Sony 80280
Not meaning to be such a contrarian but I received more and lasting pleasures from the first two David Gilmour solo releases than the last two Pink Floyd albums with Roger Waters in tow. And yes, that includes The Wall, which deserved praise for its ambitiousness yet, like many concept albums, its storyline diluted the songs. (Maybe some of this attitude results from my unending frustration at the lack of interest in Floyd’s Animals. The musical line from that album can be found in Gimour’s solo work.)
With backing vocals from David Crosby and Graham Nash, "On An Island" has the presence heard on David Gilmour except in 2006 he seems much more content with his place in the world. Another strong track, "The Blue," follows this standout. The acoustic "Smile" and "Where We Start" also find Gilmour reveling in a comfortable life brought about by a loving family, creating music at a leisurely pace and not having to be responsible for the musical behemoth of Pink Floyd. (On a side note, wouldn’t it be interesting if after Roger Waters plays his Dark Side of the Moon shows this summer he wants to record and tour under the Pink Floyd moniker? Would another court battle ensue or…?)
More Floyd-like sounds emerge on "Take A Breath" and "Red Sky At Night." On the former, Gilmour's guitar playing is given extra room to shine, while the latter allows him to show off his skills on saxophone, an indulgence that's allowed since after all it is his solo album. That same attitude runs through "Then I Close My Eyes," which finds the instrumental traveling without a sense of purpose 'til you realize that, like the waves heard at the beginning of the track, it's meant to move at a casual, reflective pace.
Finds like this are why I enjoy Gilmour's solo work. It's not a perfect record but it's the only David Gilmour sounding one you're going to get this year, and that's a justifiable endorsement of its lazy, hazy and worthwhile gifts.
