UAWIL #247: Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here

It's hard to imagine being in Pink Floyd in 1975. 1973's Dark Side of the Moon had not only achieved high praise from the critics but had sold better than most any album ever recorded. Nick Mason, Rick Wright, Roger Waters and David Gilmour had soared to extraordinary heights thanks to their balance of technological experimentation, their examination of modern capitalistic life and Waters' biting lyrics. They had plenty of money and adoring fans. The only worry was what to do next.

For months they noodled around Abbey Road Studios (EMI Studio at the time) trying to find new inspiration; apparently while they drank each other under the table. Engineers and producers were sacked in an attempt to capture their greatness and harness all the capabilities of the latest available technology. Out of that came Wish You Were Here - an album that may not receive the praise (or sales) of Dark Side or The Wall but is perhaps their most listenable effort of the 1970s and a favorite among Gilmour and Wright.

The very progressive and Floydian suite Shine On You Crazy Diamond Parts 1-5 start the album by creating an atmosphere of awe and wonder. Waters lyrics describe their former bandmate Syd Barrett; their former leader who had lost a battle with his own schizophrenia which led to the boys not encountering him for 7 years. However, in an odd twist of fate Syd made it to EMI during the mixing of the album with a shaved head, shaved eyebrows and weighing more than double than when they'd last seen him. It all adds to the mystery and legacy of Syd and Pink Floyd.

Before the 6-9 suite of Crazy Diamond, we are treated to some wonderful Pink Floyd classics. Welcome to the Machine offers mechanical noises and dismal lyrics to not only warn of but welcome the new entries into the military industrial complex. The acoustic Wish You Were Here is a sweet yet remorseful song about lost friendship and the unfortunate changes that come with growing up and growing old. Have A Cigar is a very cheeky view of the music business but as neither Waters or Gilmour could quite pull off the right tone, they employed old friend Roy Harper to provide the vocals. All three are classic rock staples and songs the band would perform together and as solo artists throughout their careers.

Often overlooked compared to the other Floyd output of the 1970s, we find this has aged well, is still very listenable and is as poignant as ever 50 years later.

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