The Division Bell - Pink Floyd Album Reviews

Extended cut on Patreon:   / division-bell-89209889  
Pink Floyd's 1994 studio album The Division Bell was a return to the band's classic sound with songs like "High Hopes," "Take it Back" "Keep Talking" the Grammy-winning instrumental "Marooned." But is it worthy of being listened alongside the band's 1970s masterpieces?
Special thanks to Todd Meredith for joining me for this one:
http://ToddMeredith.com

Guy Pratt Lockdown Licks:
   / @guypratt7104  

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Pink Floyd is without a doubt one of the greatest classic rock bands of all time. They began in the 60s with Roger Waters on bass, Nick Mason on drums, Richard Wright on organ and Syd Barrett on lead guitar and vocals. Syd penned their early singles like See Emily Play and most of their 1967 album Piper at the Gates of Dawn (Astronomy Domine, Interstellar Overdrive). Their live shows featured unique light shows. However due to Syd's breakdown he was replaced with David Gilmour on guitar in 1968. This would become Pink Floyd's classic lineup through A Saucerful of Secrets, More, Ummagumma and Atom Heart Mother. 1971's Meddle would turn out to be an important staple for the band with the rocking opener One of these Days I'm Going to Cut You Into Little Pieces, featuring a rare spoken vocal by Nick, Roger's echoing bass line and Dave's Slide Guitar. The flip side, another 23 minute piece, Echoes, featuring Dave and Rick on vocals, is often regarded as Progressive Rock's finest moment, from the opening ping of Rick's leslie piano. They would also perform both these songs along with earlier classics Live at Pompeii. The Obscured by Clouds soundtrack appeared in 1972 with tracks like Burning Bridges and Childhood's End. However 1973's Dark Side of the Moon would become one of the most successful albums of all time, staying on the charts for nearly 13 years and still a best seller today. Roger's lyrics dealt with the evils of society driving one to madness, while the music was nearly one entire inter-connected piece (making it difficult to separate for a playlist or a best of / greatest hits compilation). Still standouts like Money, Time and Great Gig in the Sky are favorites among fans. Their 1975 followup Wish You Were Here, featuring the opening and closing piece Shine On You Crazy Diamond (a tribute to Syd Barrett who even showed up at the sessions), is thought to be equally great, if not greater, as Dark Side. But tensions between the band were beginning to rear their head. 1977 saw the release of Animals, notable for its famous cover. Roger became the band's main frontman and sole songwriter with Dave occasionally sharing the mic and writing credits. Tensions grew during the tour when Roger ended up spitting on a fan in Montreal and coming up with the idea for The Wall to separate himself from the audience. 1979 would see the release of The Wall, the album and later the tour and film. Another Brick in the Wall Part 2 became their best selling single and Comfortably Numb remains one of their most popular tunes. But it nearly broke up the band as Roger fired Rick for lack of output, creating a greater rift between him and Dave. Recycling unused tracks from The Wall sessions, 1983's The Final Cut was Roger's final album with Pink Floyd. In 1985, Roger officially left the band. Dave and Nick decided to carry on reuniting with Rick for 1987's Momentary Lapse of Reason, produced by Bob Ezrin and featuring songs like Learning to Fly, On the Turning Away, and Sorrow. Roger sued to break up the band, but failed to do so instead focusing on his solo career. A Delicate Sound of Thunder, a live recording from their tour, was released in 1988. The Gilmour led Floyd would produce 1994's The Division Bell, a return to form for many fans thanks to the project originating from jams in Britannia Row. With Rick now sharing vocal and songwriting duties again, along with lyricist Polly Samson, the album included the songs What Do you Want From Me, Poles Apart, Marooned, A Great Day for Freedom, Take it Back, Coming Back to Life, Keep Talking and High Hopes became a fan favorite. It wasn't until 2005's Live 8 concert when Dave, Nick and Rick reunited with Roger for a short set giving closure for many fans. Syd never performed with Pink Floyd again and died in 2006. Rick died in 2008. The album The Endless River was dedicated in his honor. Nick Mason would join forces with Guy Pratt to form the touring band Saucerful of Secrets while Dave and Roger have continued doing solo albums and tours.