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The Final Cut - Pink Floyd Album Reviews
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ธ.ค. 2022
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The Final Cut (Requiem for a Post-War Dream) was the final Pink Floyd album to feature Roger Waters (who is the sole songwriter for this record) and the only album not to feature Richard Wright on keyboards. Not Now John was the album's lone single, The Fletcher Memorial Home appeared on their Echoes compilation while The Gunner's Dream remains a fan favorite. How does the whole album hold up?
#pinkfloyd #thefinalcut #albumreview #historyofrock #davidgilmour #rogerwaters
Pink Floyd is without a doubt one of the greatest classic rock bands of all time. They began in the 60s with Roger Waters on bass, Nick Mason on drums, Richard Wright on organ and Syd Barrett on lead guitar and vocals. Syd penned their early singles Arnold Layne and See Emily Play. This would lead to the release of their 1967 album Piper at the Gates of Dawn, featuring classics like Astronomy Domine, Bike and the epic psychedelic instrumental Interstellar Overdrive. Their live shows were equally inventive incorporating unique light shows. However due to Syd's breakdown he would leave the band, being replaced with David Gilmour on guitar. This would become Pink Floyd's classic lineup with Roger taking more of a songwriter role, including the song Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun which would appear on their 1968 album A Saucerful of Secrets. The album was the only to feature all five band members and Syd's final composition with Floyd, Jugband Blues. Through albums like the soundtrack to More and the experimental Ummagumma, Pink Floyd was still finding their voice, focusing more on albums rather than singles, but still producing an occasional classic like Careful with that Axe Eugene. In 1970, Atom Heart Mother proved to be a success with the 23 minute instrumental and featuring Dave's song Fat Old Sun. 1971's Meddle would turn out to be an important staple for the band with the rocking opener One of these Days I'm Going to Cut You Into Little Pieces, featuring a rare spoken vocal by Nick, Roger's echoing bass line and Dave's Slide Guitar. The flip side, another 23 minute piece, Echoes, featuring Dave and Rick on vocals, is often regarded as Progressive Rock's finest moment, from the opening ping of Rick's leslie piano. They would also perform both these songs along with earlier classics Live at Pompeii. The Obscured by Clouds soundtrack appeared in 1972 with tracks like Burning Bridges and Free Four. However 1973's Dark Side of the Moon would become one of the most successful albums of all time, staying on the charts for nearly 13 years and still a best seller today. Roger's lyrics dealt with the evils of society driving one to madness, while the music was nearly one entire inter-connected piece (making it difficult to separate for a playlist or a best of / greatest hits compilation). Still standouts like Money, Time and Great Gig in the Sky are favorites among fans. Their 1975 followup Wish You Were Here, featuring the opening and closing piece Shine On You Crazy Diamond (a tribute to Syd Barrett who even showed up at the sessions), is thought to be equally great, if not greater, as Dark Side. But tensions between the band were beginning to rear their head. 1977 saw the release of Animals, notable for its famous cover. Roger became the band's main frontman and sole songwriter with Dave occasionally sharing the mic and writing credits. Tensions grew during the tour when Roger ended up spitting on a fan in Montreal and coming up with the idea for The Wall to separate himself from the audience. 1979 would see the release of The Wall, the album and later the tour and film. Another Brick in the Wall Part 2 became their best selling single and Comfortably Numb remains one of their most popular tunes. But it nearly broke up the band as Roger fired Rick for lack of output, creating a greater rift between him and Dave. Recycling unused tracks from The Wall sessions, 1983's The Final Cut was Roger's final album with Pink Floyd before he officially left, leaving Dave and Nick to reunite with Rick for 1987's Momentary Lapse of Reason, featuring the song Learning to Fly. Roger sued to break up the band, but failed to do so instead focusing on his solo career. The Gilmour led Floyd would produce 1994's The Division Bell, a return to form for many fans with Rick now sharing vocal and songwriting duties again. Songs included Take it Back, Coming Back to Life, Keep Talking and High Hopes. It wasn't until 2005's Live 8 concert when Dave, Nick and Rick reunited with Roger for a short set giving closure for many fans. Syd never performed with Pink Floyd again and died in 2006. Rick died in 2008. The album The Endless River was dedicated in his honor.
