Slips and Lapses
Jonn tolerates my random mental wanderings here. And I’m about to wander “off the reservation” again, so consider yourself forewarned. (smile)
Music was a huge part of my youth. I won’t try to give a rundown – I’d be writing all night if I did.
But I was always fond of music that was both literate and well-crafted. And because of that, one of my favorite artists while a youngster was an English group called Pink Floyd. Perhaps you’ve heard of them? (smile)
Seriously: once Floyd moved past their early psychedelic fascination and began making serious music – in the early 1970s – they were IMO a creative force rivaled by few in the music industry. Beginning with Meddle in 1971 and continuing for well over a decade, their work was truly exceptional. It’s still eminently listenable today, and IMO ranks among the best ever produced in the modern popular music genre.
Yet life has a way of changing your focus. By the late 1980s, because of what was going on in my life at the time I wasn’t following music as closely as I had in years before. As a result, I missed something truly special at the time it happened.
I’ve since discovered it. I thought it was worth mentioning.
In the 1980s, Roger Waters and the rest of the members of Pink Floyd parted ways. Waters was at the time the creative driver, and most thought Floyd would fold.
Wrong answer. Change? Yes. Fold? Um, no. Floyd’s work in the late 1980s and beyond was to prove that rather definitively.
David Gilmour took over as primary songwriter. The band carried on, almost without missing a beat.
One tune of that era I missed is IMO truly special.
I relatively recently discovered it. In a way, I’m glad I missed it originally. Let’s just say that one would have been a bit difficult to handle at selected times between the late-1980s and today. There were some times it would have hit home pretty closely.
The song’s been decried as being lyrically simple by some. I’d beg to differ. (Although I will ask, David: “. . . hand of Fate that fit just like a glove”? Really? Why not “. . . hand of fate, which gave us both a shove”?)
IMO, it works on at least 5 different levels:
- As a generic description of “boy meets girl”, modern.
- As a description of infidelity and its aftermath.
- As a description of a relationship producing an unplanned pregnancy.
- As a metaphor for drug addiction, and
- As a generic metaphor for knowingly making immoral choices of any type.
I don’t really know which Gilmour intended. Yet if I had to guess, I’d guess the last. One mistake of any type – “a momentary lapse of reason”, so to speak – certainly can bind a life for life, in any number of different ways. I think that was Gilmour’s whole point.
One slip can indeed lead to a fair number of sleepless nights.
Yes, the tune is called One Slip. It was released on 1987’s A Momentary Lapse of Reason – the album actually takes its title from the tune’s lyrics. It was prominently featured at the end of the video version of Floyd’s concert film, Delicate Sound of Thunder (but not, for some reason, the CD version; you’ll have to find an old VHS or Laserdisk version, as it’s never been officially released on DVD). It was the first tune of the encore at most stops of that tour.
Frankly, it’s IMO also one of the few tunes for which the live version is substantially better than the studio version – which itself was damned good. At least that’s the case on Delicate Sound . . . ; the version is excellent aurally, and the video (especially in HD) is stunning.
It’s also one of the few tunes I can think of with a truly kickass bass solo. Maybe that was Gilmour’s way of telling Roger Waters, “You’re not the only bass guitarist in the world, fella.” (smile)
If you’re interested, the lyrics can be found in many places using Google. An excellent HD clip of the tune taken from Delicate Sound . . . was formerly available on YouTube; sadly, that video clip is no longer available in the US due to copyright issues. But the full version of Delicate Sound . . . does seem to be available here, albeit not in HD video (and perhaps only temporarily if it’s illicit). One Slip begins at approximately 1:25:00 (yeah – that’s 1 hour 25 min 00 seconds).
Provided just FYI if interested. I’ll be heading back to the reservation now. (smile)
Category: Pointless blather, Who knows
Wish You Were Here and Dark Side of the Moon are both great albums, but I’ve never really gotten into any other Pink Floyd. I may need to give this one a listen.
Your mention of the bass solo reminded me of a joke a musician once told me –
Deep in the African jungle, a safari was camped for the night. In the darkness, distant drums began a relentless throbbing that continued until dawn. The safari members were disturbed, but the guide reassured them: “Drums good. When drums stop, very bad.” Every night the drumming continued, and every night the guide reiterated, “Drums good. When drums stop, VERY bad.” This continues for several days until one morning the drumming suddenly stops and all the natives panic and run screaming. The man asks the guide what’s the matter? The guide looking very frightened says: “When drums stop, VERY, VERY bad,” he said. “Why is it bad?” asked a member of the safari. “Because when drums stop, bass solo begin!”
Once Syd left the band changed, and continues to morph even now.
My point is that from any era I can find “that one tune” that works.
Yes, Zewo, Floyd indeed changed with Syd Barrett’s departure. In a way that’s a pity – he was talented as hell, but couldn’t control his consumption of chemicals.
