PROCOL HARUM/EXOTIC BIRDS AND FRUIT CHR 1058 (-74) UK

I enjoy their Regal Zonophone recordings more, so this is not an absolute band favorite of mine. However there was such a high level on everything they did so personal favorite or not it remains a very good album and one I still enjoy listening to today. Recorded during times of strikes in Britain leading to continuing power cuts, forcing them to use a reserve generator for some of the takes, but apart from "Nothing But The Truth" starting with a power check - "is it on Tommy? - there's not a trace of trouble here. All of side one is pure delight - "Nothing But The Truth", "Beyond The Pale", "As Strong As Samson" and "The Idol" - well written catchy songs carried by top production and Gary Brooker's special vocals. To my ears side two is a little weaker, but "Thin End Of The Wedge" is good psych and "Monsieur R. Monde" interesting as a remake of "Monsieur Armand" - a track they recorded Oct. 1967, remaining unrelesed in its original form before showing up on the 1976 UK Rock Roots compilation  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2012/05/procol-harum-rock-roots-4-hifly-22-76.html   . This did well in Europe, then especially Scandinavia, but only managed #86 on Billboard. Issued all over the world on vinyl, cassette and CD through the years. First US on Chrysalis (CHT 1058). Japan 2012 CD (Victor VICP-75098) came with the "Drunk Again" B-side and and alternative mix of "As Strong As Samson" as bonus tracks. Premiere UK had label as shown here and fully laminated cover. (PRÖX*)