Title: Broken Barricades
Company: A&M
Catalog: SP-4294
Year: 1971
Country/State: UK
Grade (cover/record): VG+ / VG+
Comments: die cut gatefold sleeve
I've owned "Broken Barricades" for years, yet after all this time it remains kind of a mystery to me. I've listened to the album dozens of times and my opinion of it bounces all over the spectrum. There are times I'd say it's one of their top three releases, while other times I find it virtually unlistenable. Like most things in life, the truth is probably somewhere in the middle. The fact the album even came about is kind of a miracle. Having just completed an extensive American tour in support of "Home", the band had one week off before returning to the studios to start on what was to become their fifth studio set. The results were even more impressive when you learn that most of the album was written and recorded during a five week period. Luckily Reid seemed to have had a theme at the ready - this time sex. (In an interview he was quoted as saving the album was "erotic in lyrical content, to do with sex but not dirty.") While Matthew Fisher's keyboards were still missed, Gary Brooker's instantly recognizable voice, Robin Trower's chunky guitar chords and Keith Reid's ever pompous lyrics ensured that you couldn't mistake this album for anyone but Procol Harum. Produced by Chris Thomas at London's AIR Studios, this time around Procol seemed intent on exploring even more of a hard rock sound. Tracks such as 'Simple Sister', 'Memorial Drive' and 'Playmate of the Mouth' exhibited a stripped down power that was quite impressive. Elsewhere, the title track was simply one of the band's prettiest melodies. Trower again proved his worth, kicking in three of the most impressive numbers, including the Hendrix-inspired 'Song for a Dreamer' (the thick sustaining chords standing as a precursor to his forthcoming solo career) and the stunning 'Poor Mohammad'. The latter was also one of the few vocal performances Trower ever recorded. His voice won't slay you, but it wasn't half bad making you wonder why he didn't take on more vocals.
- Opening up with some blistering Trower fuzz guitar, 'Simple Sister' was one of the toughest songs the band ever recorded. Now if someone could only explain what the hell it was about ... For anyone interested, YouTube has a 1971 European television performance of the track: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ef2AQxfu5cM&feature=related rating: **** stars
- Built around what sounded like a neat keyboard flourish, the title track offered up one of Procol's prettiest melodies, coupled with another enigmatic Keith Ried lyric. For whatever reason 'Broken Barricades' is one of the Procol songs I find myself humming. Here's another link to a YouTube performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAv5EMARlWY&feature=related rating: **** stars
- I've always thought that Brooker's rough hewn voice was well suited for conventional rock tunes and I'd point to 'Memorial Drive' as evidence of that statement. Powered by Trower's screeching strat and some Brooker barrelhouse piano this paen to California (at least that's what I think its about) was great. YouTube had a 2001 Copehagen performance of this one at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0Q6lLYnq70 rating: **** stars - Seemingly at risk to alienating their longstanding fan base, 'Luskus Delph' offered up a track far more in keeping with their patented pseudo-traditional base. With Reid's typically cryptic lyrics, classical flourishes, and some tasty synthesizers, this one stood as a personal favorite. That said, B.J. Wilson's drums made the song. rating: **** stars
- I have no idea if it's true, but 'Power Failure' was supposedly inspired by a true life experience - playing a concert the venue they were in lost all power leaving drummer Wilson to entertain the crowd with an extended drum solo. And that's what this track's built around; an extended Wilson solo complete with audience applause. That said, the track rocks out with considerable energy. rating: *** stars
- One of two Trower vocals, 'Song for a Dreamer' was supposedly dedicated to the late Jimi Hendrix. The song certainly borrowed heavily from Hendrix's unique sound and served as a jumping off point for Trower's forthcoming solo career. Easy to imagine this one on "Bridge of Signs" or "Twice Removed from Yesterday". Trower's instantly recognizable guitar was in fine form, but the song sounded more like a studio experiment than a finished product. rating: *** stars
- Another track showcasing Trower's growling guitar (and some horns this time around), 'Playmate of the Month' was a snarling blues-rocker. The first couple of spins it struck me as an also-ran composition, but it's progressively grown on me. rating: *** stars
- Another Trower composition and lead vocal, 'Poor Mohammed' was a killer rocker that was once again egnematic. Great electric slide guitar ... I've read some accusations that Reid's lyrics had an anti-Islamic orientation, but I have my doubts ... It certainly wasn't his most elaborate composition ... but again it sure rocked. rating: **** stars
A&M tapped the album for a pair of singles in the States:
Portuguese EP - Spamish picture sleeve - Japanese picture sleeve
- 1971's 'Broken Barricades' b/w 'Power Failure' 1971 A&M catalog number AM 1264)- 1971's 'Simple Sister' b/w 'Song for a Dreamer' (A&M catalog number AM 1287)
"Broken Barricades" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Simple Sister (Gary Brooker - Keith Reid) - 5:47
2.) Broken Barricades (Gary Brooker - Keith Reid) - 3:10
3.) Memorial Drive (Robin Trower - Keith Reid) - 3:43
4.) Luskus Delph (Gary Brooker - Keith Reid) - 3:47
(side 2)
1.) Power Failure (Gary Brooker - Keith Reid) - 4:30
2.) Song for a Dreamer (Robin Trower - Keith Reid) - 5:25
3.) Playmate of the Month (Gary Brooker - Keith Reid) - 5:03
4.) Poor Mohammed (Robin Trower - Keith Reid) - 3:06
Naturally, about to embark on another American tour in support of the LP, Trower gave his notice. He was quickly replaced by Dave Ball.
