A MOMENTARY LAPSE OF REASON

When Roger Waters left PINK FLOYD after the dreadful sales of "The Final Cut", Mason and Gilmour were left on their own to produce the next album. During the writing of his 3rd solo album, Gilmour made the decision to actually make it under the PINK FLOYD name. Mason was back on the album, and Wright was brought in as a session musician (for the first time after Waters decided to fire the bloke). Other musicians, such as Carmin Appice, John Carin, and Bob Erzin (who was later known for helping with the production of the album itself) were all on the roster as additional musicians along with some other cool people.

A huge debate over this album is the fact that a "non original member" took over from Waters after he explosively quit the band. Many people say that Mason should have taken over the band, seeing as he was on the wagon from the first album. I think being on the second studio album till present is a spectacular feat, and I would assume that would make you an original member. However, some people disagree with this, and that's okay. It's all about perspective.

As for the musicianship used after Waters left, it's astounding. Sure, cheesy saxophone can increasingly repetitive as the album goes on, but I think Gilmour's fantastic guitar work makes up for that. The heavy guitar solos in such songs as 'On The Turning Away', 'One Slip', and 'Learning to Fly' make me forget all about the sax. As for good moments with the good old brass is in my favorite song, 'Dogs of War', featuring an amazing saxophone solo. True, the sound is slightly out-dated, and hasn't aged very well. With songs like 'Terminal Frost', where the chords might have fit better back in the 70s.

Another song I would like to tackle is 'A New Machine' Parts 1&2. Whilst alot people see this as blatant filler to make up for creative lax, I think of it as a great experimental track. I always loved that psychedelic, rippling sound in the music that gave it a tone of dreary and dark (except for the nice, strong vocals). Part 2 is less enjoyable, due to it's incredibly short duration compared to part 1. I would have rathered they do something like they did with 'Pigs on the Wing', and make it a whole song when combined together, not some small tidbit of what it could really be.

As for the cons, I don't really have much. As I stated before, the aging of this album is sort of stale and disappointing compared to other albums. My least favorite track has to be 'Signs of Life'. The droning and boring quality reminds me too much of the most likely inspired- from track 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond', which I dislike as well (I hope I don't get hated on for that). It is definitely a weak opener.

Overall, I feel that many people jump on the bandwagon for hating this album instead of listening to it with an open mind, which I encourage you to do with full certainty. You might find yourself liking it.

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