The album finally clicked for me around ten years ago or so and I can say I mostly enjoy it. I don't really view it as a Floyd record which helps, but I agree about the song blur. Even having listened to it a ton, there's like 4 or so songs I can't recall.
Shame this is how it ended for the Roger Era, and yes, Rick is sorely missed, but man when I'm in the right mood, Tigers, Gunners Dream and Final Cut really really hit. I also kinda like Not Now John, it's got a good groove. And Fletcher Memorial was definitely a weird track on the Best Of that quickly grew on me.
I'm more of a Gilmour guy for sure, but once in a while I like to step into the manic Roger energy, so this album is a good fix for that.
Anyway great review as always!
lmao, fucking vinesause
G'day vinny, great seeing ya here! Defs agree, many of the tracks here are just dull, lacking and feel rushed.
Really didn't expect Vinny to be here. Happy to see your a fellow Floyd fan
Thank you! I can definitely understand enjoying it. Tigers, Gunner's Dreams and Final Cut are definitely the standout tunes. For whatever reason Not Now John didn't click with me, which I was honestly surprised about.
@@JTCurtisMusic you didn't like part the part of the album where Roger was screaming into the microphone while David Gilmour was trying to claw his way out of the studio??
I'm in the camp that thinks The Final Cut is a hidden gem. One of my favourite Pink Floyd albums for sure.
Turns out Joel is a deaf guy who picks Pink Floyd albums due to the cover art.
Yeh top album
Same
@@CoolhandLukeSkywalkr wtf 😂 final cut’s album cover isn’t even very nice
@@Joltsu Well, the music on the record is also trash. I'm all out of ideas of why you might possibly like this shitty album.
No Floyd album brings a lump to my throat and a tear to my eye more. I'm a huge fan of this album. Don't play it often because it's too emotional.
"No Rick means no Floyd" - My point entirely!
Honestly this album is the most underrated album ever. I don’t care if people hate it or say it’s a roger waters solo album. It’s so beautiful and all a good album needs is some emotion. Roger did just that and it’s great.
Its my favourite Floyd album JT included my comment from previously in the video.....im proud of that! This album packs a serious emotional punch.
@@frommetoyou1981 Ik the Final Cut had the most emotion I’ve heard in an album along with the colour and shape by foo fighters. I can tell roger worked so hard on it and used so much emotion and I just can’t see why it’s so hated. Glad you love it tho
@@cornholio47 i love the colour and the shape by the foos! Their best album? Certainly in the top 2 id say.... doll, my hero, new way home, february stars.....
@@frommetoyou1981 for sure, the last 4-5 songs are just unbelievable.
@@cornholio47i think it’s so hated because it’s so unapologetically itself. If you’re not down for the ride after the first 2 songs, it’s just not your thing
I heard Two Suns in the Sunset at a Waters concert recently. I was so happy when he played it because I think it's a really powerful song. The lyrics paint the whole picture perfectly imo.
If you havent already seek out the lockdown version that was done together/alone......beautiful......
@@frommetoyou1981 definitely
Me too, in Milwaukee. Was definitely good, and the video for it was great too.
The supposedly 'upbeat' feeling of this End-of-the-World song is reminiscent of how "Vera Lynn" (from THE WALL) was about her lyric "We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when, but we will meet again some sunny day..." -- which was the music Kubrick used in the finale of his dark comedy "DR. STRANGELOVE" depicting a world-ending nuclear war. Roger knew what he was doing.
Couldn’t agree more. That song was the perfect way to end the show!
What a wonderful album. Gunner's Dream is without any doubt one of the best Floyd songs ever, top 10 for sure. That sax solo, hmm.. chef's kiss.
The Final Cut is a masterpiece that is every bit as good as Meddle, Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals and The Wall. It is Pink Floyd with Rick Wright's keyboards replaced by piano, strings and orchestra and it is beautiful. 'The Gunner's Dream' is one of Roger's greatest compositions, bar none, and the rest of the album is very good, with many highlights. I do not at all understand the hate this album gets from Floyd fans. A fitting 'Requiem for the Post War Dream' and sadly such was necessary. Cheers.
