| P*U*L*S*E (disc 1) |
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| Released: 1995 by Columbia Records Running Time: 76:02 Ranking: #1 out of 5 live albums Album Highlight: Sorrow Album Weak Point: A Great Day For Freedom Average Song Rating: ***** Comments: This magnificent live album captures all the magic of a Pink Floyd concert, making you feel like you're actually there, experiencing the incredible music as it's being made. The first half of this album features songs from "The Division Bell" and while there are several great songs from that album that were overlooked, the songs that are played are good ones. So many of the best versions of so many great Floyd songs can be found on this album, specifically on the first half. There are a few that fall short of original versions, but they come close enough to still be magnificent. From the opening keyboard sounds to the final beats of the drum, the first half of this album contains some of a most raw emotion that you can find in a Floyd album. This album, truly a masterpiece, comes as close to perfection as a live album can get. |
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| 1- Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts I, II, III, IV, V, VII & VIII) Written by: Waters, Wright, Gilmour Running Time: 13:35 From: Wish You Were Here Best Version: Wish You Were Here RANKING (different version): #3 (this version ******) Comments: One of the most beautiful songs ever recorded, this masterpiece is reproduced here magnificently. The beginning is as perfect and beautiful as the studio version, and continues to be perfect up until part IV. This is where the lyrics start. Nobody can sing these lyrics as well as Waters, except David Gilmour. He puts emotion behind each and every word, and you can feel every lyric. He doesn't sound as good as Waters does on the studio version, but his singing is perfect for a different reason. This version differs from the "In The Flesh" version in that it keeps part V, which is done perfectly with Dick Parry at the saxophone, but it skips over part VI, which is the best part of the song. For this reason alone, it is not as good as the "In The Flesh" version, but it's so good that it hardly matters in the long run. Lyrics: remember when you were young? you shone like the sun Shine on You Crazy Diamond now there's a look in your eye like black holes in the sky Shine on You Crazy Diamond you were caught in the crossfire of childhood and stardom blown on the steel breeze come on you target for far away laughter come on you stranger, you legend, you martyr and Shine you reached for the secret too soon you cried for the moon Shine on You Crazy Diamond threatened by shadows at night and exposed in the light Shine on You Crazy Diamond well you wore out your welcome with random precision rode on the steel breeze come on you raver, you seer of visions come on you painter, you piper, you prisoner and Shine nobody knows where you are how near or how far Shine on You Crazy Diamond pile on many more layers and i'll be joining you there Shine on You Crazy Diamond and we'll bask in the shadow of yesterday's triumph sail on the steel breeze come on you boy-child, you winner and loser come on you miner for truth and delusion and Shine |
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| 2- Astronomy Domine Written by: Barrett Running Time: 4:19 From: The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn Best Version: Ummagumma (live album) Rating: ***** Comments: You jump from a song with lyrics pertaining to Syd Barrett, to a song written by Syd Barrett. This, I'm sure, was no coincidence. Every song was laid out in a perfect order on this album. This song is the first song from the first Floyd album, and there are several versions of it, this being the worst. It is played just as it sound on the original album, but some of the effect is lost in the live version. The other live version, from "Ummagumma" is played with a different twist, and works even better than the original. But this song, despite it being the worst of its versions, is an excellent track, and while it may seem out of place, works perfectly where it is. Lyrics: lime and limpid green a second scene a fight between the blue you once knew floating down, the sound resounds around the icy waters underground jupiter and saturn oberon, miranda and titania neptune, titan, stars can frighten blinding signs flap flicker flicker flicker flam pow pow stairway scare dan dare who's there lime and limpid green the sound surrounds the icy waters under lime and limpid green the sound surrounds the icy waters underground |
