OBSCURED BY CLOUDS

Pink Floyd could have entitled this album, A Collection of Great Dance Songs; that's what one gets here. It's excellent rock music, but that's the extent of it. It was recorded for La Vallée, a French film directed by Barbet Schroeder. David Gilmour stands out more so than the other members, taking on most of the lead vocals and having his guitar take a prominent place both as a rhythm and lead instrument. For fans of classic rock or Pink Floyd in general, this is sweet album to have in a collection.

"Obscured by Clouds" A drone and a simple rhythm back up Gilmour's slide guitar.

"When You're In" If one did not know otherwise, one could be fooled into believing one was hearing Led Zeppelin; Robert Plant's voice would not have been out of place on this brief instrumental.

"Burning Bridges" Gilmour shares lead vocals with the late Richard Wright, who I always thought was sorely underused. The two sing so well together. The instrumentation is good. It is by far my favorite track on the album, one that, in my opinion, stands shoulder to shoulder with cuts off their most beloved albums, including their subsequent one.

"The Gold It's in The." This is a simple, Gilmour-driven rock song. Given its basic chord progression and appeal, it's a wonder this one wasn't a classic rock hit; it's comparable to The Who and, again, Led Zeppelin. Gilmour delivers a good guitar solo at the end.

"Wot's.Uh the Deal" This acoustic-rock number has a pleasant melody and a lovely piano solo followed by Gilmour's slide once more.

"Mudmen" This instrumental is the epitome of "chill music." It relaxes me every time I hear it, and I think compositionally ranks close to "Any Colour You Like" (even if it is inferior to it overall). Waters has some particularly inspired bass parts, but Wright's keys working with Gilmour's guitar places this well within the realms of progressive rock.

"Childhood's End" The atmospheric opening gives way to a moderate-paced rock song chocked full of crispy electric guitar and Wright's organ. Gilmour performs an uncomplicated guitar solo.

"Free Four" Waters takes the lead vocals on this acoustic romp than reminds me a bit of "San Tropez." Contrasting with the easygoing acoustic music is Gilmour's ripping guitar leads.

"Stay" Once more, the listener is treated to Wright's subdued vocals and pleasant piano. Like many of the songs on the album, it's very simple, but the guitar is fun.

"Absolutely Curtains" The final track is an expansive and wonderful instrumental. The instrumentation is sparse, but makes great use of Wright's keyboard work, and includes a chant by the Magupa tribe.