It’s ironic you’ve done this video at this time. I’ve been obsessed with this album, I love it might be in my top 3
Your comment on "No Rick Wright = No Pink Floyd" is how I've felt for a long while after diving through their discography. It's why I've hailed Comfortably Numb as being "the last, true Pink Floyd classic" since it still has the co-operative band element with all 4 members.
As for the Final Cut, it really is just a melange of songs that could be off Side 2 of The Wall. The funniest thing that stands out to me is my friend comparing the cover to a UV map for a 3D modeling program like Blender.
Can't wait for the AMLOR review. Love your content! ❤️
Well, Rick Wright was on The Division Bell and that's more U2 than Pink Floyd.
Run Like Hell was the last song to be recorded with the traditional lineup of Roger Waters on bass and vocals, David Gilmour on guitar, Nick Mason on Drums, and Rick Wright on keyboards.
What about Run Like Hell?
I was told for decades that The Final Cut was an awful album, so I never got it. I finally heard The Final Cut 20 years later, and I liked it.
You shouldn't have let the naysayers put you off buying this beautiful record!
@@Craigevansagain True, but there were a lot on naysayers in a lot of different places.
Great analysis it’s not my favorite Floyd album buts it’s one that I really appreciate and has stuck with me can’t wait to see a momentary lapse of reason video 👍
Hey curtis ! Thanks a lot ! Love your Reviews !
Always loved the pink Floyd post-war motif. Super excited to see this
Coming back to this review to change how I feel about this album: It's grown on me a LOT. When it comes to Roger's almost "lunatic energy", this album really does deliver.
I definitely don't think this is better than any of the big four, but this album does have its place and I appreciate that.
But do you think it's better than Meddle?
@BrendanJSmith lmao no. I've rolled it around in my head, and I think this is probably my 9th favourite album, being beaten out by every single album from the 70s and the Division Bell. I definitely like it but boy howdy there are some problems.
The “black and white” version of the gunners dream featuring the vocal talents of Lucius really demonstrated the quality and emotion of the song. I love it. And his b&w version of the bravery of being out of range is also stupendous.
Incredible album… just because the whole band wasn’t invested doesn’t mean the songs were not amazing . I love it…
Hi JT. Seems I can't respond to you on the above thread so apologies to the thread I'm using but I do agree, it is an incredible album. First of all I love American Idiot. I play it very loud in the car. I could never relate to the album the way you do though I do agree about the fiasco that Britain was involved in as well at the time.
It is an interesting discussion and briefly returning to Beethoven, can we really experience the excitement of the first experience, the anticipation, the deliverance?
I'll check out your album if I can find it. If you have a link that would be great.
Thanks for taking the time to respond, JT. You make interesting points which I shall mull over.
Finally, I don't really rate "Sir" David Gilmour's opinions highly. But that would be a discussion for another day.
Best wishes, C.
@@charlesmountney8062 I don't know why you can't respond in the above conversation - probably more TH-cam shenanigans. Your response and open mind is appreciated, keep up the discussion.
Your Possible Pasts, When the tigers broke free, Not now John, The final Cut, Two suns in the sunset all incredible songs for me.
Well said. Its amazing.
One of my all-time favorite albums! My second favorite Pink Floyd album. If you consider it a Roger Waters album it’s my favorite of his. Amused to death is very close though
Roger wrote most of the great Pink Floyd albums anyway so the final cut is less solo than people think.
Paranoid Eyes deserves more discussion. Great track.
Your physical copy is the 2004 version?
I remembered that "When the Tigers Broke Free" was added for the first time in the album on that version, and i always find it kinda out of place because i love the sudden transition between "One of the Fews" and "The Hero's Return".
Even if this album is one of my least favorites PF album, i have certain attachement to The Final Cut because was one of my first albums on physical (a gift from my dad) and i love songs like "Fletcher...". "The Final Cut" and "The Gunner's Dream".
Great video, greetings from Chile! o/
You're right it does feel oddly out of place in the running order. My guess was they added "When the Tigers Broke Free" to add more single material to the album to boost sales.
David Gilmour is the main reason I listen to Pink Floyd. When it comes to Roger vs David, David is always the star for me. It’s because of people like me is why Roger acts the way he does towards David.