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| 3- What Do You Want From Me? Written by: Gilmour, Wright & Polly Samson Running Time: 4:09 From: The Division Bell Best Version: P*U*L*S*E Rating: ***** Comments: This isn't one of the best songs from "The Division Bell" but it sounds excellent here. The lyrics seem to take on a whole new meaning as Gilmour sings them to the audience. There just seems to be more power behind the song in this live version, and it works beautifully. Lyrics: as you look around this room tonight settle in your seats and dim the light do you want my blood? do you want my tears? What do You Want? (What do You Want From Me?) should i sing until i can't sing anymore? play these strings 'till my fingers are raw? i'll do my best to please What do You Want From Me? do you think that i know something you don't know? (What do You Want From Me?) if i don't promise you the answers would you go? (What do You Want From Me?) should i stand out in the rain? do you want me to make a daisy chain for you? i'm not the one you need What do You Want From Me? you can have anything You Want you can drift, you can dream, even walk on water anything You Want you can own everything you see sell your soul for complete control is that really what You need? you can lose yourself this night see inside, there is nothing to hide turn and face the light What do You Want From Me? |
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| 4- Learning To Fly Written by: Gilmour & Anthony Moore, Bob Ezrin, Jon Carin Running Time: 5:16 From: A Momentary Lapse Of Reason Best Version: P*U*L*S*E Rating: ***** Comments: This is a very intense song, and it's intensity is better heard here than on the studio album. There are an extra few beats leading into this version, and a little extra bit of instrumental at the end. The lyrics are somewhat cliche, but they are not the strength of this song. It is not the best song from "Momentary Lapse..." but it is an excellent selection, and works perfectly on this album, better than it does in the studio version. Lyrics: into the distance, a ribbon of black stretched to the point of no turning back a flight of fancy on a wind-swept field standing alone, my senses reel a fatal attraction is holding me fast how can i escape this irresistable grasp? can't keep my eyes from the circling sky tongue-tied and twisted, just an earth-bound misfit, i ice is forming on the tips of my wings unheeded warnings, i thought i thought of everything no navigator to guide my way home unladened empty, and turning to stone a soul in tention is Learning to Fly condition grounded, but determined to try can't keep my eyes from the circling skies tongue-tied and twisted, just and earth-bound misfit, i above the planet, on a wing and a prayer my grubby halo, the vapour trail and the empty air above the clouds i see my shadow fly out of the corner of my watering eye to dream unthreatened by the morning light can blow this soul right through the roof of the night there's no sensation to compare with this suspended animation, a state of bliss can't keep my mind from the circling skies tongue-tied and twisted, just and earth-bound misfit, i |
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| 5- Keep Talking Written by: Gilmour, Wright & Polly Samson Running Time: 6:53 From: The Division Bell Best Version: P*U*L*S*E Rating: ***** Comments: The beginning of this song on this version is so beautiful it can make you want to cry. There's just something about how Gilmour plays his guitar in this live version that puts more emotion into it. It lasts longer, and then by the time the regular beat comes in, your soul has already experienced all the emotion in the song. The lyrics are sung with more passion, and the guitar howls with greater intensity. The highlight of this song is when Gilmour cries through the voice box with such power and emotion it can send a chill down your spine. The background singers are fabulous. This is one of the best songs on this half of this album, and it's an incredible experience. Lyrics: there's a silence surrounding me i can't seem to think straight i'll sit in the corner and no one can bother me i think i should speak now (why won't you Talk to me?) i can't seem to speak now (you never Talk to me) my words won't come out right (what are you thinking?) i feel like i'm drowing (what are you feeling?) i'm feeling weak now (why won't you Talk to me?) but i can't show my weakness (you never Talk to me?) i sometimes wonder (what are you thinking?) where do we go from here? (what are you feeling?) (why won't you Talk to me?) i feel like i'm drowing (you never talk to me) you know i can't breathe now (what are you thinking?) we're going nowhere (what are you feeling?) we're going nowhere (why won't you talk to me?) (you never talk to me?) (what are you thinking?) (where do we go from here?) Words: for millions of years, mankind lived just like the animals. then something happened, which unleased the power of our imagination: we learned to Talk...it doesn't have to be like this; all we need to do is make sure we Keep Talking...it doesn't have to be like this...all we need to do...is make sure...we Keep...Talking |
