Dark Side of the Moon was a turning point in the approach of the band. Out of nowhere there was an incredible focus which was pivotal in cementing their place in rock history. Personally I prefer some of the raw experimentation of earlier efforts but this is probably the quintessential Pink Floyd album, far more so than Dark Side even. Where Dark Side tends to almost throw away some of the scope that the earlier albums offered musically in favour of some of the most ‘grown up’ conceptual writing on a rock album at that point Wish You Were Here is a more even blend of those aspects.
The theme of the album is Syd Barrett, the founding member who tragically developed drug induced schizophrenia shortly after the release of the group’s debut album Piper at the Gates of Dawn, who to a certain extent also inspired Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall. The album is marvellously constructed, every part feels like it belongs right where it is.
The centrepiece is the 26 minute Shine On You Crazy Diamond which bookends the album. It’s incredible that Dave Gilmour was playing at his absolute best when Roger Waters was basically writing “I wish we had our old guitarist back.”
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