Pink Floyd - 1969-1971

Just like many other musicians who play music for a long time, Pink Floyd is a band you can talk about their music and it has many different eras. My favorite that has played a big part of my life as a musician is the era from 1969 - 1971. This was the post-Syd Barrett band with David Gilmour taking up a role as a writer as well. The band had a back catalog of songs and played those live but it was also a time for great experimentation in the studio and live. Here are some of selections you might have missed.

In 1969, Pink Floyd released the soundtrack to the movie "More." 

As a complete soundtrack, it does have a range of songs with lyrics and instrumentals. When the band played these live, some of the songs would be expanded.

Also in 1969, the band also released "Ummagumma," a double album of live and experimental music.

LP One contained 4 newly recorded versions of some older Floyd classics. These versions of these songs are among my favorite. I would also find this album in many friends' record collections, so I guess we all got it. LP Two was VERY experimental with a few cult classics that are fun to know about.

In 1970, the band released "Atom Heart Mother."

For those who have not heard this one before, the first time you take this one in you will be a bit shocked that this is Pink Floyd. Full orchestration, choir, horns and the band in a nearly 24 minute classical piece for its first song, which is the entire album side and the album title. The band performed this song in a variety of different ways live - a few times with the orchestra and choir, but most of the times it was just the four members of the band. 

In 1971, the band released "Meddle." 

The band again showed us another epic in the song "Echoes," a 23 minute journey that took up the entire second side of the album.

 Some great performances of these songs were also recorded live, including when the band went the the ruins in Pompeii and filmed it.

Modern musicians have also noticed this time period of the band as well.

When I first heard "O.K. Computer" by Radiohead and "The Virgin Suicides" by the band Air, I did hear this influence in a big way. I was even as bold to compare "O.K. Computer"  to Pink Floyd to the shuns of the non-listener of this era of the Floyd.  You can be the judge.