems of the 1967 Summer of Love, it is one of the most commercially successful singles in history, having sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. In the years since, "A Whiter Shade of Pale" has become an enduring classic, with more than 1000 known cover versions by other artists....In 1977, the song was named joint winner (along with Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody") of "The Best British Pop Single 1952-1977" at the Brit Awards. In 1998, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. In 2004, the performing rights group Phonographic Performance Limited recognised it as the most-played record by British broadcasting of the past 70 years and Rolling Stone placed it 57th on its list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time". In 2009, it was reported as the most played song in the last 75 years in public places in the UK.
Wow.. Thanks for posting that. I always thought this was a good song. But, I had no idea that it is regarded as The Best Song to come out of Britain between '52 and '77? May as well call it Best British Single Of All Time, because that includes the era of The Beatles and all the other British Rock Legends. If the Beatles, Stones, Zeppelin, Elton John, etc.. couldn't dethrone that song, I don't imagine anybody else doing it anytime soon. *Respect to Procol Harum*
This is 60's Rock. This is not how their original sounds. This would be like hearing Led Zeppelin for the first time after hearing their album with the London Philharmonic first.
This is the perfect song for Brad to "react" to. Its exquisite, melancholic, reflective beauty, allows him to just sit there as usual and look like he "understands"!
This song from 50+ years ago still blows me away. Listen to it frequently. RIP Gary Booker, died almost a year ago, writer and vocals. He defined my generation.
If you listen to the original recording it has a lot more 60s in it, like the technology and sound. But this is one of the most classic classic classic classic 60s rock songs of all time. It gets IN ya
The melody was inspired by a 400 year old piece by J.S. Bach, Taken from a movement I believe in the Brandenberg Concertos, I believe it was named "Air on a G String". Timeless. IMHO, Gary Brooker sounds as good, if not better than he did in the 1960's.
Sometimes this German Composer came Bach @1.0'clock other times he was Offenbach later but you are right about the "washing line"... We're going to hang out the washing on the Siegfried Line. Have you any dirty washing, mother dear? We're gonna hang out the washing on the Siegfried Line. 'Cause the washing day is here.
This is why I am sceptical of so-called "Classical" Composers. While old Johann Sebastian was plagiarising that you had Grieg nicking "Morning" from that famous Coffee Advert. I am surprised Krnco did not sue. Liberties were taken and as fot Handel, he only got the idea of "The Messiah" from "The Life Of Brian" and Python. These fraudulent Composers should be outed :(
@@leemurray7240 I wasn’t criticising you. The influences on the song are apparent but it is a very special thing in itself. Copying things without attribution is a bad thing but building on something while acknowledging wha you’ve done isn’t.
John Lennon once stated that the only fault with that song was that he didn't write it. For me personally, it is one of those songs that will stand for many years to come. As far as I know, it is based on a melody by the classical composer Bach. And there is nothing wrong with that. The old composers took each other apart, and when the result is as beautiful as in this display, it is a plus for humanity.
Good lord Brad show some life man what the Heck !!! That was one of the most soulful versions of a classic song you'll ever hear dude get with it man ! ....lmao
John Lennon loved this song that he had a record player installed in his Rolls-Royce and would drive around the countryside playing it loud over and over.
This has always been a beautiful song but the studio version that most of us grew up with is just the core band with Gary Booker singing and the Hammond B3 organ sounding beautiful in the background. This version included the Danish National Orchestra and Danish National Choir which I, surprisingly, like better than the studio version. The lyrics are somewhat nonsensical, talking about an evening in a tavern but the music is so beautiful that it has remained among my favorite songs since it was new (and I was young).
It was the Hammond that made this song so unique and memorable. Still in my top 5 favourites of all time. Brooker was a genius to combine classical and rock music to come up with this gem.
I feel so fortunate for growing up in the 70s and 80s with parents who had a big record collection and a good stereo system. I was able to hear entire albums by bands like this, Santana, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Beethoven, Bach, Elvis Presley, 50s rock, classical, disco, doowop, psychedelic rock, western campfire songs, and the beginnings of punk rock and metal. Having a wide variety from a young age as a base makes all music easier to appreciate.
RIP the amazing Gary Brooker. This song is an iconic piece from Procol Harum. Hearing this orchestrated version brings tears to any avid music lovers eyes. This was absolutely spectacular.
There is seemingly a whole lot going on in “A Whiter Shade of Pale”. Not only is the instrumental partially based on a song dating all the way back to the 17th century, but there are also references to the likes of “the miller”, “16 vestal virgins” and “Neptune” which truly gives the lyrics a mythological, esoteric feel. But as the man who actually wrote the words, Keith Reid, has explained, his goal in writing this classic was to put forth a “straightforward, girl-leaves-boy story”. As far as hits go, no act could have asked for a bigger success than “A Whiter Shade of Pale”. The song came out as part of Procol Harum’s debut album, which itself is entitled Procol Harum. And the track reached number 1 in nearly 15 different countries, including most notably the UK Singles Chart. After topping the Dutch Top 40 in 1967, it went on to also do the same on the Netherlands’ Single Top 100 in 1972, having also recharted on the UK Singles Chart that year. Additionally it reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, despite receiving limited promotion in the United States. In fact this track holds the distinction of being one of the highest-selling singles of all time. Or stated otherwise, it has sold in excess of 10,000,000 copies which is a remarkable feat. And for the record, only about 40 songs in history have ever achieved this great feat. The tune has held a particularly strong standing in Procol Harum’s homeland of the United Kingdom. For instance, it has been recognized as being both the most-played song in public and the most-played song on air in the UK throughout the 20th century and into the 21st. Even more Accolades In 2004 the song also made it onto the top 60 of Rolling Stone’s notable ranking of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. In 1998, it was inducted into the highly-distinguished Grammy Hall of Fame. And in 1977 the Brit Awards gave it the distinction of being The Best British Pop Single 1952-1977, an accolade it shared with “Bohemian Rhapsody” (1975) by Queen. Also in 2018 the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame changed its criteria, allowing singles to be inducted into the institution as opposed to only musicians themselves. And “A Whiter Shade of Pale” was amongst the first songs to be enshrined therein. The success of this song has led to “a whiter shade of pale” being adopted as a common phrase in the English lexicon.
