Pink Floyd: Atom Heart Mother (Side 2) REACTION/ANALYSIS | The Daily Doug (Episode 343)

#PinkFloyd #AtomHeartMother #PinkFloydReaction
In this episode of #TheDailyDoug, I'm returning to Atom Heart Mother by Pink Floyd for a #MasterpieceFriday reaction and analysis. I listened to the title track/suite in mid-November. Now, three months later, I'm listening to "side 2", the last four tracks on the classic album. Enjoy!
(Audio/Video sources from the Pink Floyd YT channel.)
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[@mar117117]

I like to imagine this album as a compilation from one day of the band. Roger having one of his anxiety attacks, Rick fleeing through window in nothing but underpants, David enjoying a lovely sunset and Nick cooking some eggs, high as a kite, to get rid of his munchies.

[@kenttm42]

Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast is actually about Alan Styles who was one of Pink Floyd's roadies. He does the vocals for the song.

[@kamilziemian995]

While I know about Alan Styles, I like idea abut Nick Mason just cooking some eggs and creating song from it.

[@luislaluna]

LMAO

[@corrosivealtars]

I've always taken a similar view (listen), with the exception being that Fat Old Sun has always felt like a sunrise, not a sunset, to me. A.P.B. was the long coda. I always mention F.O.S. when I need an example of how beautiful a player David Gilmour was. Such a great album! What strain is that, Doug?

[@shaunmathis2474]

Mudmen Childhoods end Son of a bitch!!! Floyd takes you to the edge and calmly takes you beyond!!!

[@baga836]

Doug is like a sports comentator, but for music. AND THEY WENT TO D MINOOOOOOOOOOOOOR!!!

[@davidvasquez8658]

🤣WHERE ARE THEY GOING!!

[@olivarionline]

Then four, five and back to one!!!

[@matthewgrasso7167]

Summer ‘68 is so beautiful. Rick Wright without having a particularly spectacular voice emits so much emotion whenever he sang. RIP

[@michaelcaparula8312]

That ending instrumental on Alan's is a precursor to Obscured by Clouds, a much underapreciated album by The Floyd.

[@adamlaceky8127]

I've been re-listening to that lately. It's easily the most mainstream album they've done, and one of the most... obscure. Rick Wright's "Stay" fits in nicely with "Summer '68."

[@WalterFrancis]

Obscured by Clouds; best enjoyed with some nice over the ear that reproduce the entire depth of the album and just chill

[@thomasvieth6063]

Yes, I definitely felt that, too

[@jareczek1980]

everything before DarkSide is underrated.

[@glauciodon.campelo8967]

Obscured by Clouds is a great album. Much better than Meddle, IMO.

[@amnril]

Fat old Sun is such a melancholy song and so beautiful, I always reminisce of days long gone.

[@rog6725]

the prettiest song and solo for David, no debate IMO

[@jimhardiman3836]

Like you mentioned, it's crazy to think that this was a #1 album in the UK in 1970. When other bands wanted to speed up, Pink Floyd wanted to slow down. They gave you space to get inside the music. It's a gift to mankind.

[@rog6725]

They gave you space to get inside your head

[@WonderfulWino]

This whole album is a goddamned masterpiece.

[@rog6725]

100%

[@flugsven]

My favourite 😌 Always returns to it.

[@jeannedarc8629]

best experimental album

[@TheKarmicRepairCo]

FYI: it was #1 on album chart - in England. The USA market barely knew who they were yet. Also, being released in 1970, it was one of the best-recorded and produced pop recording of its time. To have sound fx like that, so clear and realistic, with tape loops and all, done completely manually with tape, is hard for listeners to fully appreciate today.

[@nectarinedreams7208]

Alan Parsons engineered the album, who later engineered Dark Side.

[@stoppropaganda2573]

You actually heard Richard singing much more than you think, he was a perfect foil for David's vocals. Naturally Richard was used as harmony of David on all their albums. Richard was also the only band member who was educated in music theory and composition.