I think if you like standard 70s rock where the guitar is the key element (what some might call dad rock), you'll be a Gilmour guy. If you like progressive music, strong lyrics and songwriting, you'll be a Waters guy.
You are 100 %..
All the people enjoying guitars stands for Gilmour, the others for Rog..
Rog is such a powerful songwriter.
I was going to make a full-throated defense of Final Cut, but it looks like many other people beat me to it. My late father was a veteran of WWII (He passed a few years before it came out), and I thought this album captured that generation's feelings and what they sacrificed so the rest of us can live fat, dumb, and happy. Two Suns in the Sunset reflected the feeling of a generation (mine) that grew up believing nuclear war could end it all at any time. The criticism of the Falkland War (probably the stupidest war of the 20th century) was spot on. Now, is it a far cry from the hippy tone of the Syd Barrett era or the melodies of Dark Side? Sure. But it is still very much its own thing. And frankly, I am one of these purists who think that Pink Floyd stopped being Pink Floyd when Roger left The next three cash-grabs (I hesitate to call them albums) are just vapid and forgettable.
I think had they stuck to one theme, it would have worked better. When Roger is focusing on the WWII veterans' plight, "The Gunner's Dream" it works well lyrically. But then the title track, while it's a decent tune, doesn't really seem to connect to that theme. And the Falklands War criticism seems almost shoehorned in because so much of this material was written for The Wall, long before the Falklands happened. Again some good ideas here, I just think they didn't come together like some of their previous work, which have been affected by the band unity breaking down. And like I said, musically it's just not memorable at all for me.
Yes I am one of those guys who loves The Division Bell. Best album lyrically? Maybe not. Musically? Absolutely. I'll take the non-verbal feelings of isolation on Marooned anyday over any song from The Final Cut.
Of course, this is all one man's opinion ;)
The Final Cut was the first CD I bought back in 1984. I had it on vinyl but needed it on CD too I guess.... I still consider this record to be one of my all time favorite musical experiences. Gotta get over the fact that it's not a full blown Floyd record but the melodic drama is almost unmatched by any PF record. The vulnerability of Waters' words/singing seeps right into the soul. But it is more Floyd than any record "Floyd" has done since. Anyway, that's what the Final Cut did and still does for me. Right on.
A Floyd review without Young Frankenstein? That's surprising.
Yeah I guess the angry mob weren’t as passionate about this album 😂
You need a heart, not only ears, to appreciate this album...
Here’s an odd anecdote: my dad is an avid fan of Glimour, especially over Waters and yet he told me this was his favorite Pink Floyd album.
Not much more to add, just thought this was an interesting take. Personally, I like this album, even though it’s not their most memorable. I’m also a fan of AMLOR even if the production didn’t age the best… I think it has it’s charm. I’m curious about your thoughts on it.
AMLOR is a stinker !.
I own all PF albums, from Pipers to the endless river and the gunner's dream is one of "their" (his) best songs
The Endless River ( of Mogadon )is an openly creatively bankrupt cash grab . It is painfully boring!
Please consider doing a review of both versions of Momentary Lapse of Reason, that is the original 1987 and the recent 2019 remixed and updated version.
its one of my favorites, it sounds like an extended wall. i love the drop of ‘the post war dream’ probably top 3 for me
I think this is a very beautiful album. This album defines my youth and memories and the dynamic on this album is maybe the most dynamic Pink Floyd ever did. And the guitar solos on this album is the finest I ever heard from Gilmour. And this album got tons of passion. I have of course all PF albums on vinyl and cd, but not the endless river, only on cd...that is the most boring they ever did, from my point of view. Outtakes from Division Bell. Anyway I really love those videos from you, even if I'm not agree all the time. Thank you for great reviews.
I love this album.
Oh boy, I can't wait for the next video where we talk about lawsuits for a LOOOOOONG time!
Hence why it’ll be it’s own video
I remember listening it for the first time. I had recently became a fan of the band with The Wall and Wish You Were Here and I wanted to hear more. My cousin, who first introduced me to Pink Floyd, had only this album available at the time. I listened it and I was quite disappointed.
