HIGH HOPES/ KEEP TALKING (SINGLE)

The High Hopes/Keep Talking single includes radio edits of both songs. In other words, they're shorter in length meaning something has been cut out. The other song on this CD single is a live version of One of These Days. Since this was just a single, it really only ought to be of interest to collectors and completionists simply because the full versions of these songs are available off of the Division Bell studio album and you can find a very nicely done version of the live song off of Pulse. Keep Talking is a really cool song, but again, the studio version is better. For collectors only, thus two stars.

'High Hopes' - Pink Floyd (Single)

After a several year hiatus, Pink Floyd returned with 'The Division Bell', and these two songs on the 'High Hopes' single are a sign that there is still fuel left in the band. 'High Hopes' is one of the best songs I have heard from the band's later career and paired with 'Keep Talking', this has been one of the first successful singles the band had released since 'The Wall' came out a decade and a half before. 'High Hopes' is a slower paced track that keeps a steady beat to it, with bells ringing in the background for some added effect. The pianos in this song are more profound than they usually are, which compliment Gilmour's particularly good vocal performance here. Suffice to say, 'High Hopes' is one of the best Floyd tracks I have heard in quite a while.

'Keep Talking' is a spacey track that is reminiscent of some of their earlier stuff, with the soothing vocals of David Gilmour soaring overtop. There is a philosophical, brooding and introspective feeling to the song that really works well for it. Moreover, the gospel vocals that Gilmour became so endeared to on this and the past album 'A Momentary Lapse Of Reason' come into heavy play, providing a nice hook in the song. Not nearly as good as 'High Hopes', but still a very memorable track. This single may have been the best that Pink Floyd released, but the fact that the songs here were released as radio edits doesn't lend well to the enjoyment. Instead, the true impact lies in listening to 'The Division Bell'.

Nice songs, but edited!

This was the main mistake when this single was published. Though the decision of editing the tracks are for commercial purposes, I don't think one can truly enjoy or accept it, I can't, because the true essence of the songs is lost when it is edited.

"The Division Bell" was the last Pink Floyd studio album, one of those love-hate releases that always have something to share and give something to talk about. "High Hopes" is probably the better known track, starting with those memorable bell rings, and creating an atmospheric and disarming song. The original version is outstanding, Gilmour riffs unforgettable. And now, this edited (almost half the song edited) version is just a slice and a shadow of the original, that is why I am not happy with it.

The version of "Keep Talking" was also edited, and was of course (in my opinion) a mistake. The only good thing about this single was the surprising inclusion of a live version of "One of These Days".

So in spite one can listen to it and enjoy the moments, I am totally against the edition of the tracks, which is why I consider this to be a one-star single, poor, only for completionists. However?

Enjoy it!

The sole single from "The Division Bell" recordings has two things going for it; the album sleeve design from Thorm Thorgesun, and the 7 minutes live version of brilliant 'One of the Days' which is a real blast. Yes, it has appeared on "Pulse" since, but at the time it was an absolute must!

The songs are all great of course. 'High Hopes' slashed down to 5 minutes is still wonderful and the film slip is similar to the single cover too with high flying silk sashes billowing in the breeze. The shape towers over the protagonist in an ominous looming shadow in the sky and it is one of the most outstanding single covers of the band; a real collector's delight. It is the best song on the entire album of TDB; undoubtedly the most atmospheric haunting track from the band in years. This track is quintessential PF with a startling bell tolling effect and very emotive performance by Gilmour. The majestic closing section is an incredible performance by the band. The 8:30 version is way better of course but I like this shorter version as a quick medicinal dose of PF occasionally.

On the flip side we have the strong communication breakdown of 'Keep Talking', that features a convincing voice over by genius paraplegic scientist Stephen Hawking. This is one of the better songs on the album, a great B side by any measure.

This is one for collectors but good enough for all those who treasure awesome prog rock, served up on crackling black vinyl.