THE FINAL CUT

Don't know about this one being really 'Progressive', but it's a phenomenal production and a great offering of more misery from the Waters-dominated era of Floyd. As has been said in the past, 'The Wall' part II perhaps. The album flows effortlessly as one, lots of incredible dynamics and bombastic orchestral arrangements, but suggests a band in the grip of turmoil - Wright had been sacked, Mason provided his Drumming, and Gilmour's input was barely minimal, but his few moments in the spot-light shone ever so brightly - his lead-breaks in 'Your Possible Pasts', 'The Final Cut', and especially his solo on 'The Fletcher Memorial Home' are among his best ever committed to vinyl, and of high musical value to an otherwise negative, conceptual project where the story of one who lost his Father during WWII, and various political issues, are the main focus, the musical arrangement being a tad 'secondary'. Various guests help fill the gap : Michael Kamen (Piano, Harmonium) Andy Bown (Hammond), Ray Cooper (Percussion), Raphael Ravenscroft (Tenor Sax - from Gerry Rafferty's backing band), and Andy Newmark providing the Drums for the track 'Two Suns In The Sunset', a piece featuring some odd rhythms within its arrangement. Overall, it remains an excellent album falling under the name of Pink Floyd, and worthy of exploration.