RIP, Gary. We’ll do our best to keep your music and memory alive. You were an essential part of our generation. We came for that wailing organ and stayed for that fabulous voice. Thank you!
Procol was what we call a Progressive rock band, a band who mixes elements of classical music into their music. Their album "Grand Hotel" is truly awesome and beautiful. It has an amusing song on it called "A Souvenir Of London" which is about getting VD while on vacation in England. Procol' s leader Gary Brooker passed away just recently.
Part of the sound track of my life. I was 18 when this was released and everyone went mad for it at the time. Glorious piece of music! Gary Brooker sounded as good then as he did back in 1967! A legend in his own lifetime.
Never heard this, good version tho, for sure--check out the original 1969 version tho, just for ya know, educational purposes....not much orchestra in the original, just more piano and a LOT of hauntingly beautiful Hammond organ--which doesnt come in on this version until the second verse....the original version is drenched with Hammond organ thru out, that floating, dreamy organ riff, like the 2nd verse onward is in this one
This song is baroque rock. It was on the radio all through the magical summer of 1967, along with other unforgettable hits like the Doors’ “Light My Fire” and the Beatles’ “All You Need is Love.” It’s important to realize that the version here is sung by the same guy as the original, but nearly 40 years later.
This is a great song, i wasnt alive in the 60’s, but this song was made famous again to 70’s/80’s kids like myself in the classic movie 80’s movie “the big chill” (as well as many other great 60’s songs in that flick)--also, i do know as a HUGE Beatles fan that this was Paul and Linda McCartney’s wedding dance song in 1969, or 1970, one of the two
That organ sound was damn popular in the 60s. We had one in our living room for 20 years. When my parent moved we donated it to a local church. Probably a classic piece of music art now! Not many people pick up the organ here. You have a good ear.
This song is one of the best songs ever made.. Emotional, melodic and powerful.. To me, who wasn`t even born when it was written, It is a hymn of its time. 1967 -- when Love+Peace+Hippie culture peaked!! Can`t count how many times I`ve listened to it during my childhood + teenage years.. and now as an adult resurrecting it via reaction videos.. It`s neverending soothing for the soul ! Huge Thanks to Gary (RIP) and the band!! .. Love your reactions!! :) :D
I remember when this song came out...it got lots of airplay at the time. I think this was there only hit song, so the group disappeared. But this is their signature song. The organ arraingement is universal and sets the song off along with Gary's vocal. Once you hear the organ you never forget this song. Its a timeless tune, but as I have said before, the 50s-70s have the best block of music ever recorded in world history. Something was just magic and in the air that caused all that creativity. Even the cars coming out of Detroit in that period were just cool too. I am glad I got to experience that era as a kid.
I remember it coming out.. and the story I heard then was it was written as a ..not parody...but maybe 'retort'..to all the psychedelic songs at that time (think Donovan)... he thought all that stuff was such nonsense...anyone could write it..so when challenged...he came up with whiter shade of pale to prove his point.. notice that this song is unlike any other song they did
Nicky I agree with U about there being some kinda magic energy going on at the time. The creativity at that time is unexplainable. I suspect something from the heavens was going on because it carried over into every category of live. There was an energy going on and a flood gate of gifts was opened up and served to earth. It was one of the BEST time periods to be alive. For the record it's 2022 and I age 73 about to turn 74 in November. I feel BLESSED to have been there.
Gary Brooker. Original member of Procol Harum, singing as well as a man half his age. Epic song that was worthy of a fully orchestrated performance. Brought me to tears the first time I heard it.
I was 13 when this beautiful tune came out, and I can earnestly say that EVERYONE was stunned by it - Rock & Roll of a complexity and beauty we had not heard before. 55 years later, and I still remember exactly who did this when I hear it.
I was 9 when this song came out. 55 years later, people from my generation still love this song. You can find videos on UA-cam of Procol Harum with Gary Brooker singing it in 1967. He was 21 or 22. He’s a classically trained musician. Procol Harum’s music was in a category all its own. They were the first. Kind of a Baroque sound with the organ. He just passed in February. I got a kick that he got married at 22 or 23 in 1968 and stayed happily married until he passed away.
I think copyright issues kick in with original recordings, but don't apply to live recordings. A lot of YT videos are demonetised when the copyright owners lay claim to any money that videos generate. I think that's why a lot of live performances are used for these reaction videos.
My first real girlfriends father probably had a couple thousand vinyl RPMs in the upstairs attic of her grandmother, his mothers house. We (me and her) used to play them together for hours, everything from CCR, to The Byrds to Led Zepplin, to Procol Harum. The first time we played this song, for some reason, without saying a word, we stood up and held each other and danced. I remember how she felt in my arms, tall and willowy, her ear pressed against the side of my nose as I nuzzled her neck, her long brown hair against my forehead. I remember her scent., young, fresh, feminine. I don't hear this song often, but when I do, every time - I'm not sad, but it brings a lump to my throat and her scent still lingers. Thanks, for playing this one.