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| 6- Coming Back To Life Written by: Gilmour Running Time: 6:56 From: The Division Bell Best Version: The Division Bell Rating: ***** Comments: Another beautiful song from one of the most beautiful albums produced by Pink Floyd. While the studio version of this song is better, being that it is more intimate, this version is almost identical in beauty. The lyrics are so beautiful and so heart-wrenching, and sung with such passion. This song loses a bit of its touch when the instrumental comes on, and while very good, does not measure up to the intensity of the beginning of this amazing sone. Lyrics: where were you when i was burned and broken? while the days slipped by from my window watching and where were you when i was hurt and i was helpless? because the things you say and the things you do surround me? while you were hanging yourself on someone else's words dying to believe in what you heard i was staring straight into the shining sun lost in thought, and lost in time while the seeds of life and the seeds of change were planted outside the rain fell dark and slow while i pondered on this dangerous and irresistable pastime i took a heavenly ride through our silence i knew the moment had arrived for killing the past and Coming Back to Life i took a heavenly ride through our silence i knew the waiting had begun and i headed straight into the shining sun |
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| 7- Hey You Written by: Waters Running Time: 4:38 From: The Wall Best Version: Is There Anybody Out There? RANKING (different version): #17 (this version ****) Comments: All intamacy and intensity are lost in this version of such an incredible. This is one of the few examples of a song from this live album being the worst version. The guitar solo is cut shorter than in the live version of The Wall, and Gilmour attempts an impression of Roger Waters which fails miserably, and ruins all the seriousness of the last verse, which is supposed to be very powerful. Still, it's hard to ruin such an incredible song, and while this is the worst version, it's still enjoyable to listen to. Lyrics: Hey You, out there in the cold getting lonely, getting old can you feel me? Hey You, standing in the aisles with itchy feet and fading smiles can you feel me? Hey You, don't help them to bury the light don't give in without a fight Hey You, out there on your own sitting naked by the phone would you touch me? Hey You, with your ear against the wall waiting for someone to call out would you touch me? Hey You, would you help me to carry the stone open your heart, i'm coming home but it was only a fanatasy the wall was too high as you can see no matter how he tried he could not break free and the worms ate into his brain Hey You, out there in the road always doing what you're told can you help me? Hey You, out there beyond the wall breaking bottles in the hall can you help me? Hey You, don't tell me there's no hope at all together we stand, divided we fall |
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| 8- A Great Day For Freedom Written by: Gilmour & Polly Samson Running Time: 4:31 From: The Division Bell Best Version: The Division Bell Rating: **** Comments: It's not coincidence that this song comes right after a song from "The Wall". What the meaning to this placement is exactly, I'm not sure, but it could mean nothing at all. These are excellent lyrics, but for a song so intimate, the live version does not do it justice. This is the weakest part of the entire album, but that says something for the album, seeing as how this song really isn't all that bad. In fact, it's beautiful. It's just not as beautiful as the songs surrounding it. Lyrics: on the day the wall came down they threw the locks onto the ground and with glasses high, we raised a cry for freedom had arrived and on the day the wall came down the ship of fools had finally run aground promises lit up the night like paper doves in flight i dreamed you had left my side no warmth, not even pride remained and even though you needed me it was clear that i couldn't do a thing for you now life devalues day by day as friends and neighbors turn away and there's a change that even with regret cannot be undone now frontiers shift like desert sands as nations wash their bloodied hands of loyalty of history in shades of grey i woke to the sound of drums the music played, the morning sun streamed in i turned and i looked at you and all butt the bitter residue slipped away...slipped away |
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| 9- Sorrow Written by: Gilmour Running Time: 10:47 From: A Momentary Lapse Of Reason Best Version: P*U*L*S*E RANKING: #6 ******* Comments: This is one of the most amazing pieces of music ever recorded, the second best song on this album, and one of the greatest songs of all time. It leaves the studio version in the dust, and towers above the rest of the songs on this half of the album with a blinding musical brilliance. The power of this song is seldom matched by any other track on any other album, and it the level of emotion in the instrumental is only topped by a select few of Gilmour's guitar solos. This song comes in with the roaring of the guitar, playing solo, and reaching you below your skin. After what seems like hours of intense emotion, the rest of the instruments join in, and the lyrics come on. These lyrics speak so loud and clear, and are sung with more intensity than the other version. After the third verse, the bridge comes roaring on, with enough power to send an electric chill down your soul. The last two version are belted out with maximum intensity, and are so powerful that it's hard to believe that the heart of this song hasn't even begun