WISH YOU WERE HERE

Pink Floyd were smart with this album. Given the overwhelming success of its predecessor, they could easily have tried to create "Dark side of the moon, 2". Instead they chose to move on, while simultaneously reverting to a more progressive approach.

"Shine on you crazy diamond" dominates the album, lasting over 26 minutes in total. The track is nominally made up of 9 sections, but in reality there are 2, which bookend the other three tracks. The lyrics of "Shine on.." are a tribute to former band member Syd Barrett, who, according to the band, coincidently wandered into the studio during the recording sessions. The track is far less lyrical than much of "Dark Side of the moon" being much closer to previous works such as "Echoes". There's more in the way of instrumental passages here, Gilmour's guitar work being afforded the space to flow freely. There's also some lovely sax on the second half.

"Welcome to the machine" has loads of electronic sounds and effects, and is vaguely reminiscent of ELP's "Karn Evil 9, part 3" The track has a heavy, hypnotic beat, behind aggressive vocals, making for a superb contrast to the opening "Shine on you Crazy Diamond".

"Have a Cigar" features the legendary Roy ("When an old cricketer leaves the crease") Harper on vocals. It's a lighter, mildly amusing track which offers a cynical take on the record industry Once again the song contrasts well with the previous, heavier piece. The lyric "The band is just fantastic, that is really what I think, by the way, which one's "Pink"?" is a superb parody of a record company executive's ignorance.

The mood softens further for the acoustic title track, which would have fitted in well on "Meddle" or "Atom Heart Mother". This is Oasis' "Wonderwall", recorded decades before the Oasis track was. The song merges nicely into the second half of "Shine on you Crazy Diamond". While this is a recognisable reprise of the opening track, it differs markedly, breaking loose midway through, with Gilmour's guitar fronting a rising of the pace prior to the wind down ending.

While "Wish you were here" does indeed recall Pink Floyd's progressive roots, it's much tighter and less experimental than their Psychedelic era works. "Dark Side of the Moon" is rightly recognised as one of the best albums ever made by anyone, but I find this album to be even more enjoyable.

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