ATOM HEART MOTHER

Looking at "Atom Heart Mother" retrospectively, Pink Floyd took another giant step forward towards their "Dark Side of the moon" masterpiece with this album. There was still along way to go right enough, but the album is generally much tighter than previous releases.

The title track takes up the whole of one side of an LP, and while nominally in 6 sections, it is very much a complete piece, the section breaks being irrelevant and often indiscernible. The controversial inclusion of orchestral backing makes the music seem almost classical at times. While the piece is enjoyable, is does tend to have the feel of being stretched.

Side two is generally lighter and more commercial. "If" and "Fat old sun" are delicate acoustic numbers, the former being particularly precious. There are hints in "If" of what was to come on "The wall", particularly in some of the cynical lyrics.

"Summer '68" is undoubtedly the most accessible track, veering towards the psychedelic flower power sounds of the late 60's. It has some superb and uplifting brass, and a very catchy hook.

The final track "Alan's Psychedelic breakfast" is something of a filler, including sound effects of a breakfast being prepared. I would suggest simply considering the album finished after "Fat old sun".

Lovely picture of a cow on the front cover too!

Share this PINK FLOYD review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Easy Livin
• Report this review (#8360)
• Buy PINK FLOYD music online with PA partners
• Show all PINK FLOYD MP3/Stream
• Go to PINK FLOYD page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Atom Heart Mother page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for PINK FLOYD related discussions