What is it about [the original Procol Harum's] "A Whiter Shade of Pale" that makes it sound so incredible..?

Question

... after all these years?

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 well've been closed

Answer 1

The hypnotic effect brought on by the whirling Leslie speakers paired with the Hammond B-3 organ provided by Matthew Fisher, and the voice of Gary Brooker (piano) seem to be a perfect match for one another.

Also, the fact that the main melody and organ line was taken from Johann Sebastian Bach's 'Sleepers Awake' and 'Air on a G-String' is another part of the reason this song was so appealing. Today many people don't recognize this connection. When the song first came out back 1967, anyone with even the slightest interest in classical music realized this immediately.

The lyrics were captivating as well. Procol Harum were/are unique, in that they hired a lyricist, Keith Reid, that was actually considered the 6th member or the group. Though he didn't actually play with the band, Keith was responsible for penning much of the bands lyrical content. He was a master wordsmith.

This link will explain how Matthew Fisher achieved his wonderful Hammond sound on WSoP: http://www.procolharum.com/awsop_reg-cerdes.htm

Main page: http://www.procolharum.com/organlinks.htm

Answer 2

A Whiter Shade Of Pale - Procol Harum.

Answer 3

I am not, in general, a fan of Procol Harum, but I do think that is one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded. I really like the cover by Annie Lennox, as well, so I suspect that for me it's the melody and the words which are the attraction.



The original, I think, is great because of the organ (obviously), and because of the Bach-inspired melody. It's Bach, isn't it? I can never remember, as Bach is not among my favorite composers. I think that, in an era when there were guitars all over the place, that sedate, hymn-like song must have been absolutely mesmerizing to most--I know it still is to me.



I actually had an older gentleman tell me about the first time he heard it. He was at the home of a friend who had just returned from a year of study abroad at Oxford, and his friend told everyone they "just must" listen to this record he had. He said his friend put it on, and as the music started playing, the party suddenly went silent. He said he felt stunned. (He also said he couldn't wait to listen to it while on LSD, which was not available that night, it being a conservative party with liquor only). He said he though it so beautiful he teared up while listening to it, and felt ashamed, until he noticed it was having that effect on others, as well.



I always think that a song which inspires a lot of covers must be a great song (who wants to cover a piece of crap?), and I have heard many, many covers of it, so I guess it's had an effect on a lot of people. None of them quite capture the mood of the original, though.



Great song--going to go look for my copy now ;)

Answer 4

The hauntingly beautiful sound of a well played Hammond B3 Organ and its accomanying Leslie Rotating Speaker.

Answer 5

Rumor is that it was an M100 series Hammond on the record. In retrospect, the sound does seem thinner than the foldback A's, B's and C's.

Answer 6

I think it's the wonderful organ melody.