P-U-L-S-E

Without initially intending to and during the extensive promotional tour for "The Division Bell", David Gilmour and the other members of Pink Floyd decided that it was propitious to include the entirety of the iconic "The Dark Side of the Moon" in the setlist of the shows still to come. And that idea came to fruition with the recordings at London's Earls Court in November 1994 and their subsequent release as "PULSE" (1995), a live double album.

The two sections that make up "PULSE" show the enormous quality and neatness of the trio that survived the bitter quarrels with Roger Waters, with the utmost care for instrumental details (although it is true that Gilmour's voice is perceived as a little exhausted at times), and that counts, as on the "A Momentary Lapse of Reason" tour, with a group of support musicians that enhance and help to sustain even more the lavishness and melodic richness of each performance.

Timeless band tracks like "Shine on You Crazy Diamond", the cosmic "Astronomy Domine", the disturbing "One of These Days" and its astral additions in the middle section, or the mega hit "Another Brick in the Wall: Part Two", intermingle with novelty pieces from "The Division Bell" like the bluesy "What Do You Want from Me", the heartfelt "Coming Back to Life" or the majestic "High Hopes", shaping the first section of the album.

The second section reproduces very faithfully the complete "Dark Side of the Moon", with the addition of the very good guitar solos by Gilmour and guest Tim Renwick and the notorious bass of guest Guy Pratt on "Money", the deep sax of another guest Dick Parry on "Us & Them", and the awakened and boxed guitar solo again by Gilmour on "Any Colour You Like", before the lunatic closing with the impeccably executed "Brain Damage" and "Eclipse"'. The encore was crowned by the delicate "Wish You Were Here" chanted by the audience, the unsurpassed guitar solo on the timeless "Comfortably Numb", and the vocal interplay between Gilmour and Pratt on the escapist and thunderous "Run Like Hell", to the general ecstasy of the venue.

"PULSE" was a renewed communion between Pink Floyd and their audience who, judging by the remarkable success of the tour, did not seem to attach much importance to the absence of the former leader.

4 stars