"Orchestral Rock" was a thing, back when there were still orchestras and synthesizer/sampling technology hadn't happened yet. The Moody Blues, Renaissance, Procul Harum, Rick Wakefield, Emerson Lake and Palmer, plus many tracks from early Genesis, Jethro Tull, the Beatles, Yes, Led Zeppelin, Buffalo Springfield, Simon and Garfunkel, John Denver, and many others.
Almost correct mate. The term most often used is Progressive Rock. It still is a thing only the newer bands are normally classed as Neo Prog. Oh and it's Rick Wakeman not Rick Wakefield. 😊
@@eddhardy1054 Thanks for the correction on Wakeman -- typing too late at night on that one. For the rest, not so much -- Prog is a different thing from Orchestral Rock. Marillion and Gentle Giant are certainly Prog but not at all orchestral. Similarly, there is Orchestral Rock that isn't prog -- Igor Krutoy, for example.
@@DavidTateVA I still consider Progressive Rock to cover most of the bands and artists that you call orchestral. Infact most of the bands you mentioned (The Moody Blues, Procol Harum, early Genesis, Jethro Tull, ELP and especially Yes) are definitely Progressive Rock. 😉
This song was a huge hit in the mid 60's and it's what progressive rock sounded like...And Procol Harum was cutting edge, along with groups like the Beatles (of course), the Rolling Sones and the Who. Upon hearing it, Beatle John Lennon said: "That's the greatest song I ever heard" and it, along with some of the songs on the legendary "Pet Sounds" album by the Beach Boys, challenged the Beatles to create even greater music on albums like Seargent Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band, Magical Mystery Tour and Abbey Road. By the way, that's the Danish National Choir playing behind Gary Booker🎼💖
There is a certain kind of voice that only older singers have. It has grit, experiense, sadness, confidence, happiness and beauty in just one voice. You have to have lived a full and fairly long life to have it.
I'm in my 50's, and I've heard this song many, many times before. I think Annie Lennox even did a remake of his song back in the 90's sometime. But this live version is the best version (in my opinion).
I would call this an amazing combination of classical music and rock. The lyrics are deep and have references to Chaucer. Lead singer Gary Brooker sounds even better singing with the Danish Orchestra in this live version than the original recording over 50 years ago. You should check out the original for a comparison.
RIP Gary Brooker who recently passed away, wrote this as a teen in the late 60s.....(this was a rock song back then)...... "Procol Harum" in Latin means "beyond these things"....how cool is that ? lol
I think for a first impression, the original release is a sound choice, and fancy crap like this is a nice way to revisit fond memories of the first listen.
I have followed Procol harem for about 50 years, Gary Brooker has one of the most iconic voices of all time. I cannot believe that he has not gone down the same road as Tom Jones etc.
My brother and myself had listened to the original song at Ieast 500+ times before he passed away in 2015. I don't know if he found this performance before his opioid "accidental" overdose. He would have loved it. I love it and watch this performance at least once or twice a month. Gary's voice is like fine whiskey, it tastes great when originally bottled, but 45 years later it tastes "that much" better when opened... RIP Gary ❤❤❤
I like Lex’s reactions. She shows feeling and emotion, so you get see what she enjoys and what she appreciates, when, where and why. Sorry Brad…you show zero emotion and keep poker faced throughout. I might as well be watching a plant react.
Thank you, I just wanted to comment the same, this is the most emotionless reaction, to one of the greatest song, and great performance. Wow. Felt a bit sorry for Lex. Why do you even bother man? 👎 disappointing
This was a 39th anniversary splendid reprise of the 1967 original...maybe you should've watched the 1967 version first, then this beautiful version. 👍🤪. RIP Gary Brooker who passed Feb 2022. 😇
I first heard this as a 18 year old in Cape town returning from a 16 month deployment in Singapore and Hong Kong I bought the album upon arriving back in the UK 2 months later and has been a treasured possession ever since.
He enjoys the song…he just isn’t able to show his emotions. I believe he’s on the “spectrum”…forgive me if I’m wrong. I also believe that he’s very intelligent.
I will never tire of enjoying the reactions to classics from Rock's golden era by those who missed it for whatever reasons. We know very well what we had in those prime years. Now we get to relive the marvelous journey through similarly astonished ears of young people who know immediately they are into a gold vein full of treasures that must be exposed to daylight at every opportunity once again. It's wonderful to witness and to enjoy.
Gary Brooker(singing) wrote the music, lyricist Keith Reid wrote the words to this song. This song was recorded in 1967. It's sort of a film, really, trying to conjure up mood and tell a story. It's about a relationship.
![This was BEYOND THINGS! ✨| Procol Harum - A Whiter Shade of Pale (Denmark 2006)[REACTION]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/NZ-fQoPXN8s/mqdefault.jpg)
On this Veterans Day, For all who are serving and have served in our military, Thank You for your service!
Thank you my brothers
Get off your knees.
Murderers, one and all.
@@DrMcCoy Go away troll.
@@Albertanator I mean, I'm German. You want me to thank all the veterans of my history? All the nazis that are now dead and rotting?
Gary Brooker lost his battle with cancer today.
Rest in peace.
The world lost a beautiful voice.😢
I honestly don't understand how anyone could not be moved by this truly outstanding performance. It doesn't matter what genre you normally listen too. Thank goodness for Lex, who knows what good music is.
