Legendary Band Shines On

The first adjective to come to mind when thinking about Pink Floyd is epic. Floyd is and always has been a pioneer of the grandiose. From its thick blankets of synthesized soundscapes to its often over-the-top visual spectacles and stage presence, Floyd is a master of crafting the magnificent. \nThe "Pulse" concert was recorded/filmed at Earl's Court in London in 1994 circa the band's Division Bell tour. While the post-Wall, post-Roger Waters segment of Pink Floyds musical epoch is often considered the lowest point of the band's career, "Pulse" manages to step away from any of these misconceptions, instead showcasing a beautifully aged and matured Floyd who, despite being past their musical peak, continues to shine on with each awe-inspiring musical note. \nThe two-disc "Pulse" opens appropriately enough with the always moving "Shine on you Crazy Diamond," a tribute to Floyd's late ex-band member/co-founder Syd Barrett. The band, comprised of the three last remaining original members (guitar virtuoso/lead singer David Gilmour, synthesizer maestro Richard Wright and the driving backbeat of Nick Mason's drums) and a slew of other supporting musicians and female backup singers, have never sounded better than when the group as a whole comes in at the song's first chorus. Goosebumps have also never felt sweeter.\n"Diamond" is followed by four tracks from Division Bell, which, despite being the low points of concert, are still fairly good tracks and are saved by the band's stunning visual light show and massive sound (it should be noted that if feasible this DVD should be listened to on the biggest speakers one can find, preferably ones that rival the size of most children).\nOther highlights from the first disc are the dark but beautiful "Sorrow" from Momentary Lapse of Reason and the always stunning "Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)," which to this day still features one of the smoothest/funkiest rhythmic guitar riffs ever recorded. \nDisc two is the real crème of this concert as it features a performance of Dark Side of the Moon in its breathtaking entirety. The Dark Side songs are also some of the purest on the disc as the band strays away from the stunning yet often distracting stage visuals and laser light shows of the previous disc, focusing almost solely on the brilliant musical compositions. \nFloyd closes up the concert with three encores featuring the acoustic gem "Wish You Were Here," The Wall's "Run Like Hell" and a stand out, blow you out of your chair version of "Comfortably Numb," featuring a classic fiery five-minute plus guitar solo by Gilmour. \nThe DVD bonus material features two music videos from The Division Bell, some mini featurettes about the band's 1994 tour and poorly mixed but nevertheless moving introduction/performance of "Wish You Were Here" by Smashing Pumpkin's Billy Corgan taken from Floyd's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996 where David Gilmour extends his award and the song to the absent Waters and Barrett.\n"Pulse" disproves all who claim that Pink Floyd is not complete with the absence of Roger Waters, while also proving that despite their age, the talented musicians behind Floyd can still blow us away. This legendary concert performance is a must have for all Floydians out there and for everyone else, "Pulse" is a prime example of the luminous and multi-faceted sound that bellows from every piece of music this band touches.