Mother, Do You Think They'll Try To Break My Balls?

For years, I've never understood what the appeal of Pink Floyd was. When I was 11 years old, I did buy a 45 of "Another Brick in the Wall" because of it's anti-school sentiment and because they played it at the roller rink. Secretly, however, it's message scared me. I liked school. I needed an education. Also, as a child, I had an irrational fear of being an orphan. I had seen a community theater production of Oliver Twist and it flipped a switch that caused me to dream about being lost or abandoned to nefarious orphanage owners or the military. This song's children's chorus reminded me of Oliver and his friends. However, I am a grown up now. My abandonment issues are, for the most part, resolved. I shouldn't really let that get in the way of enjoying what could be one of the best bands ever.

As an adult, though, I've been turned off by Pink Floyd, partly because of the lingering feelings of unease when I listen to their music. Also, most of their music that I have been subjected to via the radio or cover bands is so sleepy and lugubrious, my brain sort of shuts down at the first few notes.

However, I have many good friends who adore Pink Floyd. These are people I've shared good times and bad with. They were all at my wedding. They are trusted confidants and keepers of cool. We have many things in common, but Floyd is not one of them. Well, they have Floyd in common, but I've kept myself staunchly off that love boat.

Genn6 & Elizabeth


Doc

And Big Orange

In the past, it has amused me to rile them up by denying the greatness of Floyd. Each one will give you many reasons why this band is worthy of worship. In fact, Elizabeth just told me that she considers Pink Floyd to be the most innovative rock band ever, even over the Beatles. But now it's time for me to grow up and face the music. Besides this morning I dreamed that I was bitten by rabid rat and it gave the day a decidedly Floydian twist. So, on my way in to work this morning, I listened to The Wall in its entirety for the first time. Here are my impressions:

Pros

• The guitars are amazing. Sometimes they drift too close to Dire Straits territory, but over all, I found the guitars to be really wonderful.
• One of the singers is great. He's the one who sings Comfortably Numb. Don't know his name but I like the way he delivers the lyrics. He's sensitive without being squooshy. His tone is lovely and he sings in tune.

Cons

• Let's talk about the other singer. I'll call him either Drunken Zappa or Sober Tommy Chong. His voice is adnoidal and shouty. There is one song where he is so off key, that it must have been intentional. I understand that some edgy musicians like to write music that is atonal and therefore edgy, but they piss me off. So, I was immediately filled with hate for this joker. Cachophany and atonality need to be used with a gentle touch, in my opinion and this guy uses a hammer.
• The length of this album is excessive. I found the overall scope of the material to be overblown and self-indulgently grandiose. Perhaps in the 80's when totalitarianism was a fear that was being shoved down our throats left and right due to the pending and ominious date of 1984, this album could have been sold to me as art or social commentary. But it edges too close to Mr. Roboto territory for my tastes. In my opinion, Revolver is a better album. The Wall has not stood the test of time.

I'm sorry my dear friends. I am no closer to appreciating Pink Floyd than I was before my rat bite. Perhaps I would have better luck with Dark Side of the Moon. However I do recognize that Floyd is an innovative band. They really pushed the envelope with what they were saying and how they were saying it, in that time. I will give them props for that.

I think what we have here, though, is a fundamental difference in music philosophy. I like my rock and roll to sound like rock and roll. I was raised on the Beatles, Led Zepellin, the Eagles, Roxy Music, Elvis Presley, and the many fine artists under the auspices of Barry Gordy in Motown: The Ronnettes, The Temptations, The Supremes and so on. I want to experience the human condition on a much more intimate level than Floyd offers. I don't want my mind to be blown, I want my heart to be blown.

When I want my mind to be blown, I'll just call one of the lovely people pictured above and talk to them.