An excellent single from Floyd's legendary guitarist
Blah | Blah, USA | 01/12/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Pink Floyd singer and guitarist David Gilmour's EP Smile was released in June of 2006.
Gilmour first played the track live in 2001 at his Meltdown concert (which is available on the 2002 David Gilmour in Concert DVD) with just him on acoustic guitar and vocals, rhythm guitarist Neil MacCall on acoustic slide guitar and backing singer Aitch Robinson.
The version here is an edited version of the track which appears on his On an Island solo album. The studio version, which was the actual demo from 2001, features Gilmour on all instruments and vocals save drums where it was Willie Wilson (whom played on DG's 1978 self-titled solo album) (recorded at Astoria), backing vocals by Gilmour's wife Polly Samson and orchestrations by Zbignew Preisner (recorded at Abbey Road).
The reason to own this is for Island Jam, a great blues jam instrumental which was only released on the initial pressings of On an Island sold at the Best Buy stores in the US.
If you are a Gilmour or Floyd fan, this is a must own!"
Adequate
Geoffrey | Florida | 04/01/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I own all Gilmour solo cd's, and they are all very hit and miss. At best, he occasionally has moments that come close to his better moments of the Waters-less Floyd, but those are very rare, such as the song on About Face - Near The End. I think his stuff with Floyd (without Waters) is much better than his solo stuff because of producer Bob Ezrin. Ezrin is an incredible producer.
My opinion is this: Gilmour is by far at his best with Roger Waters in Pink Floyd. Second best is Waters-less Pink Floyd, and lastly his own solo work.
The man is outrageously talented but his gift is playing and singing. Roger is unbelievably gifted with writing- one of the best ever, and his singing is great. If only everyone could humble themselves and share their God-given gifts to make a stronger whole.
I must strongly disagree with the person who said Gilmour's solo stuff is better than Roger Waters. Pros & Cons Of Hitchiking for me is up there with the very best of Floyd. Then he steadily goes downward but I still enjoy Radio Kaos and Amused To Death much better than the best of solo Gilmour. But Roger too is several layers better with Gilmour and Floyd.
These are my thoughts on The Music. I respect and admire them both tremendously and could care less about choosing sides..."
Track Listings (2) - Disc #1