Review Summary: Pink Floyd Makes a Name For Themselves!
After the previous year's good albeit unfocused album
Atom Heart Mother, Pink Floyd returned to the studio with no idea of the direction they wanted to go. They seemed to be in a slump as they had spent every bit of their brilliance as a creative force to try and create the previous album. These were still uncertain times, as they had yet to have a specific leader of the band or a true idea of the direction they wanted to take their music from here on out.
After a bit of sonic experimenting, they came up with the song which became their first 70's magnum opus "Echoes". "Echoes" is truly a masterpiece taking use of a Leslie Speaker, tape effects, and it sounds like you're exploring an underwater labyrinth through a submarine, and the song has deep thoughtful lyrics about the importance of human connection and empathy that rival even John Lennon's talent. From the use of a leslie speaker to get the odd 'PLUCK' that starts the song, to the jam session section that makes use of a very funky bassline and riff, to the section that's based around seagull cries created by Gilmour's guitar, you're taken on an unforgettable journey of a scenic soundscape that is sure never to leave your mind.
The rest of the album features a variety of different moods but is all incredible. "One Of These Days" kicks the album off with a great hard rocker and one of Roger Waters' best basslines, being one of their best songs overall. It was directed at a radio DJ who frequently insulted the band and inspired the line which is one of the rare times Nick Mason provides vocals on a record,
"ONE OF THESE DAYS, IM GOING TO CUT YOU TO LITTLE PIECES!". Now isn't that just menacing? Perhaps even a little more than songs about a man named Eugene with an axe! "A Pillow Of Winds" is rather a softer acoustic number with beautiful Syd-esque lyricism from David Gilmour. Its dreamy vocals from David combine with the soft, almost whimsical composition that takes you through the soft breeze of the wind. If anything, it paved the way for future ones like "Wish You Were Here", you can hear the band's sound develop and it provides a fantastic contrast to the song before it.
"Fearless" is another masterpiece on this record, making use of uplifting story-driven lyrics by Roger and David and a unique catchy melody, ending with a section of "You'll Never Walk Alone" at the end. "San Tropez" is a great jazzy number featuring piano as a highlight by Rick with comforting lyrics by Roger. This song isn't typically ranked as one of the best, but it is a favorite of mine and as a jazz lover, I say its among their finest works. The keyboard work is genuinely impressive and carries a swing much like the music of big bands in the 30's and 40's during the Tin Pan Alley era, and the slide guitar work from David intertwines incredibly well with Roger's acoustic playing, it's got a feel of a vacation which is what the carefree song is going for.
Now, like every album up to this point, it is important to point out the weak spots because all of them so far have had them. The album only has one really weak spot and this is the track "Seamus" which seems to be an inside joke between the band members that would've fared much better if it was kept as such. It takes away from the experience of the album overall, and does not fit whatsoever. It's an attempt at a style reminiscent of blues music, but with the repeated lyrics, the annoying dog sounds that loop throughout the whole thing and overpower the instrumentals, and how silly it all is, it's a major disappointment and maybe the second worst song they did in the decade they peaked in.
Overall,
Meddle is an encapsulation of a band finally finding themselves, making a blueprint for them to work off of and shifting their creative force into full gear. Everyone gets a chance to shine here and the quality of this album glows as brightly as a star on a clear summer night. It's one of the greatest albums of all time, and a must-listen for anyone that appreciates music!
Track By Track:
1. One of These Days: ★★★★★
2. A Pillow of Winds: ★★★★
3. Fearless: ★★★★★
4. San Tropez: ★★★★★
5. Seamus: ★
6. Echoes: ★★★★★ 🎖️
