MEDDLE

Pink Floyd themselves weren't all that enthusiastic about their avant-prog piece 'Atom Heart Mother' (which I think was a high-light of its era) and with Meddle the band would refrain from implementing avant-garde influences altogether. 'Meddle' has two major progressive rock pieces; the bass riff led spacey instrumental 'One of These Days' and the twenty-three epic 'Echoes' - perhaps their most typical progressive rock recording. Both would be featured in my introduction to the band; the 'Live At Pompeii' film. Echoes would introduce the bluesy and psychedelic type of slow-pace progressive rock the band would investigate further in the future. The psychedelic moods and beautiful guitar leads by Gilmour make this a very memorable song. The comeback section after the soundscapes features one of symphonic prog's finest moments. You probably can't help but loving that echoey galloping guitar riff and those beautiful organ chords. There are two charming psychedelic folk songs 'A Pillow of Winds' and 'Fearless' on side one as well. 'San Tropez' is a comedic jazzy tune and 'Seamus' a simple blues with the performance of a dog (!?). This makes up for quite a mixed bag and a not too exciting record for the fifteen year old version of myself that first listened to it. I've learned to appreciate the folk songs quite a lot, but I still prefer the version of 'Live at Pompeii' of the two most progressive tracks.