[@josephgallagher945]

He was def underrated. Emerson & Wakeman, heck even Jon Lord got most of the attention, but Richard was just as good.

[@agirotto1]

Rick was underrated. Another underrated keyboard player? John Evan.

[@KimBioni]

Wearing the inside out its just perfect. Richard is also a good lyricist

[@fabthomaz]

Echoes is the perfect example.

[@giuseppeleone9729]

Richard was a visionary, Lord is a classical player who plays like Bach on Hammond, and Wakeman studied too but is a more tecnical music than Wright 's. Wright begin with psichedelic suond on Farfisa Compact duo and then he explores all electronic instruments and piano too. Wright leitmotiv is to find a good suond in the ensemble, but a sound that holes the band suond stile

[@NewBritainStation]

Floyd from ‘69 to ‘72 were, for lack of a better description, approaching music from a serious “art” approach, blending music and theatrical elements visually and musically. They recorded several soundtracks (Zabriskie Point, The Committee, More, La Valley/Obscured by Clouds), performed two concept pieces (The Man and The Journey), and were even commissioned for a ballet which, in the end, was just Pink Floyd performing existing pieces for the ballet to perform on stage in front of them (and later to their recordings). Alan’s Psychadelic Breakfast evolved out of things such as the band/roadies building a table or having tea while performing. It’s representative of part of their approach on stage at the time. Their music at the time was frequently acoustic or keyboard driven ballads, or pieces that were structured around dynamics (such as Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun, Careful with that Axe Eugene, One of these Days), with occasional nods back to the psychedelic pop of the Barrett era. Songs also often included long instrumental and atmospheric jams, often with sound effects, particularly live (The Embryo, Echoes, Atom Heart Mother, Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Dogs). The albums Saucerful of Secrets, Ummagumma, Atom Heart Mother, and Meddle all highlight their trajectory that coalesced all of these ideas into Dark Side of the Moon. But the live material of the era fills in a lot of the elements that aren’t as evident in the studio material.

[@christianwilliamson9752]

Beautifully explained. Thanks for sharing

[@yes_head]

Excellent summary. Hopefully Doug reads it.

[@234cheech]

yep

[@rsmith02]

I loved Man and Journey and burnt it to a CD so I could drive around listening to it. I hope to visit Grantchester Meadow someday myself.

[@davegold]

Don't forget the light shows that were integral to the early performances.

[@schmittelt]

If you liked "Summer 68", there's a song on "Obscured By Clouds" called "Stay" (also written and sung by Rick) that tackles the same subject from a different angle. I would recommend all of "Obscured By Clouds". It was a soundtrack album they (masterfully) threw together intermittently while recording "The Dark Side of the Moon"

[@gaebren9021]

I listened to their albums and was going through them from the first one, 'Piper at the gates of dawn'. I haven't gotten past 'Obscured by clouds'.

[@Kevin34755]

.... You might going and listen to Wet Dream also...1978 Richard Wright solo album... IMHO the real Soul of Pink Floyd!!!!

[@LeVezz]

This song is the most beautiful thing i've ever heard ! Midnight blues !! turn to gray !!!

[@KimBioni]

Broken China is a brilliant album, Richard is a great lyricist

[@rjlchristie]

Some dreamy wah-wah guitar on "Stay", - very tasty. OBC is a great album with more spontaneous pep than any other Floyd effort.

[@nodarkside]

I don't know why but "alan's psychedelic breakfast" is one of my favorites ... the drums in the end hypnotizes me

[@onerays]

You definitely have heard Rick Wright sing before, in Echoes. "Summer of 68" is one of Rick's greatest songs, it has the spirit of their early recordings back in 67, like "Paint Box".

[@geoffreylogsdon162]

He also has a lead vocal in Time on Dark Side Of The Moon. "Every year is getting shorter...".

[@qqw743]

I've never understood why Rick doesn't get the credit he deserves. Summer 68 is one of my all-time favorite songs. The piano layering is fantastic, the vocal harmonies are great, and the whole tune is just very melodic. When you're a band known for keyboard work, as on Dark Side or Wish You Were Here, why wouldn't everyone look at the keyboard player and say "Woah, that guy's good!" My theory: because there was a giant ego battle going on already between Roger and David. Rick's just a quietly great musician.

