Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here

There has been a lot of hoopla surrounding Pink Floyd as of late. Maybe only in my inner-circle (which solely includes myself) - but still. They put out all their albums and a bunch of new artwork in this huge, super expensive box set that I totally want. I won't buy it because I'm cheap, but it looks pretty amazing. They also have this Australian based experience show that's touring the states soon. I think it's coming to Milwaukee in December, so that'll be super fun. I probably will go, because I'm such a Floyd nut. But it made me think of how many reviews I've done for the band, and the answer was a shocking one. ONE??!?! Come on. And that one review was way back when the blog first started. That's just crazy. So here I am, reviewing one of my favorite albums of all time. And you might look at me and think, what makes this go good? It's only 5 tracks deep? And normally, I'd kick my feet up and whole heartedly agree with you. Five tracks is typically way too short of an album for my tastes. But my friends, there is a reason this 1975 gem is 6x platinum in the USA. It's freakin' amazing. And even though it's only 5 songs, it's still about 50 minutes long. Not too shabby. But all the songs are incredible, and make you want to listen to more and more Floyd. There is a really great story about one of their band mates, Syd Barrett and this album - and I highly encourage you all to read about that someday. It's part of the reason this album is so great, the inspiration the band drew from his mental decline. Regardless, I can't emphasize enough how great this record is. 'Shine On' is broken into two separate tracks and nine parts. If you put all 20+ minutes together, you have a symphonic masterpiece. The other three songs are just ho-hum Top billboard type materials. With 'Have a Cigar' being one of the most recognized Floyd songs of all time. I have no way of deciding what my Top 3 are, because all 5 songs (4 if you don't break out the sections of 'Shine') are amazing. Please, check it out. Make me happy today by telling me how much you love this as well.

TRACK LISTING:
1. Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts 1-5)
2. Welcome To The Machine
3. Have A Cigar
4. Wish You Were Here
5. Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts 6-9)

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. THE WHOLE ALBUM!!!

FINAL RATING:
5+ out of 5 stars

Pink Floyd - Dark Side Of The Moon

Since I referenced Dark Side on the Moby review yesterday, I figured I'd toss this up there. There isn't a whole lot new to say about this record, if you haven't heard it - listen to it. If you've heard it a thousand times, listen to it again. It's very unique in the sense there is gapless motion between tracks, leading the listener to think it's just one super long song. I can't immediately recall another cd that has that. This is definitely in the discussion for best album of all time, and the very worst 5th in my opinion. There are certain days when I'd put it number one of all time, usually just after I listen to it again, not on my iPod but the actual record, and enjoy it's mastery. It will be very hard to pick a top 3, just because of what I mentioned above. They flow so well together, it's tough to single out a certain section. Don't listen to the stereotype, you don't have to be a stoner to love Floyd, and if you're just a music nut, this record will blow your mind. Enjoy!

TRACK LISTING:
1. Speak to Me
2. Breathe
3. On the Run
4. Time
5. Great Gig in the Sky, The
6. Money
7. Us and Them
8. Any Colour You Like
9. Brain Damage
10. Eclipse

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. Us And Them
2. Money
3. The Great Gig In The Sky

FINAL RATING:
5+ out of 5 stars