Shine on You Crazy Diamond from Wish You Were Here was purportedly written about Barrett.
Hondo, you are a man after my own heart, but there are solo works by both Waters and Gilmour that INHO are just as good as the works that both did with Floyd.
It is universally accepted that Comfortably Numb posses the greatest electric guitar solo ever, that well may be, but the song “Sorrow” also from “Momentary” also has a kick ass solo from Gilmour that is just as good.
@5 I agree, “Comfortably Numb” is implanted in my memory. Always loved Floyd and thought they never received their due recognition.
My youthful musical likes were of the Pink Floyd, Led Zepplin, and on occasion, Nazarath (I liked to think I was in league with the SOB they warned about messing with. Life hadn’t gotten around to showing me just how wrong I was at that time).
Now, I tend toward some of the stuff that’s not making the big times, like Woven Hand, Agnostic Mountain Gospel Choir and the like.
Rainstorm in my Knees:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hx7W3W1WO1E&feature=related
A song I think a lot of old infantrymen could relate to.
@8 Here-Here
Here’s one that fits the times and the general mood.
William Elliott Whitmore – Mutiny
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9axGUdvV2c
Not exactly safe for work and/or sensitive ears due to some language.
Hondo. Good read and great music!
Country joe at woodstock still the best! Uncle sam has got himself in a terrible jam way down younder in vietnam! Iraq, Afganistan or next one! Give me an F!
Pink Floyd “The Wall” best rock musical movie ever.
Just An Old Dog: that’s the only movie I’ve ever walked out of. I picked the wrong time in my life to see it and didn’t make the ending.
MCPO: I think you might enjoy this link, amigo. Reportedly these guys do David Gilmour’s favorite cover of the tune:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80Ut-xb5_4s
I might have more on this tune in the future. It’s rather a special one to me.
vietnam war protestor: you are cordially invited to watch this VERY NSFW video continuously while slamming your head against a concrete wall until you (1) get a clue, or (2) lose consciousness.
Alternately, you can just go urinate on a live electric fence.
“Animals” from 1977 is a trippy rocking album. Dogs. Pigs. Sheep. Some truly awesome guitar & spooky synth work…dark concept album allegedly about the rigid social class structure in Britain.
Devtun: from 1971’s “Meddle” through 1987’s “A Momentary Lapse of Reason”, Floyd only IMO made one album I’d rate as anything less than very good to excellent – “Obscured by Clouds” (1972). And I’m not completely familiar with “Obscured by Clouds” (I don’t think I ever owned it), so it may well be better than I’m recalling.
@ 12. Do this. Drive your Prius into your garage. Close the garage door. Put car in nuetral and rev it above 3000 rpm. Hang out in garage and listen to Pink Floyd for awhile.
If you don’t have a garage, back your Prius as close to your trailer as possible, hook your vacuum hose to exhaust and run it into your trailer … Then enjoy the music.
Hondo; If there is something specific from Floyd you’d like to get hold of, let me know. A friend on the west coast is very tight with Gilmour. They have remained in constant contact throughout the years of his coming to the US, becoming a legal citizen, is a veteran of the US Army(He served two tours in Vietnam)and band changes.
One my favorite Floyd tunes is “Learning to Fly” from Momentary Lapse of Reason its to a minor degree about Gary Gilmour and Nick Mason’s flight lessons and earning their pilot ratings, which they still maintain. I’ll ask Mick about engine portion when I speak with him. Nick Mason’s voice is the one thats heard during the song conducting pre-flight checks.
Love reading all the comments about music I never heard of! Just reminds me how out of step I was and still am. Ah, but I do love some Chopin or a Sousa march. With a bit of George Strait thrown in for grins and giggles.
Still, it’s nice to see what others are listening to, and how diverse this crowd really is. Ahhhh. Choices. You listen to what you want to listen to, and I’ll listen to what I want to listen to, and it’s all good.
I saw Floyd on the Division Bell tour! what an amazing concert
They say music and language learning go hand in hand. Might be true.
I play guitar, a little bass and am planning on learning to play some piano this year. Me and the guys are all over the place with the songs we play. Buddy Holly, Elvis, Skynnyrd, Hendix, whatever sounds good to us. Even Floyd (Wish You Were Here, Eclipse, Brain Damage). I love listening to the old stuff, minus that “music” they call rap or hiphop. Cant stand that cr*p. Favorite Band: Fleetwood Mac, from the 60’s on.
I remember “One Slip” as great dangerous-driving music (back when I still used to do that kind of thing, that is)… and the insturmental intro always sounded to me exactly like a kitten playing around on a synth.
“Give me an F!” Here’s that and two more: GFY.
@18. Priae (the plural of Prius) cost much more than the $350 the poser protestor has for a car. He’s a bus rider.