[@evtrantos]

He also wrote and sung 'Remember a Day' from Saucerful of Secrets, which is another awesome song.

[@Zaphod1212]

If I had to choose one album to take to a lonely island, it would definitely be "Atom Heart Mother".

[@neilfriedman]

Exactly my choice as well

[@topilinkala1594]

Same here except if I can choose a video tape I'd take Live at Pompej. To watch Mason break his drumstick and fetch a new one without missing a beat is something I want everyone to see.

[@jediknight2079]

Summer '68 is all about the various 1 night stands the band members were having during the world tours that the Floyd embarked on. One of the most Amazing Songs in the Floyd Catalogue.

[@GodmanchesterGoblin]

Rick Wright's solo albums are worth a listen sometime. I love his track Mediterranean C. His chord progressions form a huge part of the Pink Floyd soundscape.

[@krzysztof-ratajczyk]

I agree, but I don't think Broken China is any worse :)

[@emeQve]

agree! Wet Dream is a gem.

[@Panzer_the_Merganser]

@@krzysztof-ratajczyk Broken China had Breakthrough, which became one of my favorite songs of Gilmour’s Meltdown concert from the early 2000’s

[@pinkraven4402]

"Breakthrough" live version with David Gilmour is nothing short of incredible

[@Panzer_the_Merganser]

@@pinkraven4402 I ripped the audio off the original DVD years ago and had it playing at a friends house. Breakthrough came on, and their neighbor walked over just to ask what that song was.

[@conkerman01]

The guitar solo on fat old sun gets me right in the feels everytime. It's wonderful.

[@rog6725]

David's best. IMO

[@chuckhamilton7814]

Summer '68 is one of my all-time favorite songs. It's such an underrated song!

[@krzysztof-ratajczyk]

Pink Floyd made the music tasteful. Just pure genius.

[@bobbybishop368]

One day please give a listen to, in it's entirety, Pink Floyd's 1968 album, A SAUCERFUL OF SECRETS. You'll be glad you did.

[@asharmstrong6730]

That gets my vote! My favourite Pink Floyd album!

[@jackhanson3333]

@@asharmstrong6730 really your favourite interesting

[@asharmstrong6730]

@@jackhanson3333 My interest in listening to Floyd fell off a cliff with The Wall. I'm primarily drawn to their pre-Dark Side music though.

[@jackhanson3333]

@@asharmstrong6730 hmm fair the wall is definitely not there best album but I think dark side is there best

[@punker-gamer-trucker-guy]

Yes! This record has its flaws, but definitely has signs of what's to come. Also, the last Syd song is so heartbreaking

[@hillsinspace1]

Pink Floyd are a band who were constantly moving the boundaries and learning on the fly. You can see the threads from one album to the next. Styles changing individually but coming together as a band, until eventually the distance between Gilmour and waters became to great. Fantastic.

[@lilRadRidinHood]

Accurate observation, and tells the story especially to people who are just learning about Pink Floyd like Doug is.

[@tb-cg6vd]

Distance? Or Roger Water's megalomania and general pissed-offness at the other's laziness? Whatever, we got some damn fine music out of it for a decade, name another band to successfully work at the edge of creativity for so long!

[@CristiNeagu]

It wasn't the distance between Gilmour and Waters. It has always been the distance between Waters and the rest of the band. I am not sure where Mason stood in all of it, but Gilmour and Wright have always been friends, soulmates almost, finishing eachother's musical phrases. It was Waters that was too full of himself to meet halfway with the band.

[@hillsinspace1]

@@CristiNeagu I'm pretty sure Nick Mason was pretty close to Roger. I believe the best thing was for them to split as a consequence we had a sharpish change from Gilmour and company and a forward movement by waters. This left us with, in effect 2 new bands. Positive outcome for us punters.

