Homburg

Procol Harum

About Homburg

"Homburg" was the rock band Procol Harum's follow-up single to their initial 1967 hit "A Whiter Shade of Pale". Written by pianist Gary Brooker and lyricist Keith Reid, "Homburg" reached number 6 in the UK Singles Chart, number 15 in Canada, and number 34 in the United States. It went to number one in several countries, including Australia, South Africa, and the Netherlands. An Italian cover (L'ora dell'amore by I Camaleonti) reached number 1 in the Italian Hit Parade Singles Chart on December 16, 1967 and remained there for 10 weeks. Reid's "Homburg" lyrics contains the same surreal, dream-like imagery and feelings of resignation and futility as in the debut single. The music also features Matthew Fisher's rich and deep Hammond organ, but the piano and guitar have bigger places in the overall sound. The theme is not as clearly Bach-like as in "A Whiter Shade of Pale"; nevertheless, the single was, on its release, criticised for being too similar to its predecessor. The word Homburg refers to the famous Homburg hat, manufactured in Bad Homburg in Germany. The B-side of the single was "Good Captain Clack", which was taken from the album Procol Harum. 


Year:
1995
39 

Lyrics currently unavailable…


Procol Harum

Procol Harum are a British rock band, formed in 1967, which contributed to the development of progressive rock, and by extension, symphonic rock. Their best-known recording is their 1967 single "A Whiter Shade of Pale". Although noted for its baroque and classical influence, Procol Harum's music also embraces the blues, R&B and soul. In October 2012, the band were nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. more »

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15 facts about this song

Band Origin
"Homburg" is a song by British rock band Procol Harum.
Song Release
It was released as a single in September 1967 following the success of the band's debut single, "A Whiter Shade of Pale."
Chart Performance
Upon its release, "Homburg" reached number 6 on the UK Singles Chart and number 34 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Lyrics Writer
The lyrics of the song were written by Keith Reid, who was the band's manager and never played an instrument.
Music Composition
Gary Brooker, lead vocalist and pianist, composed the music for "Homburg."
Song Misconception
Though song features a prominent piano track, it is often mistakenly believed to be recorded on a harpsichord, much like their prior hit 'A Whiter Shade of Pale.'
Album Inclusion
It was later included on the album "Procol Harum", but only in the U.S. release.
Recording Studio
"Homburg" was recorded at Advision Studios in London.
Song style
The song maintained a similar Baroque influenced style echoing their previous 'A Whiter Shade of Pale.'
Cover Versions
"Homburg" has been covered by several artists, including Aphrodite's Child and Annie Haslam.
Musical Influence
Procol Harum's "Homburg", like many of their songs, blended rock with classical elements.
Song Reception
Despite its success, the song received mixed reviews with some critics believing it tried too hard to emulate 'A Whiter Shade of Pale.'
Song Title
It is rumored that the song's title, 'Homburg,' is likely referring to a style of hat popular in the 1960s.
Song's Cultural Impact
It ultimately became one of Procol Harum's signature songs and firmly established them in the psychedelic rock movement of the late '60s.
Live Performances
Despite its initial success, the band has rarely included "Homburg" in their live performances.

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    Homburg

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1967

    Billboard #34


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