REMEMBER THAT NIGHT: LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL

Once in a while a concert performance is a special event that captures the essence of the past and marries the present with flawless execution. Gilmour somehow merges the past and present and throws in special guest artists and pulls it off. The DVD quality is outstanding as far as picture and sound quality is concerned. The sound is crisp and exceptional throughout. The guest artists are something to look forward to as they add that extra spice that is not experienced in other performances of these great songs. All the classic Pink Floyd songs are of the highest order, flawlessly performed and emotional. The lighting is rather subdued for the first part during the playing of Gilmour's entire "On An Island" album. I have not returned to this album often so to see it played live is rather endearing, as the songs sound better and more vibrant in the live arena.

The actual spectacle of lighting occurs in the awesome second half of the show especially during the mammoth epic 'Echoes'. The lighting consists of smoked troopers and a plethora of lasers igniting the Royal Albert. The effect is dazzling and makes this the highlight of the entire show. To see Richard Wright all in white playing behind Gilmour gives him a ghostly presence, all the more potent now that he is gone to the great gig in the sky in 2008, 2 years after this performance. Wright is an enigmatic performer and he sings on many occasions. This DVD is like a tribute to his genius and seeing him enjoying this music with Gilmour again is emotional. He would have one more occasion in Gdansk to perform with Gilmour in this kind of live setting

The other players are David Bowie who vocalises on 'Arnold Layne', a real shock to see it live after all those years and he does a great job and seems to be enjoying it. He also sings on 'Comfortably Numb' not such a great version here. Robert Wyatt makes the obligatory appearance now that he and Gilmour are in collaboration. He was okay and in any case it is nice to see him progging it out in his old age on 'Then I Close My Eyes'.

Crosby and Nash are here reprising their roles on the Gilmour Solo album, namely they contribute to 'On An Island', 'The Blue', and even better, 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond', as well as their own 'Find The Cost Of Freedom'. I liked hearing the "Division Bell" tracks, 'Coming Back To Life' and particularly the brilliant 'High Hopes', that is a milestone Pink Floyd track and is always so powerful on the live stage.

'Wish You Were Here' is of course a part of Gilmour and the version here is masterful as usual. The concert is long at over 2 and a half hours but it is a journey to immerse yourself in. Many times the crowd rise to their feet especially after 'Shine On' and 'Echoes', a well deserved ovation. I would say this 'Echoes' is as good if not better than the one played "Live In Gdansk". It is similar in length but seems to be more powerful in terms of the lighting and that ethereal whale song section. The band are patient and don't rush it making it such a rewarding immersing experience.

Disc Two is jam packed with special features including 3 interesting docos, and more importantly the 5 bonus songs from the Royal Albert Hall, 'Wot's... Uh The Deal', 'Dominoes', 'Wearing The Inside Out', 'Arnold Layne', and 'Comfortably Numb' again. There is also a short film from America's West Coast with some of the backstage footage shot by Richard Wright. The making of "On An Island" album is nice to see and there are live versions from it played in London's Mermaid Theatre 2006. I really liked seeing 'Astronomy Domine' recorded for the Live From Abbey Road television series. Other features include 'The Dark Globe' video, and promos for 'On An Island' and 'Smile'.

All in all it's another brick in the wall for Gilmour, a wall of releases and this is among his best. The DVD is packed with the most incredible music on the planet and is a must for Pink Floyd fans.

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