A MOMENTARY LAPSE OF REASON

With Waters out after his egomaniacal 'Final Cut' abomination, which was generally Water's solo album with the stuff that didn't deserve to be on "The Wall", the next album is a real breath of fresh air. Yes, the band were becoming a lot more commercial or radio friendly and why not with the incredible success of the single 'Another Brick in the Wall Part 2'. The single was both a blessing and a curse as the band were never into radio chart success, nor was it their desire, so when success came it came swiftly and mercilessly knocked some of the wind out of the prog sails. The progressive music was taking a back seat to usher in a more AOR style and it is most notable on this release. There was no concept this time rather a bunch of songs that range from excellent to mediocre. This was a change for the better in some ways as at least the band were still capable of excellent compositions despite the massive heave ho of Waters. It begins with 'Signs of life', a slow meandering piece that reminds me somewhat of the intro to 'Shine On'. It builds slowly but is rather forgettable in comparison to other songs on the album.

'Learning to fly' is a brilliant track, my favourite on the album. It works well live also and is atmospheric with lyrics that perfectly capture the exhilaration and dangers of flight. 'The dogs of war' is a 6 minute tribute to the theme of war that the band return to on almost every album. It is certainly a powerful song that reminds me of Gary Numan's 'Call Out the Dogs' everytime. Pink Floyd have mentioned Dogs as war symbols for some time especially on "Animals" but this is their best.

'One slip' is a more poppy song demonstrating the new direction of the band and I only like it due to Gilmour's accomplished vocals but it is definitely a radio friendly sound bound to alienate old Floydians. 'On the turning away' is a slow melancholy piece that grew on me due to constant exposure on live DVDs.

'Yet another movie' is quite forgettable as are the next songs 'Round and round' and 'A new machine Part one' that are thankfully less than 2 minutes in length. 'Terminal frost is a more progressive song thanks to the structure and experimental feel. I love the stark foreboding intro and then the instrumental takes over. It is a wonderful guitar solo with soaring saxophone over a pleasant piano melody.

'A new machine Part two' is a short 38 second interlude to 'Sorrow' clocking 8:46. It boasts one of the all time great guitar intros that always is a showstopper in the live arena. The song is definitely a highlight on this album. In conclusion "Momentary Lapse of Reason" is not half as bad as some Floydians would have you believe. Granted, this is no masterpiece and comes sandwiched in between some amazing Floyd material, namely "The Wall" and "Division Bell", however it is a pleasant well performed journey with some moments of grandeur. It is innovative in places and perhaps more than anything typified the sound of the times, remembering that 1987 was a difficult year for prog bands. Many were wiped out due to the new wave influences so it is admirable that Pink Floyd were somehow able to blend in without selling out completely.

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