Fast forward one year, and a friend of mine gifted me all the Pink Floyd lyrics printed on a large stack of "endless" paper. I loved to read the lyrics of the albums that I've listened to and try to improve my English. At last I decided to give The Final Cut a shot. I was really surprised when I started reading the first verse and the music just started playing in my head! Remember, this was from a single listen one year prior! That changed my feeling about this album and I really like it. But I can see how it's not musically on the same level as the others. It's more like a poetry reading than singing.
Oh, and one more thing: you know this feeling, when a some stupid pop-song enters your head and you just can't stop hearing it? Well, I don't know why, but just starting reciting "The Post War Dream" helps me with this. I'd love to hear if it does work on others ;)
I couldn't agree more with your review.
Loved this upon release. Dont like it as much now but love the last 3 songs on the album
My favorite Album
Underrated album!
don’t watch this reveiw then
🤣
@@user-otzlixr I believe I started off the review by showcasing opinions that differ from mine ;)
Yes, this is a Roger Waters album, completely.
I agree with you especially when you said 'no Richard (Wright), no Pink Floyd'. Excellently said.
I wasn't expecting to see me in this review!
Having a picture of The Doctor might have influenced my decision making XD
I think the Final Cut is pretty decent , highlights for me include the title track , The Gunners Dream , The Fletcher Memorial Home & Not Now John. It's a little dark and depressing but I listen to it fairly often.
Loving your Pink Floyd videos. I don’t know if you’ve seen on Apple Music they’ve released multiple live Pink Floyd albums.
I have - though I was listening to bootlegs of them long before they were officially released
I loved it in 83 and still do.❤
I've always avoided this album. I heard that Roger released it after he left the band & that the songs were rejects from 'The Wall'. In fact, I discovered I owned it, after buying some box-set of all the Pink Floyd albums about 10 years ago. Reluctantly I gave it a listen...and I only kind of liked one song....something Gilmour played that had the word 'John' in the title.
Will be good to see what you think of this one
This was one of the best Pink Floyd’s album… even if it’s not with all members. The concept, music arrangements and solos are amazing
The most demanding album, full of pain and beauty
Unpopular opinion: This is my second favourite after The Wall. I love it. (Dark Side is no. 3)
The Gunners Dream is my favouriite PF song.
It’s a late at night, with headphones album.. personally love it
Personally, the gunners dream and the self titled track carry this album.
I personally love those songs and they make the album better than momentary lapse of reason, I cant stand MLOR and it's production quality. I'm hoping you rip that album in to shreds
I find The Final Cut to be more of a reflection of my life afflictions than any other of their albums. The Final Cut has been one of the albums that make me cry every single time I listen to it and I always recommend it to others. It is one of my favorite albums by Pink Floyd and I don't find any post-Waters production worth musically or content-wise, except for maybe a couple of songs from a couple of albums. I have spent entire months dwelling in The Final Cut. I find it has one of the most dramatic abrupt nuances in the entire Pink Floyd catalog. And it requires tremendous sensitivity and tremendous fortitude to listen to it. No other album requires this type of self-check and mental preparation from the listener. David Gilmour does an amazing job where he contributes in it and I love the sax player's contribution as well. The lyrics are superb, touching, painful, deep. They tear the soul like no other album does.
When I first listened to the Final Cut almost 30 years ago I thought that it was a poor continuation of The Wall. Now, I find many of the songs more relatable such as the Gunner's Dream and Behind Paranoid Eyes. Go to a Happy Hour on a Friday evening and look at many people between 40-60 who are there. Think of that song and it will really hit you.
I saw the pros and cons of hitchhiking tour at Radio City Music Hall and Brendan Byrne Arena when I was a teenager. Fantastic
I still love it. One can argue this is a Waters solo album, and I can't say much to dismiss that, but I still love it.
I bought The Final Cut, about 40 years ago, mostly out of sentiment because at the time I heard it would be the last Pink Floyd album. I also have The Wall and Dark Side of the Moon albums. I thankfully still have the Final Cut LP, most likely still in near mint condition, but have not played it in over 40 years.
I don’t recall after listening to it that it was a bad PF album. Then again, very few things will ever compare to the mega-giants DSOTM or The Wall that came immediately before The Final Cut.