She appreciated it. Was nice to see that.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Agreed I was shocked Brad seemed to have zero reaction to this timeless piece of genius!
eversince i seen this channel, i never seen brad react to any music he listened :D
I check these reactionsbecause of Lex her partner is stoned cold
Originally released in 1967, this performance was done with a live backing orchestra. Huge rock hit in its day. Gary Brooker still delivers.
@@isolationstation5157 If you listen to Beth Roar's analysis (she's a voice coach), she says he probably kept exercising his voice and singing all those years. I agree that it's not given to everyone, though. It's kinda sad to hear Art Garfunkel now, but he did have vocal chords issues.
@@Samhalta I'm going to see them in London on 1st February - I hope the 15 years since this concert have been equally kind to Gary! I did see Art Garfunkel in 2019, it *was* sad. I mean, I can say I've heard Art sing Bridge Over Troubled Water, and I never thought I'd be able to say that, but I haven't, not really.
@@markharris1125 Wow, that's great! I hope he'll be in good shape :) I just checked out a 2018 video of one of Gary's concerts but the quality of sound isn't great. It seems that his voice of course has aged a little, but he still sounded pretty good.
Love me some Gary Brooker. An amazing talent
@@Samhalta Yes, they're doing a tour of Europe, starting at the London Palladium. I did see a video of Gary singing with the Alan Parsons Project - is that the one you meant? Yes, the sound isn't brilliant. If I can video any of the concert and it turns out okay, I'll put it up on my channel.
A massive light went out in the world on 19th February 2022. Rest in Peace, Gary.
His voice has not aged more than a lttle bit over the years. This sounds as good as the original.
If not better! I feel his voice has more emotion than the original
@@andyk2607 The orchestra is a brilliant complement to his vocals.
With age comes wisdom. Except for me
@@andyk2607
Yes, I feel that too, even if I don't really appreciate the slower tempo, the voice has more depth and expression, he's damned good!
@@DerEchteBold i actually feel that the slightly slower tempo adds to the overall emotion of the song
Singer Gary Brooker was born in Hackney Hospital, East London, on 29 May 1945,[3] Brooker grew up in Hackney before the family moved out to Middlesex (Bush Hill Park and then to nearby Edmonton).[4] His father Harry Brooker was a professional musician, playing pedal steel guitar with Felix Mendelssohn’s Hawaiian Serenaders, and as a child Brooker learned to play piano, cornet and trombone.[5] In 1954 the family moved to the seaside resort of Southend-on-Sea, Essex, where Brooker attended Westcliff High School for Boys.[6] His father died of a heart attack when Gary was 11 years old, forcing his mother to work in order to make ends meet, while Brooker himself took on a paper-round.[7] When he left school, he went on to Southend Municipal College to study zoology and botany but dropped out to become a professional musician.
We didn't worry too much about labels. We just called it music we love!. Great choice.
That comment deserves ALL the likes.
There are only two genres of music: music you like and music you don't. The rest are just details to make the conversation for interesting.
Well said brother.
I have noticed that many of the young reactors are very keen on putting every song in a "genre". Everything has to have a label and be in a box. It's very interesting to me.
Guess you missed the whole "no black music on the radio" period. To say the 50's and 60's didn't care about labels is revisionist.
Wiki: One of the anthems of the 1967 Summer of Love, it is one of the most commercially successful singles in history, having sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. In the years since, "A Whiter Shade of Pale" has become an enduring classic, with more than 1000 known cover versions by other artists....In 1977, the song was named joint winner (along with Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody") of "The Best British Pop Single 1952-1977" at the Brit Awards. In 1998, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. In 2004, the performing rights group Phonographic Performance Limited recognised it as the most-played record by British broadcasting of the past 70 years and Rolling Stone placed it 57th on its list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time". In 2009, it was reported as the most played song in the last 75 years in public places in the UK.
Wow.. Thanks for posting that. I always thought this was a good song. But, I had no idea that it is regarded as The Best Song to come out of Britain between '52 and '77? May as well call it Best British Single Of All Time, because that includes the era of The Beatles and all the other British Rock Legends. If the Beatles, Stones, Zeppelin, Elton John, etc.. couldn't dethrone that song, I don't imagine anybody else doing it anytime soon. *Respect to Procol Harum*
wow that's very good info thanks
The Summer of Love, the year of the birth.
Thank you for that back ground
a classic thats stood the test of time
This is 60's Rock. This is not how their original sounds. This would be like hearing Led Zeppelin for the first time after hearing their album with the London Philharmonic first.
I totally agree with you.
They should a second studio reaction to this song. Here's a good link ua-cam.com/video/CJxpKlTID2Q/v-deo.html&ab_channel=BizarreBazaar
@@RobertLoves Yeah react to that
i concour
Exactly!
This is the perfect song for Brad to "react" to. Its exquisite, melancholic, reflective beauty, allows him to just sit there as usual and look like he "understands"!
This song from 50+ years ago still blows me away. Listen to it frequently. RIP Gary Booker, died almost a year ago, writer and vocals. He defined my generation.
If you listen to the original recording it has a lot more 60s in it, like the technology and sound. But this is one of the most classic classic classic classic 60s rock songs of all time. It gets IN ya
The melody was inspired by a 400 year old piece by J.S. Bach, Taken from a movement I believe in the Brandenberg Concertos, I believe it was named "Air on a G String". Timeless. IMHO, Gary Brooker sounds as good, if not better than he did in the 1960's.
Bach's working title while he was writing this was "Hanging Out The Washing".
