THE FINAL CUT

Let's be clear, this is not a Pink Floyd album in anything other than name. It is essentially a Roger Waters solo album. Rick Wright had finally been banished due to his lackadaisacal performance on the Wall, leaving Waters firmly in charge. His bombastic vocal takes, somewhat effective on the previous album, are overwrought to the point of grating. Gilmour has receded into the background, an expensive hired hand at best. A parade of sidemen is unable to stem the bleeding, and Floyd quietly expired after this record. Not unlistenable, but close. 'Ye can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear all the time' 1 1/2 stars