IS THERE ANYBODY OUT THERE?

I was never really a big fan of the original Wall studio release back in 1979 (in my review, I gave it three stars), but I will admit it was a good album, just not anywhere near their previous three albums. It seemed to me that they could have had a better record with a shorter, less complicated storyline, on one LP, and with more musical development. Even though I didn't think The Wall was essential, nonetheless, I wanted to hear this live version of it from Is There Anybody Out There? Especially since it was only performed a small amount of times in its entirety.

Is it any better than the studio album? My initial reaction was yes, and after repeated listens, yes again. Still, I find myself skipping many of the (what I consider) sub-par selections. What makes this performance better than the studio version was Roger Waters interactions with the audience. He sounds as if he is really enjoying himself on this recording. The other thing I noticed was more musical development and a stronger Richard Wright influence in the performance (he left during the studio sessions, but was part of the tour). I would say if Wright and Waters could have gotten along better, Wright's contribution to the music on the studio version would have really been beneficial. I guess I never realized this before until I heard this live rendering. Even though Wright played more of a backing role in the band, unlike Gilmour and Waters, there is no doubt in my mind now that Wright was a key ingredient of the Pink Floyd sound.

I'm still going to have to give this three stars, because it just isn't enough for me to justify a four-star rating. Essential for Pink Floyd fans. For others, first get their masterpieces, then you might want to seek this one out. And yes, it really is better than the studio version.