Probably not the record that the usual Pink Floyd neither Carla Bley would expect, this record is full of great moments. At moments, it will blow your mind and at others, it will touch your heart. Nick Mason, probably relaxed for escaping the Floyd circle (he said it himself: "Roger would do this, Dave would do that... Nick, will you please make some tea?") builds up, together with Swallow, a tremendous locomotive of a rhythm section. Chris Spedding contribution is solid throughout the record, but it shines in songs like "Hot River", with a breathtaking slide solo. While Carla is the author of all songs, the band sounds incredible cohesive, for a one time thing. The lyrics are funny and witty. Robert Wyatt sings with his habitual mix of intense and laid back vocals. And the wind section... Superb. As I said, not a record for everyone. But everybody should listen to this, and they will discover a different and amazing way to face rock, jazz-rock, popular music or whatever you wanna call it. I still hold on to my first vinyl copy, with the sticker "Member of Pink Floyd", as one of my precious possessions. |