MORE (OST)

It's surprising there aren't more film soundtracks by prog bands, with their penchant for ambient instrumentals and extended narratives. I'm sure the FLOYD boys learned a thing or two in the process of scoring (at the very least, how to fill up an album). "More" could very well be thought of as the third side of "Ummagumma", as the two albums were recorded at the same time, in the same studio. Perhaps the band needed a release from the more abstract experimentations; many of the songs here are more straightforward, if no less diverse. The main beneficiary from this album is the songwriting- these lyrics and structures are already an improvement over the occasionally clumsy moments of "Saucerful". "Ibiza Bar" is a transitional piece somewhere between Barrett-era psychedelia and the heavy, aggresive "Nile Song", which itself sounds like nothing else in the band's discography- although it does remarkably forsee MUDHONEY/ SCREAMING TREES- style grunge. Cirrus Minor", "Crying Song", "Green is the Colour", and "Cymbaline" are lovely acoustic pieces, marred slightly by strange mixing techniques. The vocals especially seem buried, although this might just be due to a little lingering insecurity from the singers.

The instrumental tracks lack some of the vision which kept much of "Ummagumma" from sounding aimless, but it's still enjoyable just to hear how good PINK FLOYD sounded even when they were just jamming. There's fun to be had even in the throwaways; fans of Gilmour's guitarwork are required to hear his unadulterated blues soloing on (of course) "More Blues" and flemenco attempt on the goofy "Spanish Piece".

Definitely not to be passed over; this is the connection between "Saucerful of Secrets" and "Meddle". The songs confirm that Syd's departure was not a crippling blow, and the instrumentals have plenty of the band's characteristic flavour. If there had been one or two more memorable songs, it would have been a classic; as it stands, it's a great snapshot of FLOYD history with many enjoyable moments.