A Momentary Lapse Of Reason [Original recording remastered]

Pink Floyd | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 27, 2011)
• Original Release Date: 1987
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Capitol Records
• ASIN: B004ZNA5JO
• Also Available in: Paperback  |  Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (380 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,349 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Signs Of Life

2. Learning To Fly

3. The Dogs Of War

4. One Slip

5. On The Turning Away

6. Yet Another Movie/Round And Around

7. A New Machine (Part 1)

8. Terminal Frost

9. A New Machine (Part 2)

10. Sorrow

Editorial Reviews

From 1987, A Momentary Lapse of Reason is the first album featuring the later 3 piece line-up of David Gilmour, Nick Mason and Richard Wright. The new Discovery version presents the original studio album, digitally remastered by James Guthrie and reissued with newly designed Digipak and a new 12 page booklet designed by Storm Thorgerson.

 

The ‘Discovery’ collection: 14 Remastered Studio Albums

Since 1967 Pink Floyd have produced one of the most outstanding and enduring catalogues in the history of recorded music. All 14 original Studio albums have now been painstakingly digitally remastered by James Guthrie (co-producer of The Wall), and are reissued with newly crafted packaging and booklets created by the band’s long-time artwork collaborator Storm Thorgerson.

‘Discovery’ albums are designed as an introduction to the artist, with all booklets including full album lyrics.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

202 of 217 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Rebirth Of Pink Floyd February 7, 2003

By Philip Snyder

Format:Audio CD

This is the first post-Waters album released by Pink Floyd. How good this actually is really depends on who you talk to. Clearly the band lost a monstrous talent when Roger Waters decided to leave. His lyrical and conceptual ideas, as well as his sense for dramatic presentation (both on stage and on record), are unmatched. Pink Floyd became the band that it is in large part because of Waters. Equally responsible for their direction and success, however, is David Gilmour. He is a masterful musician and a brilliantly passionate guitarist who has helped shape the band with his unparalleled playing. Arguably it was Gilmour's emotional guitar and musical talent that gave power to Waters' words. Though noone can dispute the vital contributions both Rick Wright and Nick Mason made to help forge the band (nor founder Syd Barrett who laid the template for the rest to follow), most would certainly agree that Gilmour and Waters have always been the main driving force.

Now where does all this leave A Momentary Lapse Of Reason? With Waters gone, obviously a large portion of the chemistry that spawned such classics as Animals and Wish You Were Here is missing. The band's direction and approach to writing would naturally have to adapt, in much the same way they had to adapt after Barrett's departure. Lyrically the album is weak in spots. It contains no conceptual thread nor does it even begin to approach Roger's level of clever wordplay and stinging sarcasm. The lyrics are more poetic generalities than they are deeply held convictions. That being said, this album is a gorgeous work of music that, in certain ways, harkens back to Wish You Were Here and Meddle. Sounding like neither, but capturing the spirit of both, A Momentary Lapse Of Reason is absolutely a return to form.... Without Roger's lyrical genius, Dave wisely focused on HIS strengths and passion: the music. From the chilling instrumental opener Signs Of Life, to the glorious raging darkness of the album's closer Sorrow, this is Pink Floyd in all their musical glory. The album has a dark haunting quality to it, each song moving through several interesting parts that never sound dull or forced. The beauty of this band's sound has always been that it's very visual and evocative. This album certainly delivers that. In particular the last half is one phenomenal stretch of spine-tingling music. Keyboards, drums, bass, and the occasional saxophone blend wonderfully with sinister sound effects to create beautiful soundscapes - and Gilmour's spectacular guitar slashes, cries, whispers, screams, and howls throughout the entire journey. It is a ride worth taking.