One might disagree with the politics, but I think the music on this album is quite emotional and moving. But yea--this is not the Pink Floyd of the 1970s era and it is effectively a Roger Waters solo album.
I think it's interesting that the teacher/villain from the The Wall is presented as a more sympathetic character in the music videos.
This is an amazing album. Very emotional and poignant. It gets better with time .
The most poignant album of Pink Floyd. It tears the soul apart!!!
To me whos friend was killed in the Falklands and own life wrecked by Thacher I think its a superb album
AND HOLD ONNN TO THE DREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAM
This is my second favourite Pink Floyd album. However I see why people dislike it
Understandable…
Its my favourite Floyd album. However, i can see why people dislike it!!
I love Amused to Death
As, i like Roger s work, i really love this album.
So powerful. We feel the anger and passion of Roger…
Roger fans putting on their body armor...
I’ll be sitting in a bunker here behind my wall
@@JTCurtisMusic all they need to do is follow the worms
@@dmcgullwing5148no matter how they try
😄😄😄 make sure its kevlar jt
I'll take The Final Cut over Momentary Lapse and The Division Bell any day. I don't care how many spacey sounds and ambient sections they have - The Final Cut has much better songwriting and at least lyrically and conceptually evokes the Pink Floyd spirit.
Yes, 100 % right!
Spitting straight facts. Especially momentary lapse of reason which is in my opinion the worst Floyd album.
David’s leadership of the band always felt hollow and meaningless. Don’t get me wrong, both David led albums have some good songs but the lyrics don’t resonate for the most part and the music seems to just be trying to ape Dark Side. It’s very inauthentic. On the turning away and high hopes are some exceptions to that rule.
@@An_actual_walrusdawg what
David is really a weak songwriter !
And that is why i prefer much Roger's work..
Oh I see you wanted to rock out to it lol.
Absolutely brilliant album.
I remember how excited I was when it came out. Most of it I liked. It just hasn't aged well. The Gunner's Dream still brings tears to my eyes. That's my favorite track.
"If you're a Roger Waters purist, this record is for you." I couldn't have said it better myself.
And by the way, I like your joke: "Not now, John, we gotta get on with this review!" When played on the radio, the song sings "Stuff all that!"
Two Suns is a nice way to end this album. If you were unimpressed or bored, wait until you get to The Pros And Cons Of Hitchhiking!
I have listened to this hundreds of times. It is obviously a lyrics driven album. I will always love this album. The Wall and Darkside may be better, but The Final Cut, Gunner’s Dream, and Tigers are amazing (lyrically).
If classic Pink Floyd is Waters/Gilmour then neither The Final Cut nor post Waters albums are Pink Floyd. They're better together...which is probably why they can't get along.
Very amazing album 10/10
The gunners dream is still one of my favorite Floyd songs..
For me, The Final Cut is a Roger Waters solo album under the Floyd name, and a great one at that. I also like The Pros And Cons of Hitch Hiking, as I think it has a great flow to it. The rest of his solo catalogue is okay, but kind of a snoozefest. However, Not Now John, Two Suns In The Sunset, and the title track are all classics.
For me, this is a quick rundown on how I view the albums where Waters really took the lead:
Animals: Waters bitching and moaning about capitalism, and the result is tremendous.
The Wall: Waters bitching and moaning about audiences at stadium shows, and the result is overblown.
The Final Cut: Waters bitching and moaning about the Falklands War, and the result is very good.
Love this series and keep up the good work!
It's weird, for as much as Roger says the Falklands War was the jumping point for this album, it doesn't really come into play as much as you'd think. It's probably because many of the songs were written before the conflict came into play.
Did you stop making these PF reviews after this Final Cut? Could not find anything post-Waters (except for the recent single)
They're still being made
Bought this the day it came out.
Haven't listened to it since.
I love this album! Sorry to heard it put down like this.
My most listened to Floyd album nowadays. I love all the others, but tend to listen to this one the most.
The final cut is a 6.5/10 for me, it has some cool songs, especially the title track, but it has no climax on the album, most songs looks the same, it's repetitive. I would put in the 10° rank on Pink Floyd discography.
Remember, that's MY opnion.
