Procol Harum

Even fans call this one "Something Tragic." There are still hints of the tight ensemble playing that characterizes the best of Procol's Chrysalis albums, but most of the first side is dreary, uninspired stuff. While the title track captures some of the drama of early Procol, Brooker's distinctive voice is the sole link to their former glory on indifferent cuts like "Wizard Man." ("Strangers in Space" later appeared on the Brooker-produced The Long Good-bye: The Symphonic Music of Procol Harum.) "The Worm & The Tree" is a side-long extravagance, the first time the band had produced a work of this length since "In Held 'Twas I," on the 1968 release, Shine on Brightly. Unlike the whimsy and charm of that earlier suite, though, "The Worm & The Tree" lyrically evokes Emerson, Lake & Palmer's at their most tedious (Tarkus). Seemingly out of steam, and out of step with the rising tide of punk music, Procol Harum packed it in, not to return until the '90s. ~ James A. Gardner, All Music Guide