WISH YOU WERE HERE - EXPERIENCE EDITION

5 stars for the unbelievably great studio album. The real treat here is the 2nd disc. Most all alternative versions, bonus tracks etc turn out to be a tremendous letdown. The Experience Edition is not one of them. Finally "Raving and Drooling" and "You Got to Be Crazy" make their appearances live. These two songs eventually were reworked on the "Animals" album. Also Live is a stellar version of "Shine On You Crazy Diamond". Richard Wright and Nick Mason both have more time to stand out on these live tracks. Also appearing is a version of "Wish You Were Here" with violinist virtuoso, Stephane Grappelli. While it was nice to here this version as it has been talked about for decades, PF made the correct call by not using this for the official release. The same can be said about "Have A Cigar", where Roger Waters handles the lead vocals instead of Roy Harper. The wine glasses from the "Household Objects" project is the other track on the set. Interesting, but not something you are clambering to listen to often.

If only all expanded additions were as good as this. Interesting alternate versions and relavetory live versions, plus a remastered studio version make this a must have album.