Division Bell is the album that gets my vote. Although younger than some here, I collected Floyd’s works from Meddle, thru the Final Cut, Wall…etc….and Bell is the album that makes me transcend into another dimension when I sit back and listen.
Cheers everyone.
Would that be the sHoRt BuS he’s riding, 2/17? lol
One of my favorite groups, as well as the solo works of Roger Waters. Listen to the song “when the tigers broke free”. Great song about Waters’ father in World War II.
Began listening to Pink Floyd on KPPC in L.A. in the 60’s when it was an underground station. “See Emily Play”, “Intersteller Overdrive”, “Bike” being amongst some of the best. But you can’t beat “Astronomy Domine”, “Fearless”, and, my all time favorite “Echoes” (live).
Echoes STILL sends shivers up my spine, it is THAT extraodinary.
my mistake, Echoes, studio version on Meddle
Scream Thy Last Scream.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OPzPoSxha8
Sorry, but those pre-Progressive, Psychedelic days are where it’s at for me!
@12 – VWPunked
Here’s your “F”, douchebag… Go F*ck yourself.
Bedwetter
David Gilmour’s current personal recording studio.
Best song title ever: “Several Species of Small Fury Animals Gathered Together In a Cave and Grooving With a Pict”
“Slips and Lapses”; and maybe some tongue.
Sounds like a Phildo and Paul(of the Ballsack)karaoke taxpayer-funded duet.
Hard to imagine, but Toni Tennille, of “Captain & Tennille”, did background vocals on PF “The Wall” album. Believe she also did vocals with Floyd on concert tour during early 80s, if memory is correct.
@#30, JAOD:
I still want to know what that dude is hollering about in that song.
Grimmy: apparently the small furry animals did also. I swear one of the (presumably) synthesized animals says the animal equivalent of “WTF?” or “Huh?” after one of those unintelligible outbursts during that “tune”. (smile)
Some of Floyd’s earlier work hinted at their ability – “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun” in particular. But IMO it wasn’t until they got over their fascination with the psychedelic and sound effects per se and started concentrating on music in “Meddle” that they really achieved their potential.
@32
Bruce Johnston of the Beach Boys also on the recording sessions of the “The Wall”.
My youngest daughter was going on and on about how great Pink Floyd is and all sorts (this was about 2006) and then she asked me if I knew them. That’s when I said; “who”? I then pulled out my Pink Floyd CDs and told her; “where do you think you got your Pink Floyd CDs from”? She looked at me with a blank stare (she’s blonde, ya know) and then she finally said; “so that’s why some of these songs sounded familiar”? She got the Division Bell tattooed on the back of her neck (I hope she never loses her taste for their music, or she’s gonna have a problem with that tat).
“One Of These Days” is probably my favorite “early” (pre-DSOTM) song, but Animals is still my favorite overall album, even more than Dark Side or The Wall, although I’ve got some favorite tracks from each of those.
Politics aside, you couldn’t ask for a better overall body of work from a band than what Pink Floyd put out over the years.
Pink Floyd achieved spectacular worldwide commercial success. According to RIAA, the top 15 selling artists (albums) based on U.S. sales certified units in millions.
The Beatles – 177
Elvis Presley – 134.5
Garth Brooks – 128
Led Zeppelin – 111.5
Eagles – 100
Billy Joel – 81.5
Michael Jackson – 75.5
Pink Floyd – 74.5
Elton John – 72.0
AC/DC – 71.5
Barbara Streisand – 71.5
George Strait – 68.5
The Rolling Stones – 66.5
Aerosmith – 66.5
Bruce Springsteen – 64.5
Madonna – 64.5
Also, “The Wall” is the best selling double album in U.S. w/ 23X platinum sales, and DSOTM (15X Platinum) had longest consecutive weeks on Billboard 200 charts (736 weeks) from March 1973 to July 1988. DSOTM also has the record for most total weeks on Billboard 200 w/ over 1500 weeks http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/58524/floyds-dark-side-celebrates-chart-milestone
JIm,
You do realize I just got this horrible mental image of Muskrat Love (shudder) 😉
Candle: well, I guess that muskrats qualify as one of “Several Species of Small Furry Animals . . .” . (smile)
Ouch lol, probably be my meme for the day now.
Great writeup Hondo!
@16: Glad to see another shout out for IMO one of the best under-rated albums of the 70’s (Animals.)
Dark Side of the Moon was quite popular when I was in high school, and being a teenage hipster I didn’t like it for that very reason. I still think that of the “big 3” Pink Floyd albums (Wish You Were Here, Animals and Dark Side), that Dark Side is the weakest.
Wish You Were Here is probably one of my 3 or 4 absolute favorite albums of all genres. I can still listen to it back to back without getting tired of it.
I’ve heard them all and really enjoy everything Pink Floyd has done. But the only one I have had to replace a few times from being worn out or stolen is Dark Side of the Moon.