Search - David Gilmour, David Bowie, Richard Wright :: Arnold Layne / Dark Globe

A fine tribute.

Michael Stack | North Chelmsford, MA USA | 01/26/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Released as a tribute to his departed friend, David Gilmour's "Arnold Layne" features two performances of the title track (composed by the late Syd Barrett) and one of Barrett's "Dark Globe". The former comes in a full band arrangement, the latter in a solo acoustic guitar performance reminiscent of the original.



The takes of "Arnold Layne" are mostly distinguished by their vocalist, with David Bowie singing the first and Richard Wright the second. The band's performance is stunningly tight, maybe a bit too much for my taste. Barrett's genius was his inventiveness and his unerring pop hooks, not his performances, and it seems like this gets forgotten. Nonetheless, both versions prove to be decent performances-- I give Bowie's the edge simply because he captures the very British aspect of Barrett's music better than Wright does on the vocal.



The gem on the recording is Gilmour's "Dark Globe"-- his band may be too good to pull it off, but Gilmour sheds his technical expertise and embraces both the jagged rhythms of the piece and makes no effort to hide his own limitations as a vocalist. It's perfect, gut wrenching in a way different from the original but equally powerful.



Truthfully, I've pretty much lost interest in Gilmour's works-- as far as I'm concerned, Pink Floyd's done little relevent in quite a long time and Gilmour's solo career has lacked interesting material, but with Barrett's quirky edge being among my favorites in music, I couldn't resist this, and while it's got its problems, I'm glad I got it, even if only for "Dark Globe"."

Incredible Disc--A MUST for Pink Floyd/David Gilmour/Syd fan

gus | Connecticut, USA | 01/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This disc represents an extraordinary series of recordings. The versions of Arnold Layne with David Bowie and Richard Wright singing are from Gilmour's tour of '06, and as such are first rate. Gilmour is at his very best, and his backing band is a super-group of talented musicians. However the highlight of this disc is the solo acoustic version of Dark Globe. Gilmour recorded this unrehearsed in Germany just days after Syd's death, and it is a beautiful, haunting, gorgeous rendition of one of Barrett's most powerful songs. The version here is breathtaking, and makes the album as a whole worth every penny of its price. This is smart, eloquent, gorgeous stuff--not just for the collector, but for anyone who enjoys Pink Floyd, David Gilmour, Syd Barrett, and all of the melodic genius that informs their various works."

Enjoy these jewels live

Pedro Villarroel | Maturin, Monagas Venezuela | 06/21/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
Arnold layne and Dark Globe live....performed by David Gilmour's Band along with David Bowie and Richard Wright...what's not to like?.



I can't understand some people comments on Gilmour's right or lack of thereof to play these tunes or release this EP, or the arguments on who's the best between Roger and David, it makes no sense. Why can't David Gilmour play Syd's songs?, they were friends and he was the ONLY Floyd who tried to help him after his breakdown, he produced Syd's Dark Globe and the whole madcap laughs album, when it was already practically impossible to work with Syd because of the state he was in, so, why can't he do it?.



I am greatfull he's doing it, at least he's bothering to, and we the fans should appreciate the opportunity to hear these songs live. I admire Roger Waters and think that Amused to Death is far better than any of the Gilmour's PF albums, but that doesn't have to do with anything. Thumbs Up to David for honoring Syd Barret, and to Rick and Bowie for helping him out."