WISH YOU WERE HERE

We've all heard it, we all have it, and most of us love it. Unlike most other prog classics, these descriptors also apply to most classic rockers too--a reflection of the relative simplicity, emotion, and quality of Wish You Were Here.

I have always loved David Gilmour's contributions to the band, and not surprisingly, his favorite Floyd album is the same as mine. It's full, it's heartfelt, and it's simple enough to just put on and doze off to. Or you can focus on Gilmour's fantastic guitar, Waters' poignant lyrics, or Wright's wonderfully understated keys and soundscapes. (Waters' bass and Mason's drums are also there, but they add very little). Special mention must be made to the first Shine On movement, which was usually my favorite tune to crank up on the family stereo system when I was home alone as a kid, and which also influenced me to take up the saxophone as a middle-schooler (well, that and Springsteen's Thunder Road!).

Whatever mood I'm in, Wish You Were Here never disappoints. It may not be the greatest prog--whatever your definition of that may be--but it sure is a fantastic progressive album.