(Some or all of this is a lie)
Sometimes this German Composer came Bach @1.0'clock other times he was Offenbach later but you are right about the "washing line"...
We're going to hang out the washing on the Siegfried Line.
Have you any dirty washing, mother dear?
We're gonna hang out the washing on the Siegfried Line.
'Cause the washing day is here.
It is called Air on G String by Bach, but it's not from the Brandenburg Concertos. I believe it's from Orchestral Suite #3
I think Bach got it from a cigar commercial shown during the original performance of the Shakespeare play, Hamlet.
This is why I am sceptical of so-called "Classical" Composers. While old Johann Sebastian was plagiarising that you had Grieg nicking "Morning" from that famous Coffee Advert.
I am surprised Krnco did not sue.
Liberties were taken and as fot Handel, he only got the idea of "The Messiah" from "The Life Of Brian" and Python. These fraudulent Composers should be outed :(
This is definitely rock. It's got a different feel due to orchestra, but it's a great song IMO.
The tune is Bach. There is no chance really. But classical progressive rock I'd call this.
@@leemurray7240 it’s a legitimate derivation and a thing in its own right as one of the most creative songs ever written.
@Peter D did I say it wasn't . I love the song.. but its Bach sound.
@@leemurray7240 I wasn’t criticising you. The influences on the song are apparent but it is a very special thing in itself. Copying things without attribution is a bad thing but building on something while acknowledging wha you’ve done isn’t.
John Lennon once stated that the only fault with that song was that he didn't write it.
For me personally, it is one of those songs that will stand for many years to come.
As far as I know, it is based on a melody by the classical composer Bach. And there is nothing wrong with that. The old composers took each other apart, and when the result is as beautiful as in this display, it is a plus for humanity.
Good lord Brad show some life man what the Heck !!! That was one of the most soulful versions of a classic song you'll ever hear dude get with it man ! ....lmao
John Lennon loved this song that he had a record player installed in his Rolls-Royce and would drive around the countryside playing it loud over and over.
Yes, apparently once said, “I wish I’d written this.”
Great fun fact! You can hear the echo of this song in the chorus of "watching the wheels" by Lennon. ❤
RIP Gary Brooker who has died today. What an amazing voice that he still had even in his later years.
You guys should react to…
The Moody Blues - Nights in White Satin
🎸🤘
the full version with poem
Everytime I hear this song I immediately think of NIghts in White Satin too hahaha nice one Bro
Make sure it's the full version.
Ride my seesaw. With poem. By Moody Blues. It,ll freak out Brad.
Only 2 types of music
This has always been a beautiful song but the studio version that most of us grew up with is just the core band with Gary Booker singing and the Hammond B3 organ sounding beautiful in the background. This version included the Danish National Orchestra and Danish National Choir which I, surprisingly, like better than the studio version. The lyrics are somewhat nonsensical, talking about an evening in a tavern but the music is so beautiful that it has remained among my favorite songs since it was new (and I was young).
As the Miller told his tale.
It actually makes great sense, is about a hook up, that did not go very well after leaving the bar.
The addition of the orchestra and choir just elevated this tune to massively elevated greatness that even the original did not have.
This is not what we heard in 67 , & his voice is 50 years in the past . I would recommend a Listen to the original studio version
@@abrahammarquez2354 - if i understand the lyrics correctly - it sounds like the girl OD'd - "her face turned a whiter shade of pale"...
He still has the great voice, 39 years later! "Conquistador" was their only other hit song in the US. More upbeat.
More like 53 years later.
@@rafaelorantes7185 performance from 2006, original 1967. 2006-1967=39
Conquistador was my favorite song for so long!
Homburg was their follow up song that made Top Ten in the UK and Top 40 in the US in 1967
Conquistador was also performed at this concert in Denmark
Trust an OLD guy, this was a rock group in the day... Great tune.
39 years after it's release Gary Brooker's voice is just as powerful.
39? More like 50 + years old. Edit, sorry, realized this recording itself is getting up there in age!!
@@BlackSmokeDMax song was released in 1967, this clip was filmed in 2006, that's 39 years.
I didn't expect to lose him this year he's voice is hauntingly beautiful rip
Gives me chills every time someone reacts to this. So beautiful 🖤. Gary Brooker’s voice aged like fine wine .
Classic, saw Procol Harum in London 1967. Gary Brookers voice is timeless.
No orchestra in 67 just the band and not forgetting a Hammond organ.
It was the Hammond that made this song so unique and memorable. Still in my top 5 favourites of all time. Brooker was a genius to combine classical and rock music to come up with this gem.
The best line in rock history ;
"That her face, at first just ghostly,
Turned a whiter shade of pale".
Absolutely.
The orchestra adds a whole new dimension, but the framework is classic rock. ;)
RIP Gary Brooker. Your music will never be forgotten.
I feel so fortunate for growing up in the 70s and 80s with parents who had a big record collection and a good stereo system. I was able to hear entire albums by bands like this, Santana, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Beethoven, Bach, Elvis Presley, 50s rock, classical, disco, doowop, psychedelic rock, western campfire songs, and the beginnings of punk rock and metal.
Having a wide variety from a young age as a base makes all music easier to appreciate.
Hey Brad, this is supposed to be reaction channel. Thank your lucky stars you have Lex who really appreciates all kinds of music.
RIP the amazing Gary Brooker. This song is an iconic piece from Procol Harum. Hearing this orchestrated version brings tears to any avid music lovers eyes. This was absolutely spectacular.
