A MOMENTARY LAPSE OF REASON

I think it might be time. I know this might be shocking, but I think the prog community can finally forgive Gilmour for being a jerk. I think we can get over the fact that a non-original member of the mighty Pink Floyd was able to take over the revered name. I think we can mature as a community, people. It's time that "A Momentary Lapse of Reason" finally be given the props that it deserves as the masterpiece that it is.

I know that might be shocking. I know that might be hard to take. But this first album without Roger Waters is every bit the masterwork that "Dark Side of the Moon", "The Wall", and "Animals" are. The only Pink Floyd album that I consider better is "Wish You Were Here", and that only by a hair. I understand that I have to explain myself.

"A Momentary Lapse of Reason" features all the mood, the casual atmosphere, the hard- hitting lyrics, and the instrumental brilliance of all the Floyd albums, but with an added complexity and eclecticism that floors me. The jazziness, the atmospheric instrumental perfection, the array of instruments used: these all tell me that this album needs to be recognized. This can be seen right from the beginning, as "Learning to Fly" contains classic Floyd rhythm and leaves an immense impression. "Dogs of War" brings the melancholy negativity that Floyd has often been known for, and it brings it with style and jazz. "On the Turning Away" gives us delicate melody and the tenderness of emotion that I find in "Wish You Were Here". "Terminal Frost" is one of the best and most interesting instrumental tracks I've ever heard! I could go on and on, but I will only mention one more. "Sorrow" is possibly one of the top 10, if not top 5, Floyd songs ever recorded. From the massive drone of its guitars and its spectacular guitar solo to the funky, off-time beat and awesome bass, this track is killer.

Gilmour's guitars were never better than on this album. His mastery is everywhere, and his perfection of the guitar solo is evident. Tony Levin shines with his groovy bass and his energy. Yes, Mason even convinced me here that he is one of the greatest drummers of all time, as his deceptively simple drumming is rife with incredible intricacies and exacting signature changes. John Halliwell is phenomenal on the sax, simply fantastic. This, then, is no Gilmour solo album. It might seem like that only because Gilmour became the sole vocalist (for the most part) and his guitar work is more prominent. That's it.

Look, I understand. I don't like it when a great band splits and the seemingly "unworthy" member gets to lead the band into the future. But, as subsequent albums and the sensational "Pulse" show us, I think Gilmour was the best choice. Hindsight is 20/20, right? Could Waters have done anything more than keep travelling his downward spiral of negativity? And, in all honesty, do you think Mason really wanted to lead this legendary band? Gilmour, then, was the best thing for Floyd, and "A Momentary Lapse of Reason" is simply one of the best Floyd albums ever made.