Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here (CD 1994)

The expectations for this album after the runaway success of 1973s 'Dark Side of the Moon' must have been huge. It doesn't disappoint.
The opening track - 'Shine on you Crazy Diamond' - is acclaimed as being Pink Floyd's finest. Beginning with a lone synthesizer drifting in from the ether, it is joined by David Gilmour's guitar after two minutes, the pair providing one of the most blissfully soporific pieces of music I've ever heard. It is a full four and a half minutes before the main theme and beat of this song introduce themselves. There's no hurry to it, clocking in at a casual 45bpm or thereabouts, and it's not for a full eight and a half minutes that a note is sung. The lyrics are written about Syd Barrett (a co-founding member of Pink Floyd) who's whimsical songwriting, vocals and guitar graced 1967s 'Piper at the Gates of Dawn' and some of 1968s 'A Saucerful of Secrets'. Syd's increasingly erratic behaviour and subsequent disappearance is legendary, and the band had not seen him since. The lyrics have a 'wishing you all the best' feel to them. The story goes that when the band were rehearsing this song, who should walk in but Syd himself. A strange coincidence indeed, should it be true.
As 'Shine on...' ends, 'Welcome to the Machine' segues in to provide an oppressive sounding counterpoint, with its opening sound of an elevator ride terminating in the doors opening to an industrial sounding thrum of synth. The lyrics on this (and the following track - 'Have a Cigar') are a critique of record companies and their executives, and the vitriol contained in them is something which was to continue on 1977s 'Animals' album (in line with Roger Waters' increasing disillusionment). There are points where the synth is intrusive and grating, but the mood of the song is perfect.
'Have a Cigar' features a guest vocal performance by Roy Harper which is not too dissimilar to Roger Waters. It's the most uptempo song on the album with an ecclectic rhythm, but isn't as strong as the rest of the album.
David Gilmour takes centre stage for the title track, his excellent accoustic guitar playing and vocals being combined for the final fading solo, providing another definitive Pink Floyd song.
And seguing in from that we have the finale to 'Shine on you Crazy Diamond', clocking in at a 'mere' 12 minutes this time. An initial instrumental which increases in intensity until falling off to take up where the first part left off. After that it's a long drift into the ether as the album fades to a close.
I would rank this album and 'Dark Side of the Moon' as the greatest albums ever written and would thoroughly recommend them to anyone who enjoys cerebral music.

This is the sort of album to transfer over to the iPod and play it in one sitting while you're on a long flight. Pink Floyd at its best.

The expansive soundscapes of Shine On you Crazy Diamond, Welcome to the Machine and Have a Cigar form the perfect introduction to the classic Wish You Were Here, with its simple yet instantly recogniseable guitar riff.

Funny how everyone seems to know the line 'We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year'.

An essential component of any serious music collection.

Although this album has only 5 songs, they are all excellent. "Shine On You Crazy Diamond", "Have A Cigar", and "Wish You Were Here" are some of Pink Floyd's best songs. The two part "Shine On...", over twenty minutes long, is perhaps one of the best progressive rock songs ever.

Some may be hesitant to purchase this album simply because there are only five songs, but those people will be missing out on an outstanding album. Anyone who likes Pink Floyd or 1970's progressive rock will LOVE this album.

Dave Gilmour and the band at their best again. (Is it ever an other way) Get your old six string out and jam along to Wish you were here. Fantastic use of sound and melody... then go out and get the rest of the Floyd albums... immerse yourself in the theme for each glorious album... then buy the DVD's, vids, t shirts, key rings, y fronts... oh and did I mention 'on an island...' sorry Im just a Floyd head (Clear these days might I say) Shine on dudes and dudetes Its time to expand the senses.