yet. With the fading of the last lyrics, one of the greatest intstrumentals ever recorded sets in. The howling of the guitar, combined with the cries of the incredible background singers, creates such an agonizingly beautiful emotion that it's hard to believe you are actually experiencing. The intrumental comes to an abrupt end as the guitar takes over and repeats the painful roaring that took you into the song. A truly unforgettable and powerful piece of music. Lyrics: sweet smell of a great Sorrow lies over the land plumes of smoke rise and merge into the leaden sky a man lies and dreams of green fields and rivers but awaked to a morning with no reason for waking he's haunted by the memory of a lost paradise in his youth or a dream, he can't be presice he's chained forever to a world that's departed it's not enough, it's not enough his blood has frozen and curdled with fright he's knees have trembled and given way in the night his hand has weakened at the moment of truth his step has faltered one world, one soul time pass, the river roll and he talks to the river of lost love and dedication and silent replies that swirl invitation flow dark and troubled to an oily sea a grim intimation of what is to be there's an unceasing wind that blows through this night and there's dust in my eyes that blinds my sight and there's a silence that speaks so much louder than words of promises broken... |
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| 10- High Hopes Written by: Gilmour & Polly Samson Running Time: 7:52 From: The Division Bell Best Version: The Division Bell RANKING (different version): #15 (this version ******) Comments: The studio version of this song is far better than the studio version of "Sorrow" but this version pales in comparison to the track before it. Nevertheless, it is an incredible song, packed with a heart-breaking melody and even more heart-breaking lyrics. There is something missing in the intensity of the lyrics that the studio version has, yet this lacks, which is the only reason the studio version is better. The instrumental, however, is better in this version, because it is slightly longer, and has the voices of the background singers to add that extra dimension to it. Despite that this version is not as good as the original, and despite that, it is an unbelievably strong part of this album. Lyrics: beyond the horizon of the place we lived when we were young in a world of magnets and miracles our thoughts strayed constantly and without boundary the ringing of the division bell had begun along the long road and on down the causeway do they still meet there by the cut? there was a ragged band that followed in our footsteps running before time took our dreams away leaving the myriad small creatures trying to tie us to the ground to a life consumed by slow decay the grass was greener the light was brighter with friends surrounded the nights of wonder looking beyond the embers of bridges glowing behind us to a glimpse of how green it was on the other side steps taken forwards but sleep-walking back again dragged by the force of some inner tide at a higher altitude with flag unfurled we reach the dizzy heights of that dreamed-of world encumbered forever by desire and ambition there's a hunger still unsatisfied our weary eyes still stray to the horizon though down this road, we've been so many times the grass was greener the light was brighter the taste was sweeter the nights of wonder with friends surrounded the dawn mist glowing the water flowing the endless river forever and ever |
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| 11- Another Brick In The Wall (part 2) Written by: Waters Running Time: 7:06 From: The Wall Best Version: Is There Anybody Out There? Rating: ***** Comments: The most recognizable Pink Floyd song of all time, it is played here with more intensity than any other version. The only shortcoming it has is how the background singers sing the verse over again. They sing it like whiny little girls who are just a little pissed that they have too much homework. The effect isn't nearly as good as how the kids sing it in the original version. The instrumental, however, is the best of its kind. The only reason this version isn't as good as the "Is There Anybody Out There?" version is because it doesn't fit in with "The Wall" as well as it should. This song begins with a sample of the instrumental from "Another Brick In The Wall (part 1)" then jumps to the cries at the end of "The Happiest Days Of Our Lives" and right into the song. The instrumental more than makes up for any other fault this version of the song has. Lyrics: we don't need no education we don't need no thought control no dark sarcasm in the classroom teacher, leave them kids alone hey! teacher! leave them kids alone all in all you're just Another Brick in the Wall all in all you're just Another Brick in the Wall we don't need no education we don't need no thought control no dark sarcasm in the classroom teacher, leave those kids alone hey! teacher! leave those kids alone all in all you're just Another Brick in the Wall all in all you're just Another Brick in the Wall |
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