As you read through many of these other reviews, it's obvious that alot of people feel very strongly that this is not a Pink Floyd record. I understand but disagree. As much as the band had a right to carry on after Barrett left, clearly the band had a right to continue after Waters. Arguing over the "authenticity" of this album (and all those that followed without Waters) is pointless, as every listener has his or her own idea as to what Pink Floyd is to them. To put it simply, if you feel that the lyrical and conceptual content of Pink Floyd is undeniably the most important aspect to you, then you're probably better off passing this up. At the very least borrow a copy before you buy it. However if the music of this band is what has always moved you, then you're going to love this. Roger Waters may have left, but Pink Floyd remains. Read more ›

150 of 175 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Underappreciated and Given a Bad Rap by PF Elitists September 12, 2002

By Ryan Brenner

Format:Audio CD

I'm a HUGE fan of Waters as a lyricist, and if there's one point against A Momentary Lapse of Reason, it's the lyrics. But they aren't bad - just not Waters. But there seems to be absolutely no objectivity in many of the reviews here of this album. A few points I'd like to Counter:

1) "This doesn't sound like a Pink Floyd album." - Perform a little experiment: take someone who has never listened to Pink Floyd before and have them listen to Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, and Momentary Lapse of Reason back to back. Now ask them if the albums are by the same group.

2) "This album sounds so obviously eighties." - Next experiment, have the same listener as before listen to Piper At The Gates of Dawn and The Wall and have them try to identify which decade they were produced in.

3) "There's more filler here than good music." - Now that the "new" listener has heard The Wall and A Momentary Lapse of Reason, ask them which album contains more filler.

I prefer A Momentary Lapse of Reason to Animals and The Division Bell, two albums that I think are great. I'm happy to have purchased the remastered AMLOR, because a second criticism that could be aimed at it was that the sound fidelity on the original cd was terrible.

AMLOR contains several tracks that should be considered in any `best of' compilation and many secondary tracks that overshadow those musically. It's a solid album from start to finish songwise and is held together by a soundscape that is lavish and well executed. The filler arrangements of A New Machine Parts 1 & 2 play well in the soundscape, even if they can't be considered proper tracks. This is a great album and should be highly regarded.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Thank god for this remaster September 27, 2011

By j_benj

Format:Audio CD

Being a Pink Floyd fan since the 1970s, I've amassed a huge collection of their music. I remember being really excited for this album when it hit in 1987. At the time, it was quite controversial being the first album without Roger Waters. As much as I hate to say this, this album needed remastering from the day it was released. Even the "remaster" that was included in the original Shine On boxed set didn't sound as good as it should have. Thankfully this re-release fixes that. Gone is the muddy, bled-together sound, replaced by crystal clear bliss. Nothing seems buried in the mix this time around. The subtleties are all there, so slap on the headphones and enjoy!

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Psychological and auditory trip May 3, 2006

By J. Brockman

Format:Audio CD

I've been a fan since the very first time my dad danced me to sleep to "Cpmfortably Numb." I love The Wall, Dark Side, and all the other recognized greats. I have to say, though, that Momentary Lapse is my favorite. Even without Waters, the group pulls off a stunning ensemble of sound complimented with excellent sound effects, awesome guitar solos, good lyrics (as good as they can get without Waters), and an overall theme that you come to expect from Pink Floyd. A few of the songs could use tweaking- "Dogs of War" comes to mind- but overall I was very impressed. I had expected the band to flop after Final Cut.

I would highly recommend this album.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Album July 3, 2009

By Adam

Format:Audio CD

Setting aside Waters exit from the band and Gilmours song writing abilities, I have come to thoroughly enjoy this album. Granted, it took me longer to get a feel for this one then say 'Dark side of the Moon' or 'Wish You Were Here'.
It really is underrated and under appreciated. I encourage all Pink Floyd fans and newcomers to give this a try without comparing it too much to Floyds past. Gilmour and crew deserve a chance.

AMLOR manages to capture the essence of Pink Floyd nicely without Waters involvement. In fact, I'd say the remaining band members have managed to recapture some of there creative essence featured in their earlier material that was lost as the turmoil in the band grew.