I have always liked Pink Floyd, I used to own it on vynil but it got lost in moving house, I bought it because I have recently bought a radio cd player for my car, & Pink Floyd is very easy listening

The cd was an average copy. The quality was very average. It was imported and sent from Thailand. The seller advised the location of the item to be UK. If I was aware of this being an import I would not have purchased it. The packing and price was good and the cd arrived within 7 days. The cover of the cd was poor quality.

bought this for my brother in law he loves it not my taste but everyone likes diffrent music. if you like pink floyd then get this cd

I got this cd 2 replace my old 1 .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Two of the greatest tracks ever made by any artist ever
Shine On You Crazy Diamond
Wish You Were Here

great product pitty about sellers attiude when he makes a bad move do not bother if you want a good service.

Grew up listening to this album & alongside Dark Side Of The Moon is classic Floyd that everybody that knows Pink Floyd has go to have.
Very hypnotic album that you either love or hate & I happen to be the former.
Very good album

What can i say that has'nt benn said before the musical genius of David Gilmore,needs no flannel,there is nothing more relaxing than having a few beers sitting in a room with the lights down and listening to this or any other Floyd album

Wish You Were Here is a concept album by Pink Floyd. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios between January and July 1975 and released on September 15, 1975 (see 1975 in music), the album would later be regarded as one of Pink Floyd's greatest albums and was ranked 209 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list. Its lyrics, written by Roger Waters, concerned the music industry, and questioned the market-oriented record companies' lack of understanding and interest for musicians. The album also pays tribute to Syd Barrett, Pink Floyd's former guitarist and chief songwriter, especially with "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" and the title track itself.

love pink floyd cd has a scratch on it wat last about 6 seconds i can get over that but if i knew that i would not of bought it so that is why it is under rated

This Writer considers 'Wish You Were Here' to be the most likable of all the Floyd records. 'Dark Side' has a muddy sound, 'Animals' is dreadful, and 'The Wall' apart from a couple of good songs, is very tedious.'Wish',however has a certain warmth and is, in the main, an affectionate tribute to a former member of the band. Easy to listen too, with a clean, clear sound, some critics have even used the word 'Gospel' to describe the title track, 'Shine On You crazy Diamond'! This is a five star record. It is also their best.

this is not just one of the best pink floyd albums but one of THE best albums ever recorded in terms of relaxing, stirring memories and inspiring lyrics. it brings back memories of my youth and of unfortunately friends that no longer walk on this plane and i miss them all - wish they were here!! to narrow this album in two words is BUY IT

Was bought up on Pink Floyd by my older brother. What more can i say other than 'Thanks big Bro'!!! One of their best

if you fancy trying a cd by pink floyd to see what their about, try buying this turning the volume up, turning the lights out with a glass of wine and drift away, pure bliss.

there is nothing to dislike, brought it of e/bay because i heard it in a tattoo shop when i was having my foot done and thought it was great very happy

In my opinion the definitive Pink Floyd album, seen by some as self indulgent but contains some of Floyds best guitar and keyboard work. Considered to be a tribute to Syd Barrett but what a great tribute this is

Shine on you crazy diamond (parts 1 and 2) exemplifies their creativity with the haunting intro and brilliant guitar/keyboard work a must have for anybodys music collection. Have a cigar and welcome to the machine also contains some great sounds with an "in your face" criticisim of the music industry "the band is just fantastic that is really what I think, by the way which one is Pink" (some things never change).

Some albums come and go but this LP remains timeless and sounds as innovative today as it did all those years ago.

No-one can ever match early Floyd for creativity and a seemingly perfect blend of instruments and musical influences.

Buy it today and play it over and over again until you wear your cd player out, you won't be disappointed. If you think Pink Floyd are one of those hippy bands from the 70's then buy it and learn what real music has to offer.

Excellent band, superb music, probably the best and most,talented band England has produced.all live performances where superb.

Excellent music, fabulous group, great cd. Triggering fond memories of good times gone by. A great find. Thankyou very much.

Bought to replace a very battered and well-played vynil LP.Pink Floyd are one of the all-time greats.