A Momentary Lapse of Reason
Released: September 1987
StevieG rating:
6/10
Here we are at the next evolutionary phase of the Pink Floyd! Welcome to David Gilmour's Floyd. We have gone from Syd Barrett's Floyd, to no man's land, to Roger Waters' Floyd, and now to David Gilmour's.
The interesting thing about this is we get a further insight into what is important to the respective 'leaders' of the band. For Gilmour, a theme or concept just wasn't important to him, and so he wrote a series of unconnected songs. Lyrics were also pretty much thrown out the door - his being more a set of words that make marginal sense. Music, and the composition, seemed to be the all-important focus for David, and this album focusses on that.
The pressure was on, because Gilmour is quoted saying that
The Final Cut was "cheap filler" and "meandering rubbish".
This album is firmly set in the '80s, and features the good old 80s "space drums" - those echoe-y background drums that seem to have a distinctive sound. Rick Wright makes a tentative return, and Nick Mason doesn't contribute a great deal.
Signs of Life
Written by: Gilmour, Ezrin
StevieG rating: 6/10
This has a pleasant start. I like the oars on the water - it has a satisfying sound. This intro song builds in a similar way to "Shine On" but then just kind of ends. It has promise but doesn't really deliver, it's just
there.
Learning to Fly
Written by: Gilmour, Moore, Ezrin, Carin
StevieG rating: 7/10
Nice sound. And a good concept. My favourite part of the song is the part where "there's no sensation to compare with this" comes in - the music swells nicely.
The Dogs of War
Written by: Gilmour, Moore
StevieG rating: 3/10
I really don't like this song. It starts ok, but the lyrics are so insipid that I always find myself getting caught up in how bad they are. It apparently describes politicians orchestrating wars... The guitar work is good, but then the saxophone kicks in and I hate it. It's a classic example of a good musician sounding terrible. He grunts and groans throughout the solo, and screeches along in a most unpleasant fashion. Then we go into a "Money" style of musical change, before Dave comes back and sings possibly his worst lyrics yet.
Winners can lose and things can get strained, but whatever you change, you know the dogs remain. Gawd help us. I'm relieved when it's finally over.
One Slip
Written by: Gilmour, Manzanera
StevieG rating: 4/10
This is "space drum" city. I object to the lyrics - they contradict themselves so much. Firstly, "no hint, no word, her honour to defend"... whatever that means. Then she sighs reluctant acquiescence to his request, then she "tosses her mane" and suddenly she's all for it, and
his resolve is put to the test. And then... drowned in desire etc etc. he leads her off to the "funeral pyre"?? Blah blah blah. The section after the chorus annoys the hell out of me - it actually reminds me a bit of the
Pet Shop Boys. And then it fades out quickly at the end, almost as if it's embarrassed it ever existed.
On the Turning Away
Written by: Gilmour, Moore
StevieG rating: 7/10
This is "space drum" city too, but the melody is really attractive. The songs so far on this album have a very formulaic approach to them. Intro, verse, verse, chorus, guitar solo etc. Fade out, mostly. This is a definite improvement over the previous two songs though, with some great guitar.
Yet Another Movie
Written by: Gilmour, Leonard
StevieG rating: 7/10
Has a pretty crappy start, but develops way more than the previous songs and turns into a good song. It has a nice atmospheric sound to it. Some good lyrics in this one, eg.
He's just the same as all the rest, he's not the worst and he's not the best. Some good guitar in this one too.
Round and Round
Written by: David Gilmour
StevieG rating: 3/10
I'm not sure why this is a separate track. It should have been part of
Yet Another Movie, although it would have diminished that song. As a stand alone, and with no linking to the next song, it's pretty pointless.
A New Machine (Part 1)
Written by: David Gilmour
StevieG rating: 7/10
I love the effect that this song generates. It gives a great sense of feeling, that suits the lyrics.
Terminal Frost
Written by: David Gilmour
StevieG rating: 7/10
For an instrumental, it's impressive. There's a bit in there that reminds me of
Chariots of Fire. It does go on a bit long for my liking.
A New Machine (Part 2)
Written by: David Gilmour
StevieG rating: 7/10
A nice bookend to
Terminal Frost with some subtle changes to Part 1 of this song.
Sorrow
Written by: David Gilmour
StevieG rating: 8/10
Love the guitar intro. This song is waaaaay better live, because it brings the intro guitar back at the end, rather than rambling on with an extended guitar solo and fading out. Still, it's the best song on this album, and a good way to end. And the drum machine was programmed by Gilmour... poor old Nick missed out.