ON AN ISLAND

I really don't know what I was expecting from David Gilmour's first solo album in 22 years. I guess sort of a combination of Division Bell and his 1984 solo effort, About Face. Well that guess was wrong. And when you think about it a little, why would it sound anything like those two albums? One was from 1984 and the other from 1994.

What David gives us are some well crafted songs, much on the mellow side of things, but sorely lacking in punch. The only highlight for me seemed to be "Take a Breath" which was very reminiscent of some of his older stuff, but with a much more darker, brooding sound. This song is in stark contrast with most of the rest of the album which reminds me of a never- ending sleepy lullaby. I don't know, is Dave getting softer as he gets older? Is this going to happen to me when I turn 60? Nap time music??

Really, the songs are thoughtful, performed well and executed nicely. They just need a good kick in the pants. And the prog rock meter registers really low, too (though I doubt many of us were expecting any prog rock; just some cool guitar work). For die-hard fans only.