A MOMENTARY LAPSE OF REASON

I really can't believe that this album scores a lower rating that the most dreadful of all PF albums, 'The final cut'. For me PF was totally out after having heard 'The final cut'. That was a totally non-inspired, non-melodic, poor Wall rip-off. Apparently writing that album was the only way that Waters managed to cope with a lot of frustrations. After that he recovered quite well, fortunately, and the fact that he and the rest of the band decided to play together last year on Al Gore's party was an absolute highlight in 2007.

Then back to MLOR. The album starts off quite poorly with the superfluous 'Sign of life' which to me is an all to clear example of a 'filler', how nice the effects may be. But then the quality is there, both in melody, in the keys and especially in the guitar playing. Some tracks really stand out like 'Sorrow', 'Learning to fly' and 'On the turning away'. I think they demonstrate that this band can still play remarkably well when they want, and can still play at a level that is far too high for many bands ever since. But yes, there are also some weak moments, like 'Dogs of war' (ill-advised attempt to perform a 'rock'-song?) and 'Round and round'. But as a whole the album works out very well for me and meant a return of the band I began to like after their genial 'Atom heart mother'. Too bad they also produced 'The final cut' but this album is for me a convincing comeback to the right track.