OBSCURED BY CLOUDS

'Obscured By Clouds' is often seen as a 'take it or leave it' album from FLOYD. While definitely not of the same stature as 'Dark Side', 'WYWH', 'Animals' or 'The Wall', there is much on this original soundtrack offering to enjoy. Many of the hardcore FLOYD faithful swear by this album.

When I first heard this album, I had no idea it was actually a soundtrack album. To me, soundtacks were often synonomous with 'instrumentals'. 'OBC' has plenty of quality songs (half of the album's track have vocals) to complement the many instrumentals found on it. It does take a while to grow on you though, as none of the tracks are 'radio friendly' (maybe "Free Four" is) and all will be virtually unknown to non-FLOYD fans.

But don't discount excellent pieces like "Wot's...Uh the Deal" and "The Gold It's In The..." as well as the often-played-live instrumental combo of "Obscured By Clouds/When You're In".

Most importantly 'OBC' has one of the best tracks ever written by Dave Gilmour in "Childhood's End". With an intro slightly similar to "Time" (I believe I hear Nick's roto-tom), and dark lyrics and tone foreshadowing "Dogs", "Childhood's End" is FLOYD at its creative best. One of my Top 5 songs by FLOYD.

'Obscured By Clouds' gives us our last glimpse of the Floyd before they released 'Dark Side' and became the monster rock band that we now know. The band sound comfortable, and confident. 'OBC' belongs in any experienced prog rock collection, but is not recommended for 'newer' fans of the genre. As a prog rock album it deserves 3/5 stars; if you are a FLOYD fan, then boost this rating up to 4/5 stars.