Yes, most of the posts on this blog are about contemporary artists. But, that doesn't mean I don't have a soft spot in my heart for the classics.
This next album has no doubt been heard by a huge amount of people, but I'm betting that there's a large amount of college students who haven't heard it. So, if you're a person who has heard this album, I hope you think the review does it justice and if you haven't, well by golly I do believe that's the point! Moments of geek-dom aside, here we go.
The album is "Wish You Were Here," by Pink Floyd. Now, by far the most commercially popular of PF's albums is "Dark Side of the Moon." Here's a shocker: I like that album, yes, but I like this album more, and I ALSO like "Animals" more. I haven't had a chance to listen to "The Wall" yet.
"WYWH" is an airy, mournful tribute to the band's recently (at the time) deceased guitarist. The first track on the album, "Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Parts 1-5" bookends the album with "Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Parts 6-9" which is the final song on the album. It is a tribute to the fallen bandmate, with the band's new lead guitarist soloing for a huge portion of the 26 total minutes the two songs take up. The album artwork reinforces this idea, with one man in flames (I assume the dead guitarist) shaking the hand of another man, as if he is handing over the guitarist reins to the new guitarist.
You'd think that would get boring, especially since the solo essentially serves as a dirge. Wrong-o. The songs are beautiful, and they soar with a sort of otherworldly sadness that is completely captivating.
The other three tracks on the album are outstanding as well, with "Welcome to the Machine" serving as a brilliant dystopian social commentary that reminds me of George Orwell's 1984: "Welcome my son, welcome to the machine." "Have a Cigar" is the lightest song on the album (if you can call it that), and "Wish You Were Here" is a sad song meant for the deceased lead guitarist. It's mournful and touching.
The lyrics are outstandingly written, the music is in top form. But, in my opinion, the two songs that take the day are the two simplest. The two-part series of "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" is the album in a nutshell. It captures all the emotions that the other members of the band are feeling with minimal need for lyrics. It's a testament to the emotional power of one instrument.
I'm sure I'll review "Animals" at some point (it revolves around the themes in Orwell's Animal Farm), but, for now, give this album a shot. It was my first Pink Floyd album, and I immediately went out and bought two more.
Here's a link to the band's Myspace.
http://www.myspace.com/pinkfloyd
Until next time, tell your friends about the blog and enjoy all the music out there.
Andrew
Nice post. However, I have to correct you on one point. The album was released in 1975. Syd Barrett didn't pass away until 2006. He was very much a recluse and many did believe he was dead. He also attended the recording session of Shine On You Crazy Diamond.
ReplyDeleteThere is a great song (by Television Personalities) called "I Know Where Syd Barrett Lives".
I have to agree with you on your album ranking. Dark Side is a masterpiece but Animals is my favorite, followed by Wish You Were Here and Meddle.
If you want to learn about another band leader whose story is almost as odd as Barrett's check out Roky Erikson of "The 13th Floor Elevators". He was in a mental institution for awhile, a recluse and recently made a minor comeback.