BACK AGAINST THE WALL (A TRIBUTE TO PINK FLOYD)

You cannot downplay the importance and sheer brilliance of PINK FLOYD's masterpiece "The Wall". The tribute albums have come and gone, some were good and some forgettable. "Back Against The Wall" is a phenomenal tribute that I think the creators of the original recording will find most pleasing.

As they say in England-Bloody Hell! This is magnificent. I am gob smacked! When you assemble some of the most recognizable names in classic and progressive rock, well, actually some of the more important artists in the history of recorded music, how could it possibly not be a great recording and make an impact? Just look at the credits, its overwhelming. Ian Anderson, Tony Levin, Steve Howe, Tommy Shaw, Ronnie Montrose, Rick Wakeman, the list goes on and on. Every contributor to this project has earned a multitude of respect over the years.

This is the closest thing to the real deal as you can get. The vocals are similar to how Roger Waters and David Gilmour sounded in their prime, and the musicianship is most notable. Every song kicks some major ass, period. It is difficult to put it any other way actually. In a sense, "The Wall" paralleled the "Dark Side Of The Moon" in success (years on the charts) and originality. I know Waters was given most of the credit for this album, but let us not forget that PINK FLOYD was a band and they are the ones that went to the studio every day to record this, even if it was one person's brainchild, it took a group of people to make an album such as this. Now in one of the most stunning grouping of musicians worldwide we have a reenactment of one of the most important albums of our time.

I think it would be quite unfair to all involved to site any particular tracks as being the best; they were all outstanding, beyond my greatest expectations. After a few songs, it makes you feel like you are listening to the original recording all over again. I would think that is whole idea behind this, it is a tribute to PINK FLOYD. Each musician has their time to show their appreciation in each song to a band that helped shape their own music. It is obvious that a lot of heart and soul went into this and the sound is clear, full, and powerful-everything that PINK FLOYD was when they produced an album.

Now if this is not enough, they are planning to take this thing on the road. I cannot imagine how fantastic this will be if some of the very same musicians pack up their gear and present these songs in a live setting. It will not be like PINK FLOYD live, but just the same, I am sure it will be immensely enjoyable, just like this recording has been. Surely all rock and progressive rock fans will be delighted with this set. A tribute album cannot get any better than this-it is a perfect 10.

© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck-http://www.muzikreviews.com

August 26, 2005