DELICATE SOUND OF THUNDER

PINK FLOYD is a live band. In the studio they are brilliant...most of the time. But when their music is played live, it kind of takes on a feeling all its own. And it is almost always superior, with each performance being unique in some way. For any who have seen FLOYD live, you know exactly what I am talking about.

"Delicate Sound of Thunder" is no different. The music is taken variously from the Nassau Coliseum, NY concerts over a five night period; August 18-22, 1988 to be exact. The 2 disc set is a live testament to the "A Momentary Lapse of Reason" tour and is quite good. FLOYD is like the legendary phoenix of old, reborn from the ashes to mesmerize a new generation of fans. Yet even with all the extra musicians on stage, Nick Mason and Rick Wright's confidence was probably a little low and they had to have felt a bit rusty, since they hadn't effectively played live together as a group since 1981. For the record, Dave Gilmour shows no rust.

After an inspired version of 'Shine On...' the first disc offers a healthy dose of the new "AMLOR" music. All of which sounds pretty decent live, the exception being the poor 'The Dogs of War' (as always).

The second disc is even better than the first. It boasts all classic FLOYD tracks from the 1970's played live for a new generation. But no surprises here really, all the usual FLOYD staples float to the surface: 'Money', 'Another Brick', 'Run Like Hell', 'Time', 'Numb', 'WYWH', 'Us & Them' etc

The sole reason this FLOYD offering receives only a 3 star rating, is because there are (much) better official Live FLOYD releases, such as: "Ummagumma (the Live album)", "P*U*L*S*E", "Is There Anybody Out There: The Wall Live 1980-81" and the "Live at Pompeii" DVD. "DSOT" is not essential FLOYD music, but it is enjoyable. So if you come across it, pick it up! But don't go looking for it...