DAVID GILMOUR

Although this solo album was released in '78, there are some indications already of what the Floyd will become after the departure of ''dear'' friend Roger. Songs as ''There's No Way Out Of Here'', ''So Far Away'', ''Short & Sweet'' are not alien at all to the Gilmour years of the Floyd. It was all premonitory.

They all hold a fine melody, it is easy listening and enjoyable music and David dispenses some fine guitar moments as usual. This is of course not revolutionary but pleasant.

I can't really consider the excellent ''Raise My Rent'' as another one of those upcoming Floyd work some nine or sixteen years later. The passion is sweating out of Dave's guitar; he probably realized one of his finest guitar work here. This instrumental track is THE highlight from this album. At least I feel so.

This album also holds some straight rock songs like '' Cry from the Street'' or ''No Way'' which are only valid for their fine guitar breaks (nothing but normal BTW) but they don't necessarily shine.

When I listen to ''It's Deafinitely'', it almost brings me back in time you know .''One Of These Days''. This debut solo album is quite good after all. What I don't understand is that some are praising this album while they severely consider the work of the late Floyd. IMHHO, this album is just some rehearsal of later things to come. And these are also the songs that I prefer here. Up to the closing number ''I Can't Breathe Anymore''.

This is actually a pretty good album which should please the late Floyd fans. Four stars.