There is seemingly a whole lot going on in “A Whiter Shade of Pale”. Not only is the instrumental partially based on a song dating all the way back to the 17th century, but there are also references to the likes of “the miller”, “16 vestal virgins” and “Neptune” which truly gives the lyrics a mythological, esoteric feel. But as the man who actually wrote the words, Keith Reid, has explained, his goal in writing this classic was to put forth a “straightforward, girl-leaves-boy story”.
As far as hits go, no act could have asked for a bigger success than “A Whiter Shade of Pale”. The song came out as part of Procol Harum’s debut album, which itself is entitled Procol Harum. And the track reached number 1 in nearly 15 different countries, including most notably the UK Singles Chart.
After topping the Dutch Top 40 in 1967, it went on to also do the same on the Netherlands’ Single Top 100 in 1972, having also recharted on the UK Singles Chart that year. Additionally it reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, despite receiving limited promotion in the United States.
In fact this track holds the distinction of being one of the highest-selling singles of all time. Or stated otherwise, it has sold in excess of 10,000,000 copies which is a remarkable feat. And for the record, only about 40 songs in history have ever achieved this great feat.
The tune has held a particularly strong standing in Procol Harum’s homeland of the United Kingdom. For instance, it has been recognized as being both the most-played song in public and the most-played song on air in the UK throughout the 20th century and into the 21st.
Even more Accolades
In 2004 the song also made it onto the top 60 of Rolling Stone’s notable ranking of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. In 1998, it was inducted into the highly-distinguished Grammy Hall of Fame. And in 1977 the Brit Awards gave it the distinction of being The Best British Pop Single 1952-1977, an accolade it shared with “Bohemian Rhapsody” (1975) by Queen.
Also in 2018 the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame changed its criteria, allowing singles to be inducted into the institution as opposed to only musicians themselves. And “A Whiter Shade of Pale” was amongst the first songs to be enshrined therein.
The success of this song has led to “a whiter shade of pale” being adopted as a common phrase in the English lexicon.
RIP, Gary. We’ll do our best to keep your music and memory alive. You were an essential part of our generation. We came for that wailing organ and stayed for that fabulous voice. Thank you!
Procol was what we call a Progressive rock band, a band who mixes elements of classical music into their music. Their album "Grand Hotel" is truly awesome and beautiful. It has an amusing song on it called "A Souvenir Of London" which is about getting VD while on vacation in England. Procol' s leader Gary Brooker passed away just recently.
Part of the sound track of my life. I was 18 when this was released and everyone went mad for it at the time. Glorious piece of music! Gary Brooker sounded as good then as he did back in 1967! A legend in his own lifetime.
I was 15 and loved this song. Nobody knew WTF he was talking about, but we loved it anyway. I did enjoy the Canterberry Tales reference though.
Never heard this, good version tho, for sure--check out the original 1969 version tho, just for ya know, educational purposes....not much orchestra in the original, just more piano and a LOT of hauntingly beautiful Hammond organ--which doesnt come in on this version until the second verse....the original version is drenched with Hammond organ thru out, that floating, dreamy organ riff, like the 2nd verse onward is in this one
From 1967...still enjoy the original version much better.
This song is baroque rock. It was on the radio all through the magical summer of 1967, along with other unforgettable hits like the Doors’ “Light My Fire” and the Beatles’ “All You Need is Love.” It’s important to realize that the version here is sung by the same guy as the original, but nearly 40 years later.
So haunting .. always gives goosebumps. One of the greatest songs ever written.
Gary Brooker sounds just as good singing this in 2006 as he did in 1967... he is amazing. around 66 when he sang this
This was an amazing performance I've probably watched 25 reactions and everybody is either speechless or almost in tears.
Except in this video.
When I first saw/heard this performance I just cried because it is so beautiful.
Brad said he had zero expectations!! What he failed to mention is that he'd also have zero reaction and zero facial expression!!!
This is a great song, i wasnt alive in the 60’s, but this song was made famous again to 70’s/80’s kids like myself in the classic movie 80’s movie “the big chill” (as well as many other great 60’s songs in that flick)--also, i do know as a HUGE Beatles fan that this was Paul and Linda McCartney’s wedding dance song in 1969, or 1970, one of the two
There's nothing in the world that makes that unique sound like a Hammond organ. 🌴🌄🐊 1967 Gary Brooker still sounds the same.
That organ sound was damn popular in the 60s. We had one in our living room for 20 years. When my parent moved we donated it to a local church. Probably a classic piece of music art now! Not many people pick up the organ here. You have a good ear.
@@Mainecoonlady. I think everyone that was alive back then knows this was a B3. It is so Iconic.
@@Mainecoonlady. Do you have a Maine Coons Cat? I would like to know if they are hard to care for.
This song is one of the best songs ever made.. Emotional, melodic and powerful.. To me, who wasn`t even born when it was written, It is a hymn of its time. 1967 -- when Love+Peace+Hippie culture peaked!! Can`t count how many times I`ve listened to it during my childhood + teenage years.. and now as an adult resurrecting it via reaction videos.. It`s neverending soothing for the soul ! Huge Thanks to Gary (RIP) and the band!! .. Love your reactions!! :) :D
Masterpiece, wizardry almost. Pure class at it's best. Whoever selected it, thank you for reviewing this song. 👏👏👏👏
Timelessly beautiful.
If the Danish Symphony Orchestra dedicates to a song, you should know its a doozy. This was a hit in the sixties.
