UMMAGUMMA

A classic album that few - if anyone - listens to anymore. Both Pink Floyd and music in general have come a long way since 1969. Back then it was considered as groundbreaking effort that, in turn, paved the way to and inspired countless psychedelic releases. 45 years later, such works are still coming thick and fast. On the side of understandable nostalgia, "Ummagumma" still commands due respect - even if it doesn't get much play these days.

Rating this work represents quite a challenge because the two discs are very different. Disc 1 is a pure psychedelic trip. With headphones on, one could go on astral travel into outer space. It would deserve a rating of 4, or 5, even by today's standards.

Disc 2 however is an overly indulgent recording that was typical of that era. The excesses of that time today wouldn't be tolerated, let alone lead to a record contract. The individual members largely just fooling around, perhaps exploring the (then) new stereo effects. It may have been somewhat amusing then, but in musical terms it only contains fragments of engaging bits. It is seen as "Collectors/Fans only" to a rating of 2.

So, which way do I lean? Do I knock the whole work over disk 2? No, I won't, I'll just give that one a miss. But disc 1 remains a worthy addition, deserving due attention, so I can't rate it as "good, but non-essential". And this one wins the contest to a weak 4.