DAVID GILMOUR

So many years on and I can't help but think this album has stood the test of time, positive and negative views. Of course heard through the ears of someone who has not grown up and lived the sound of Floyd and anyone associated with that band may have a different view.

A very song oriented album, Short and Sweet co written with Roy Harper who with DG guesting recorded it on his fine album The Unknown Soldier. Oddly perhaps I prefer this one but that's just me.

His old band mates from Jokers Wild join DG in some things that are often PF oriented. Its Deafintely seems like a cousin of One Of These Days - check the bass rhythm.

No great concept album every number is it's own little masterpiece with a lot of the details in the finely tuned and intricate performances. The album rocks quite energetically for a voice and guitar that emerged from one of the most glacially mobile bands ever.

The music is rock, unlike most who think this is bluesy perhaps only in some textures such as the lap steel guitar but this is one of those interesting albums that do not pander to a fashion or style but expresses the author's musical and lyrical views in the context with which he is most comfortable; a series of varied styled rock numbers.

Some think this may be the "lost" PF album. Well as much as I love this it's not really. It could have been had Roger been present to apply the over riding concept as well as the intricate narratives that allow his lyrics to flow logically from point to point. Rather this is an indication of what Pink Floyd may have been like without Roger Waters - pre-Momentary Lapse.

Reviewer context alert - I really like most things Pink Floyd (Final Cut and Momentary Lapse and Piper all emphasize the Pink Floyd of the moment - not the listener's view of what should constitute Pink Floyd). I also like most solo albums but only rate Dark Side as the PF album with the most perception and direction (WYWH may be my favourite though). The Wall is utterly brilliant but does not have the generality that allowed Dark Side it's mainstream accessibility.

David Gilmour has a collection of songs that well express his music and the sort of lyrical concerns that discard religion and reflect the cynicism of the late '70s times (not that those times have changed much) but also reflects a determination to succeed "with or without god o his side" - the underlying self determination both resilient and understated.

He nearly toured the album (I wish those rehearsals and studio performances found on the Net would be compiled properly) but Roger Waters had Pros And Cons and The Wall in demo form and required Floyd to get together and choose.one. And pull together as a team. David did.

If you are into Floyd you' probably really like this for what it is, a fine collection of songs with his guitar sounds and styles wrapping it all up. Nice melodic vocals - his voice would get harder sounding in later years. In a way this is winter to Obscured By Clouds' summer.

If this is ignored by radio then that is their fault and problem. A fine album of excellent accomplishment that is always welcome.

Three stars for a DSOTM / Wall only fan, four for Pink Floyd fans and if you are a nut about DG of course it gets five stars. The negative views will make themselves known. Fine album, much loved.