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Roger Waters - The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking CD (album) cover

THE PROS AND CONS OF HITCH HIKING

Roger Waters

 

Crossover Prog

3.08 | 404 ratings

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Cluster One
Prog Reviewer
3 stars This album is extremely creative and full of pure angst. As the opening moments of 'Apparently They Were Travelling Abroad' appear in your headphones one realizes that this album is going to be dark, very dark. The story starts off with the narrator having a nightmare, and thematically, that is the best way to describe what this album is musically and lyrically: a long, dark, dreamlike journey. The majority of this album is played in minor, which only adds to the dark, sombre mood.

The album itself is similar in style to "The Wall" and "The Final Cut" in that it is more like one long song, broken up into short parts. And yet there are no real 'singles' here, and you truly need to listen to the record straight through to fully appreciate it. I am never left disappointed when I do.

I am also the furthest thing from being a 'fan' of ERIC CLAPTON, but his guitar work is most impressive on this album. Must be nice to be able to so easily replace one legendary guitarist with another. CLAPTON's coda hook, which resonates throughout almost every song is highly addictive. I cry though when I think that DAVE GILMOUR could have been playing the guitar on this album. The tone and sound that he could have brought to this work would have been something to behold. Think, an even MORE melancholic and depressing sound than what you hear on 'The Fletcher Memorial Home' or 'Comfortably Numb'...

The album is also very saxophone heavy, so consider yourself forewarned. I think this instrument echoes WATERS' moody music quite well, but it might not be for everyone. Also the title track 'Pros & Cons - Part 10' is extremely weak and poppy, complete with sixties-like female backup singers doing the 'shoo-wop'.

For the average prog listener, this album warrants 3/5 stars, if only because it is stylistcally similar to the narrative dominated "The Final Cut." (i.e. not for those with a short attention span!) If you are a ROGER WATERS fan, or a later FLOYD fan ("Animals-The Wall-The Final Cut") then you will adore this album, and it would deserve 4/5 stars. By far "Pros & Cons" is my favourite WATERS solo album and an unappreciated musical gem of the lean, pop oriented 1980's.

Cluster One | 3/5 |

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