I enjoy it, it is definitely a Roger solo album mixed with the wall out takes.. I do enjoy waters solo stuff though.
Fair enough, I love this album and feel Roger gives pink Floyd bite and something to say. It does seem to be a solo record than a band album. I came to it through the echoes best of with the fletcher memorial home song.
I see... Personally I know a lot of albums that are beloved or critically acclaimed but I just don't feel them personally, something doesn't click in my head. I have a lot of respect for "Loveless" by MBV but I'm just unable to really connect the dots and properly appreciate it. It grew on my a lot tho and maybe one of these days it will really click. Most of my favourite albums were not instant clicks, Coldplay's "Parachutes", John Coltrane's "Ascension", Radiohead's "Kid A" required a lot of time for me.
And I think that "The Final Cut" may be similarly hard to appreciate. It's not perfect by any means but I think it genuinely contains some of PF's best material but it may be hard to appreciate due to it's repetitive, low-key, Rogerwaterish nature.
Like, I think that the explosive moments in these songs are amazing, the "Post War Dream" climax is very energetic, "Your Possible Pasts" with that "closer" hook to me is just beautiful, same goes for "The Fletcher Memorial Home", "The Gunner's Dream". Like, sure, David doesn't get that much time on this LP but in these few solos he pours his soul man! It doesn't matter whether he felt engaged during the recording or not, it's like his guitar speaks for itself and just autopilots some of the most beautiful, heart-wrenching performances of his career.
The absolute pinnacle for me is the title track. Oh sweet baby Jesus, the title track... The fact that you don't appreciate this track is a bit strange to me, no offence! But just, man... The production, the chord progressions, the subtle ethereal backing vocals, the flow, the orchestration, Roger's actually very intimate, dynamic and emotional performance, the solo, the damn solo which could honestly be David's best, it's jist magical to me and I think it's one of the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard, not only from Floyd but in general. If anything, I would highly suggest trying to make friends with this one song, I think it's immensely gratifying, just this one song.
I can see why this LP could be overwhelming but to me it's just a vibe, you know? Instead of boring, to me the low-key, kinda repetitive instrumentation has a somewhat meditative quality.
This album has a lot of flaws but I just like the good parts so much and I vibe with it as a hole, such that I really love it at the end of the day. It's a shame that Roger is an egotistical dickhead and Rick is not there but the art itself just works imo, and despite the circumstances it was born in, I really do still get the Floyd's spirit there albeit dimmed out, which I don't really get from albums without Roger. I really think this is the most overhated and underrated PF's albums but it's not for everyone and nobody should force themselves to like it if it just fundamentally doesn't work for them. Except the title track, I will die on a hill defending this song
I just bought 'The Lockdown Sessions' and I liked it :)
Half of the album are TFC songs.
I always considered this to be the first Roger solo album. Sadly though, it's not even in his top 3 solo projects (IMHO, the best is Radio KAOS) and rarely gets listened to. I do like 2 suns in the sunset though.
Hell yeah Radio KAOS
Ah Radio K.A.O.S, great idea and had potential, but man did they fumbled it
@@ratedr7845 Sunset Strip freaking SLAPS
Amused To Death is my favorite "actual" Roger Waters solo album, with second being Radio KAOS, if nothing else than for Jim Ladd's great narration, especially the fish rant.
I really like this album. It’s quite simple musically and is different from other Floyd albums cuz Rick wasn’t there, but the lyrics and message is a very powerful one. Roger Waters, whether you like his voice or not, undoubtedly is giving some of the most heartfelt performances on this album. You don’t need to have a heavy sounding song in order for it to be heavy. This album truly is about the message, not necessarily the melody or the sound.
Looking forward to this one, one I hated at first but grew to like a bit more, just too dark and depressing for me to enjoy
Not Now John started me on my PF journey in 1988.
We have reached the bottom of the Pink Floyd barrel.
Whatever you say, Gilmour fanboy. Go bore yourself to death with The Endless River.
I love this album. It has a lot of emotion. One great thing about Pink Floyd is their wide variety of albums. It makes it possible to match any of their music to your current mood. I love roger waters and I love Pink Floyd and I love this album.
