MEDDLE

For a long time, back when Pink Floyd was a band I obsessed over, I thought Meddle would be the one album I'd praise for eternity. Of course, that changed. Back when I discovered the magic that is the world of progressive rock, Pink Floyd were the ones that would only come to mind. They're what made me discover the whole genre thanks to masterpieces such as The Dark Side Of The Moon, and Wish You Were Here. But from the very first time I heard Echoes, something magical sparked from it and I couldn't explain what it was. That smooth buildup coming around 14 minutes into the song was a light-beaming feeling that just blew me away. This is what made me love Meddle. But of course, Meddle has way more than just that. Released in 1971, Meddle is the album where the band finally knew where they were going : Progressive Rock. I don't think it was what they named it at the time, as the term came out in the 80's, but musically-speaking they could finally tell where could they go next. What genre, finally, they were. It took 5 albums to figure it out, even though these previous 5 were also very good. But now, with Meddle, something changed. The album starts with One Of These Days, a perfect opening for such an album. You hear an eerie wind sound rising that sets the mood, only to find next some guitar (or bass?) lines, and from there, everything rises in a buildup. Follows next synthesizers that makes you feel small, because of how it's almost echoing. I won't spoil too much... It's a great instrumental and a killer album opener. What comes next is one song that always warmed my heart. A Pillow of Winds is soothing and has a cold yet cozy feeling. It's sad, but on the more beautiful side of it. It's also where the acoustic part of the album starts. Meddle is special, because there's the first and last track which are total rockers, but the rest is fairly acoustic. Fearless comes in after, but it's more upbeat and has less of a dreamy feeling. It's one of those songs where you feel like it's good to be alive. At the end is a part where there's nothing else but a crowd chanting (or what it seems). Although it probably is there because of the theme of the song, I'm not a fan of it because it breaks through the beautiful music that fills the first side. After that, you have San Tropez, a relaxing song by Roger Waters. I particularly like the piano solo at the end. Unfortunately for us, the last song of Side A is disappointing. It could have been good, but Seamus is one of those very few Pink Floyd songs where the taste was good, but the execution was bad. The Live At Pompeii version of it, Mademoiselle Nobs, is much better in my opinion. Finally, you have one single 23-minute piece that fills the B-Side, and it's Echoes. One of the very well-known and praised progressive songs. It's a classic. Once you get used to the freaky middle "screaming whales" part, it truly becomes a perfect song. Unfortunately for us, I'll give this wonderful album a 4-star only, mostly because of the disappointing "Seamus". Meddle was so close from being perfect. So close! But even if you remove Seamus, I think Side A lacks diversity of, well, feelings, by having 3 acoustic songs. It doesn't make it bad, but it can't make it that much outstanding either. But of course, Meddle remains a classic, and a must listen.