This was my mom’s favorite song. She passed in January. Making me cry a bit. I love it too ❤️🙏
I’m so sorry
@@nicw3251 Aw thank you🥰
I remember when this song came out...it got lots of airplay at the time. I think this was there only hit song, so the group disappeared. But this is their signature song. The organ arraingement is universal and sets the song off along with Gary's vocal. Once you hear the organ you never forget this song. Its a timeless tune, but as I have said before, the 50s-70s have the best block of music ever recorded in world history. Something was just magic and in the air that caused all that creativity. Even the cars coming out of Detroit in that period were just cool too. I am glad I got to experience that era as a kid.
Also Conquistador- live with the ESO.
I remember it coming out.. and the story I heard then was it was written as a ..not parody...but maybe 'retort'..to all the psychedelic songs at that time (think Donovan)... he thought all that stuff was such nonsense...anyone could write it..so when challenged...he came up with whiter shade of pale to prove his point.. notice that this song is unlike any other song they did
Nicky I agree with U about there being some kinda magic energy going on at the time. The creativity at that time is unexplainable. I suspect something from the heavens was going on because it carried over into every category of live. There was an energy going on and a flood gate of gifts was opened up and served to earth. It was one of the BEST time periods to be alive. For the record it's 2022 and I age 73 about to turn 74 in November. I feel BLESSED to have been there.
Salty dog is excellent as is conquistador and many others!
WOW... i am speechless... tears in my eyes... so beautifull... Thank you
Gary Brooker. Original member of Procol Harum, singing as well as a man half his age.
Epic song that was worthy of
a fully orchestrated performance.
Brought me to tears the first time I heard it.
NOW........THAT'S A BAND RIGHT THERE WITH AN UNDISPUTED SOUND
One of the great songs of all time!
Every time I cry. Of all the wouldas, couldas, shouldas, that never happened. I love this song. Thanks for your kind post.
So glad I lived through all of this, we had an immense amount of talent and creativity. All the songs were from the heart and soul of us all
I was 13 when this beautiful tune came out, and I can earnestly say that EVERYONE was stunned by it - Rock & Roll of a complexity and beauty we had not heard before. 55 years later, and I still remember exactly who did this when I hear it.
Much like the treatment Stairway To Heaven received at the Kennedy Center Honors, A Whiter Shade Of Pale is just epic with a full orchestra and choir.
Excellent analogy
I was 9 when this song came out. 55 years later, people from my generation still love this song. You can find videos on UA-cam of Procol Harum with Gary Brooker singing it in 1967. He was 21 or 22. He’s a classically trained musician.
Procol Harum’s music was in a category all its own. They were the first. Kind of a Baroque sound with the organ.
He just passed in February. I got a kick that he got married at 22 or 23 in 1968 and stayed happily married until he passed away.
This song is from the 60's. Everyone seems to react to this version when they are much older. I'd love to see a reaction to their original version.
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I think copyright issues kick in with original recordings, but don't apply to live recordings. A lot of YT videos are demonetised when the copyright owners lay claim to any money that videos generate. I think that's why a lot of live performances are used for these reaction videos.
I prefer the original version.
That Hammond B3 organ just makes this song. Unreal sound.
Who cares what kind of music it is as long as it is good music?
One of the biggest selling singles of all time and over 1,000 artist have recorded it
This is Epic. Brooker was lead vocals and still just as good as he was in his 20’s. Procol Harem was a five member band in the late 60’s and 70’s.
My mother, 98, wants this played at her funeral.
Not many rock singers from 1967 can sound as good as Gary Brooker did in this live performance 40 years later. Amazing.
I was so lucky to have grown up surrounded by music like this in the late 60's - I was born in '55. One of my favourites
You definitely need to hear their Conquistador. You owe it to yourselves.
My first real girlfriends father probably had a couple thousand vinyl RPMs in the upstairs attic of her grandmother, his mothers house. We (me and her) used to play them together for hours, everything from CCR, to The Byrds to Led Zepplin, to Procol Harum. The first time we played this song, for some reason, without saying a word, we stood up and held each other and danced. I remember how she felt in my arms, tall and willowy, her ear pressed against the side of my nose as I nuzzled her neck, her long brown hair against my forehead. I remember her scent., young, fresh, feminine. I don't hear this song often, but when I do, every time - I'm not sad, but it brings a lump to my throat and her scent still lingers.
Thanks, for playing this one.
I love the heavy metal reactions, but I'm also here for this. An absolutely beautiful song.
Thanks guys for reviewing this !
"Orchestral Rock" was a thing, back when there were still orchestras and synthesizer/sampling technology hadn't happened yet. The Moody Blues, Renaissance, Procul Harum, Rick Wakefield, Emerson Lake and Palmer, plus many tracks from early Genesis, Jethro Tull, the Beatles, Yes, Led Zeppelin, Buffalo Springfield, Simon and Garfunkel, John Denver, and many others.
Almost correct mate. The term most often used is Progressive Rock. It still is a thing only the newer bands are normally classed as Neo Prog. Oh and it's Rick Wakeman not Rick Wakefield. 😊
@@eddhardy1054 Thanks for the correction on Wakeman -- typing too late at night on that one. For the rest, not so much -- Prog is a different thing from Orchestral Rock. Marillion and Gentle Giant are certainly Prog but not at all orchestral. Similarly, there is Orchestral Rock that isn't prog -- Igor Krutoy, for example.
