ATOM HEART MOTHER

When it was released, this album was considered as a generous compensation for many Pink Floyd fans that happened to be disappointed with the double-album "Ummagumma" for its almost inaccessible materials. This doesn't mean it is an easily approached effort. Still, whenever one successfully penetrates the extended floating orchestral "Atom Heart Mother", there surely are benefits worth whatever the cost.

The 23-plus-minute title track opener, which consists of six seamless parts, embodied interesting moments scattered throughout the track. There is no lyric whatsoever here and yet the band can beautifully incorporate many elements -- sounds, instruments, voices -- into a body of song that moves freely between grandiose and simplicity as well as dark and laid-back moods. Rick Wright contributes eloquent keyboards playing, mostly laid as solid foundation on top of which the other instruments are allowed to put colorful sketches. Among the delicious parts is where the horns and David Gilmour's guitars deliver their wonderful, uplifting passages.

While several attempts needed in order to discover the gem in the first track, this just isn't the case regarding the four tracks that follow. With "If" (by Roger Waters), "Summer '68" (Wright), "Fat Old Sun" (Gilmour) and "Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast" (Gilmour/Nick Mason/Waters/Wright) one actually encounters much easier situation. Nevertheless, while these are shorter and more accessible tracks, a lack of cohesiveness between them might lead the listeners to the wrong impression.

Judging by the facts that there are strengths and weaknesses, this album is far from being perfect let alone a masterpiece. However, to those who like to be challenged, this definitely will suit the need.