Pink Floyd

A Momentary Lapse Of Reason

It has not aged well

Review Score:

(6/10)
I did like this CD when it first came out, and of course the tour was spectacular. I was never fortunate enough to see the Dark Side Of The Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals, or The Wall tour. But I seen Pink Floyd twice during Momontary Lapse, and once during Division Bell. I also seen Roger Waters 4 times solo, all after Pink Floyd's split. When this CD first came out, I thought it was a clever reinactment of the Floyd concept albums. After the dark rather dreary "Final Cut" it was a good change of pace I thought. But after listening to this CD over the past few CD's now it sounds boring and contrived. In an interview with Roger Waters the year this came out, Roger said when asked if he thought this was a good album he said it's a good "Copy". And thats exactly what it is, an attempt to copy Rogers style, lyrics, and post Dark Side Pink Floyd. But it failed, and if you dont believe me look at the current and ongoing sales of Momentary lapse Of Reason or Divison Bell compared to the earlier Floyd CDs. They sell as good as ever, even "Final Cut" out sells Momentary Lapse Of Reason by far. It's not the type of CD that grows fonder with time. That's why it isnt a good seller anymore and eventually it will probably be one of the few rare Floyd Cds that go out of print. I mean 20 years from now because Pink Floyd will last that long and beyond. After Momentary Lapse Of Reason, Division Bell was a better effort. Perhaps not great but I would give it 4 stars because Gilmour was being true to himself and the band. He wasnt trying to make a COPY of a Floyd album with a missing critical member. Perhaps Divison Bell is a lot like a Gilmour solo album, just like Final Cut was like a Waters solo album (except it was just too dark). The music is beautiful, but the mood of the music is hard to take. Division Bell is more upbeat, it's mellow, and the synthizied voice and various sound affects and Water lyrics are replaced with honest work from David and the band. I would suggest Divison Bell over this album any day or of course go back and buy Meddle, Dark Side Of The Moon, The Wall, Animals, or Wish You Were Here. I give Gilmour a lot of credit for STOPPING after Division Bell. Believe me the releases wouldnt have gotten any better. This is an example of a band who knew when to quit, although it's too bad they havent done a tour for the fans that would love to see one more show (preferably with the whole group). But they think they have to put out a new CD, or they are merely a nostalgia group. I disagree, they could have toured in support of the Echoes release and it would have been most fitting. It would have been the only tour they would have neded to do, even if it would have been a much smaller tour (instead of the grueling 1 year stadium outings) that I doubt any guys in their late 50's would enjoy. That is except for the money hungry Stones, who have cranked out albums LOOOONG after their prime and are now charging $75 to $150 ripping off fans and taking advantage of their loyalty. Pink Floyd never charged over $35, and stopped making the music before their prime was long past. I give them a lot of credit, for not being greedy, for knowing when to stop, for having integrity of their great library of music. With the exception of perhaps Momentary Laspe Of Reason, and Delicate Sound Of Thunder, I would recommend almost anything by Pink Floyd. They still Shine over 35 years later.

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