ATOM HEART MOTHER

One of my favourite Floyd epics, I have listened to (the song) Atom Heart Mother so many times I couldn't even begin to estimate a number. Not only the studio version, but the full with-brass-and-choir live BBC version found on the 'Libest Space Monitor' bootleg, and the many live versions from other bootlegs (one of which can be heard now on the "Cre/ation: The Early Years" set). So, one might say I like it. I have put it on more often than Dark Side, probably more than any other Floyd album. And despite so many listens, it is not a song that I have ever got tired of. Regardless of how much one might like it, everyone can agree that it is a very unique piece, with the western-style grandiose brass main theme, the weeping violin, the faux-Roman entrance-trumpets signalling coming tension, the tapes of fighting horses, and the choir singing a made-up language (well before the first Magma album!). Nothing like it, before or since. As you might guess, I personally find it beautiful too. While others came to Floyd because of their early psychedelic singles, or later on with Dark Side, for me it was Atom Heart Mother that sealed the deal. What a wonderful side of music. Of course, the second side is nice too. My favourite track on side b is Rick Wright's "Summer of 68". That has a particular feel and sonic quality that I have never heard repeated either. I think it was a shame that Wright didn't write/record more tunes back then, as his contribution to Ummagumma ("Sysyphus") is also my favourite on that album. The remainder of the tunes on side b are good, but not quite at the same level. Waters' "If" is a nice pensive track - was even better with Eric Clapton playing the guitar solo on it live. Gilmour's "Fat Old Sun" is actually much better live than here, but is very nice and pleasant."Alan's psychedelic breakfast", meanwhile is (overly?) pleasant but on the weaker side, musically (but I think may have been the first to record someone frying eggs, making tea, etc?). The second side of the vinyl album keeps this down within the 4-star realm. I give this album 8.5 out of 10 on my 10-point scale. But that title track-epic is (for me) is among the best music around.

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