ATOM HEART MOTHER

I remember seeing the cover with the cow standing in a pasture with no text or clue as to what might be on the record. I was intrigued for a long time and soon after exploring Pink Floyd's music, I picked this one up. It does have it's flaws but I was never disappointed.

The title track was very ambitious and definitely a progression from the band's earlier instrumental pieces such as "A Sauceful of Secrets". The "Atom Heart Mother" suite takes up half of the album and is split into six parts. It features a full brass section and choir while Pink Floyd mainly provide the backing and the orchestration takes the lead. However, there is one section where Gilmour's bluesy guitar solo takes the lead. The main melody is very graceful and touching and although the piece is lengthly, most of it works beautifully. There's a delightful psychedelic feel throughout, sounding different to the previous albums.

The second half of the record has some really nice songs. I like Gilmour's "Fat Old Sun" very much. Waters' "If" is a mellow whispery folk ballad and Rick Wright's brass-heavy "Summer '68 is a wonderful catchy classic. The final track, "Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast" is divided into three segments and although it does meander somewhat, I find it quite relaxing, pleasurable and charming.

Overall, Atom Heart Mother had a lot of musical ideas. It is quite like "Ummagumma" in many respects because the input here came from all band members but in my opinion it's better and has a bit more direction. It was a great release. The group were quickly starting to develop their sound for more exceptional things to come. After this they finally cracked it with the amazing "Meddle". 4 stars.