To me, this record is a courageous statement by Roger Waters, still in the name of Pink Floyd. It is a mature album that protests against the futility of war carried out by politicians with only their personal agenda in sight. In the name of that goal, they are prepared to sacrifice the lives of innocent soldiers who are ordinary people and want to live a decent life. The post-war dream, as Roger Waters explains in his first and also in the other songs on this album, is a vision of life in a more socially just society in which all people will look after one another (a dream, also expressed by the Christians, not just by the Socialists), was crushed by the single politician (Maggie, Margaret Thatcher), with war that she orchestrated for her victory in the public elections, a scenario that also Mr. Reagan, Bush Old and Jr., Mr. Clinton, Tony Blair pursued. The Final Cut is a powerful and badly needed commentary on this unacceptable human behaviour. Roger just wanted to express his feelings about this situation. Thanks to him, we can listen and be inspired by the work that he had done with Gilmour and Mason (sadly, yes, he forced Wright to resign during the making of The Wall). Not many British bands at that time would express their distaste for the policy Miss Thatcher was carrying out, except for the British punk band The Crass, who were also conscious enough to protest this situation. Excellent review, Mr.JTCurtisMusic
Welp, I gotta admit I love the album for it's lyrical content, it helps me painting a story in my imagination, specially the second side.
Great video, JT, such a good review !!
P.S.
A fun story, apparently when the album was being mixed at Mayfair studios, both Dave and Rog spent time playing arcades like Donkey Kong and such, so yeah, they're gamers
I'm imagining while playing, Dave is imagining Donkey Kong to be Rog and vise versa XD
Especially side 2. A perfect side of music. Its so powerful.
I couldn't agree with this review more. There's maybe ten good minutes on this album and seven of those are due to David Gilmour.
Agreed on the 'Your Possible Pasts" hook - its used much better on Pros and Cons
I discovered Pink Floyd back in '81. And The Final Cut was personal. The Wall, brilliant as it was/is, not. But then my experiences differ when it comes to war (served), religion (atheist), and politics (far left). The Final Cut is an emotional experience. As is Amused To Death. Do not expect many to truly grok the music and lyrics.
There's a kid who had a big hallucination
Making love to girls in magazines
He wonders if you're sleeping with your new found faith
Could anybody love him
Or is it just a crazy dream?
Possibly the best PF album…with a very clear concept, excellent songs, fantastic lyrics and great playing…what came next was woeful.
Yes, They should have all quit using the Brand name after that .
A fair to good Waters solo album all but in name. Musically Pink Floyd was way more than Waters. Musically I prefer AMLOR.
No
I absolutely love both Roger Waters and David Gilmour but anyone who say that Waters or Gilmour IS Pink Floyd is full of shit. It’s the combination of each member and their contributions. And honestly I think that if I were to be nail it down to one person who defines the Pink Floyd sound it is in fact Richard Wright (still tho all of them are Pink Floyd)
"When the tigers broke free" is really cool.
The Final Cut is a masterpiece, one of the best PF albums.
I love Not Now, John.
"Don't let that door hit you in the A" would have made for a better title. I cut off Roger Water's debut album (Music from the Body I mixed into Atom Heart Mother) from my Pink Floyd re-edition and just kept 4 tracks I added into my Collection of Great Dance Songs together with other soli material by Richard Wright, David Gilmour, Nick Mason and Syd Barrett.
1. Tigers
2. Against the Odds
3. Siam
4. Teacher Teacher
5. So Far Away
6. Fletcher
7. Opal
8. Voices
9. Not Now John
10. Wet Dream instru
Roger should’ve made this album without the Pink Floyd name on the cover. He should’ve had the humility to understand that he was not letting anyone else have their musical input.
I liked this album a lot.
My favorite Floyd album is either Atom Heart Mother or The Endless River .
i've always liked the final cut, it's not upbeat but considering the subject and theme it isn't meant to be. The tigers broke free is on the remastered version not sure why when it's taken from The Wall movie.
RIP Rick Wright.
I find The Final Cut catastrophically tedious. It’s like the dull, lyrics-driven tracks from The Wall (that drag that album down for me) stretched out to a full album, without any of the music I love from their 70s albums. Roger is a good lyricist and all but I find them boring without any musical accompaniments outside of eerie slow instrumentals.