@@DavidTateVA I still consider Progressive Rock to cover most of the bands and artists that you call orchestral. Infact most of the bands you mentioned (The Moody Blues, Procol Harum, early Genesis, Jethro Tull, ELP and especially Yes) are definitely Progressive Rock. 😉
This song was a huge hit in the mid 60's and it's what progressive rock sounded like...And Procol Harum was cutting edge, along with groups like the Beatles (of course), the Rolling Sones and the Who.
Upon hearing it, Beatle John Lennon said: "That's the greatest song I ever heard" and it, along with some of the songs on the legendary "Pet Sounds" album by the Beach Boys, challenged the Beatles to create even greater music on albums like Seargent Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band, Magical Mystery Tour and Abbey Road.
By the way, that's the Danish National Choir playing behind Gary Booker🎼💖
For a bit more of what Lex was Saying, you REALLY need to hear Procal's Studio Recording, or the Eurythmic's version.
or Doro Pesch (Warlock) version
Delightful and wonderfully respectful reaction … thanks for this
This song and this performance are stunning.
There is a certain kind of voice that only older singers have. It has grit, experiense, sadness, confidence, happiness and beauty in just one voice. You have to have lived a full and fairly long life to have it.
I'm in my 50's, and I've heard this song many, many times before. I think Annie Lennox even did a remake of his song back in the 90's sometime. But this live version is the best version (in my opinion).
FROM THE SAME CONCERT, CONQUISTADOR. AND IT ROCKS !
I would call this an amazing combination of classical music and rock. The lyrics are deep and have references to Chaucer. Lead singer Gary Brooker sounds even better singing with the Danish Orchestra in this live version than the original recording over 50 years ago. You should check out the original for a comparison.
One of my all time favorites. I remember dancing to this in high school when the song first came out. Thank you!
I was so excited for this one. Then it wasn't the original. Then Brad didn't overanalyze the lyrics which is what I wanted with this song 😂
His head would have exploded trying to construct a linear song narrative, so it's probably for the best!
Agreed on both counts, lol
RIP Gary Brooker who recently passed away, wrote this as a teen in the late 60s.....(this was a rock song back then)...... "Procol Harum" in Latin means "beyond these things"....how cool is that ? lol
moody blues - nights in white satin!
The room was humming harder As the ceiling flew away ♪♪ I always loved this song.
I think for a first impression, the original release is a sound choice, and fancy crap like this is a nice way to revisit fond memories of the first listen.
Interesting definition of "crap" fancy or otherwise.
Just been watching Usain Bolt run.He was crap, Man..
Fancy crap? Inspired by J.S.Bach. Fancy OK. Crap? Never.
I have followed Procol harem for about 50 years, Gary Brooker has one of the most iconic voices of all time. I cannot believe that he has not gone down the same road as Tom Jones etc.
I'm surprised the live version was able to catch the haunting atmosphere almost as well as the studio original.
My brother and myself had listened to the original song at Ieast 500+ times before he passed away in 2015. I don't know if he found this performance before his opioid "accidental" overdose. He would have loved it. I love it and watch this performance at least once or twice a month. Gary's voice is like fine whiskey, it tastes great when originally bottled, but 45 years later it tastes "that much" better when opened...
RIP Gary ❤❤❤
I like Lex’s reactions. She shows feeling and emotion, so you get see what she enjoys and what she appreciates, when, where and why.
Sorry Brad…you show zero emotion and keep poker faced throughout. I might as well be watching a plant react.
Exactly. He might as well not be there... Lex carries the whole show!
@@Pokafalva I work with some kids that Brad is very similar to as in his lack of reaction .
@@margaretwaite7226 I understand your point. But his total lack of reaction marks him out as someone not suitable to do reaction videos...
Thank you, I just wanted to comment the same, this is the most emotionless reaction, to one of the greatest song, and great performance. Wow. Felt a bit sorry for Lex. Why do you even bother man? 👎 disappointing
If you don't like this performance you must not like music.
This was a 39th anniversary splendid reprise of the 1967 original...maybe you should've watched the 1967 version first, then this beautiful version. 👍🤪. RIP Gary Brooker who passed Feb 2022. 😇
That's a 60's song. Those dudes' gotta be ancient in '06.
I first heard this as a 18 year old in Cape town returning from a 16 month deployment in Singapore and Hong Kong I bought the album upon arriving back in the UK 2 months later and has been a treasured possession ever since.
Brad's soul is dead.
😂
It's not country, it's some of the finest 60's rock you will ever enjoy. You would've loved the 67 rendition!
I don’t understand why Brad listens to this type of music when the look on his face constantly looks like he is bored and uninterested-drag
he has an open mind and enjoys the discoveries.
.
If he wasn't touched by that he hasn't got a soul!
@@hectoracevedo4545 he doesn't enjoy much
He enjoys the song…he just isn’t able to show his emotions. I believe he’s on the “spectrum”…forgive me if I’m wrong. I also believe that he’s very intelligent.
@@tommyk6719 That would make sense. I have wondered about his indifference.
I will never tire of enjoying the reactions to classics from Rock's golden era by those who missed it for whatever reasons. We know very well what we had in those prime years. Now we get to relive the marvelous journey through similarly astonished ears of young people who know immediately they are into a gold vein full of treasures that must be exposed to daylight at every opportunity once again. It's wonderful to witness and to enjoy.
Why would you not do the original? 👎🏽
UK bands rock the world 🇬🇧 hell yeah!
Gary Brooker(singing) wrote the music, lyricist Keith Reid wrote the words to this song. This song was recorded in 1967. It's sort of a film, really, trying to conjure up mood and tell a story. It's about a relationship.
If that man doesn't make you want to sing along, I feel for you. ❤🔥🎤