THE ENDLESS RIVER

When word about this album was leaked by David Gilmour's wife, the music buying public went wild. The band, however, was quick to explain what was intended for the album, that is would be mostly instrumental, that it would be outtakes and music that was being worked on during the recording of "The Division Bell", and that it was to pay homage to Richard Wright and his amazing contributions to the music of the band. It wasn't intended to be anything else. With that announcement, I knew exactly what to expect from this album. That it would be a collection of beautiful music that was not necessarily going to by developed into full fledged Pink Floyd "sounding" music.

Well, I was still excited to get the album, because I love Pink Floyd's music and I recognize Richard Wright's musicianship and that he is an amazing composer. After getting the album for Christmas, I am not at all disappointed with the album. Both David Gilmour and Nick Mason have stated that it is the ambient side of Pink Floyd and that is what it is. There are a few times when the music opens up to a faster rhythm and those times are welcome and fit right in with the entire album, but it is mostly ambient. It is beautiful music, they type of sound that will take you away if you allow it to. And that is one reason that I love Pink Floyd so much. I happen to love the sound of instrumental Pink Floyd and this album reminds me a lot of the long instrumental passages of the "Wish You Were Here" album which is a masterpiece by the way. If you find those passages too long and boring, then this is not the Pink Floyd album for you and you will not like it. That doesn't mean it's a bad album because it is not. You just have to know and understand what this album is about, and I think it is a success in what it was intended to be. There is no doubt that when you are listening to this album, that you are listening to Pink Floyd, the sound is unmistakable. So rest assured that you will be listening to excellent music.

I have to note that I loved side 3 and how it reflects back to "Atom Heart Mother" especially in the "Allons-y" and "Autumn '68" sections. It's almost heartbreaking to hear Richard Wright's beautiful organ solo when it comes in between the "Allons-y" sections. That is the kind of arrangement of music that you expect from the genius minds of these musicians.

Okay, so it's not the best Pink Floyd album because of some underdevelopment, but remember that these are unfinished works. The organization of the album however is excellent. It is intended to be 4 long pieces with multiple movements within each piece. Each side of the vinyl album is a separate suite of movements, and with this in mind, it helps give the album a better cohesiveness.

I will stand behind this album as an excellent addition to any prog rock music collection. The album was created with a specific purpose and that purpose was achieved. It may not be to your liking, but it is still an excellent piece of art and I am thrilled to add it to my music collection. 4 stars.