ATOM HEART MOTHER

I purchased this album in 1973. At that time, I already knew "Meddle" and "Ummagumma". I must say that this was a major disappointment for me. After a few spin (very few) of B- side and a few more of Side 1, I left it unheard for over thirty years.

So, would I change my mind in 2006 (I wrote this review in December but finalize it now) ?

I think that the best review I can refer to is the one from Roger Waters himself, telling about AHM, I quote :

"I wouldn't dream of performing anything that embarassing... I'm not playing that rubbish" ! I totally agree with him.

If this is not sufficient, here is what Gilmour says about it : "All I've ever tried to do is play music that I like listening to. Some of it now, like Atom Heart Mother, strikes me as absolute crap".

Then : ""...a load of rubbish, to be honest with you. We were at a real down point. We didn't know what on earth we were doing or trying to do at that time, none of us.

Are you convinced ? These are the best review for AHM. From persons that can not be categorized as anti Floyd, right ?

These quotes are posted on the official Floyd's web-site, so no invention here.

I do not usually read other reviews before writing mines to avoid being biased but when I looked at some ratings for this one (4 or even 5 stars - the masterpiece status !) I honestly believe that there is something wrong here.

Although Waters is maybe too hard with AHM. Actually, the title track is not bad; but the orchestration and choirs are so pompous. I prefer live renditions of this track. The track is then more rock-oriented and nice to listen to, really. You can hear it on some unofficial releases like "Atom Heart Mother Goes On" from the Paris Theater in London for instance.

B-side of this album is of the caliber of their studio work (?) from Ummagumma (maybe "Fat Old Son" is a bit better) : like David and Roger said : rubbish. Two stars (considering side one as three star and side two ...).