[@CristiNeagu]

@@hillsinspace1 Not really. Pink Floyd was more than the sum of its parts. The work they did separately was never as good as the work they did together.

[@pandaprophetable]

Perspective from a therapist re: summer 68. For a lot of people, the adoration of fans (and groupies) can feel really lonely. So many people who “love you” and follow you without them actually knowing who you are outside of your profession. A lot of people come to therapy confused at why they feel anxious and depressed when everything seems fine - good job, married, kids. Feeling seen and understood is such a universal need, and when your job makes it difficult to get close to anyone, all the things that your job brings slowly becomes the very source of pain and loneliness.

[@grahamhowes6904]

Spot on,Leslie - in a sense it relates to the mighty COMFORTABLY NUMB the ‘joys’ of being on the road in a long tour - every night a new venue and city.

[@jasonhesley]

If, Summer ‘68 & Fat Old Sun are a great 3-song block. The 3 just fit together so well. Just like the 3 middle songs on Meddle.

[@jprph1]

“It’s like a soundtrack without a movie !” PRECISELY Doug !! That’s the point. I think this is very Floydian IMO.

[@samclark5156]

Doug, I would highly highly recommend you listen to the song “A Saucerful of Secrets”, specifically the live in Pompeii version from 1972. (While you’re at it, can’t hurt to react to the entire Pompeii set. It includes the best bit of live music the band ever created, being Echoes.)

[@nathanweiss5174]

That Celestial Voices part is such a worthy payoff

[@samclark5156]

@@nathanweiss5174 absolutely. I always thought the whole song felt like a battle between hero and villain. The villain is winning for most of the battle, but at the end the hero finds his courage and triumphs, and the celestial voices really nail it home

[@joannetelling]

@roger marques Drivel.

[@jyutzler]

This LP side exemplifies what I think makes Pink Floyd unique: the song is what it needs to be to impart what it needs to impart. There is no preconceived notion of how the song is to be structured or arranged.

[@konradhajduk7477]

Yes, Yes, Yes. All songs from my favourite Pink Floyd album. Thanks for that

[@rjlchristie]

Wright returned to his one-night-stand angst in "Stay" written by him on "Obscured by Clouds"

[@AtleRamsli]

Back in the day, Atom Heart Mother broke new pathways in my brain. I read Asimov at the time, and Pink Floyd took me to the stars. I've always longed for that type of music to come back, but with Doug's analysis, I realize how complex it is, and therefore, how unlikely it is that someone else will pick up where they left.

[@appearnowappearlater]

No one did it quite like them before, and definitely not after. ❤️

[@rog6725]

I still read Asimov, although I don't think there is much I didn't read 50 years ago

[@matthewstroud4294]

A walk across fields alongside a river and down a country lane to the pub. It's mid July in England, you're in love and the warm sun is just starting to set. That's where I am every time I hear Fat Old Sun.

[@tb-cg6vd]

I think you tripped over me. Sorry, I'll get you a pint....

[@SolarTiger]

...beautiful

[@philmathieu1017]

Yep, Fat Old Sun, Grantchester Meadows, High Hopes are all songs inspired by the countryside around Cambridge where Syd, Roger and David grew up, all easily accessible a short walk from that exceptional city.

[@Masherbrum]

Some random stuff. 'If' is purely about introspection. Reading more into it, is pretty much adding to it unnecessarily. Most don't even realize what Roger's state of mind was at this point. 'Fat Old Sun' was written by Gilmour, who also played every instrument, except Richard on the Hammond/Farfisa. He wrote it under a time crunch and Roger had refused to help him. So he knocked this one out in the studio with Richard, as he decided to harken back to his youth. The Ely Church bells in the beginning are the same ones used later on for 'High Hopes'.

[@sethkaicer319]

Pink Floyd told me to have a cigar and get completely Marooned.

[@Twin---]

So Time to get Comfortably Numb?

[@antoniocarlin5026]

and the video of Marooned was filmed on Chernobyl!!!

[@sethkaicer319]

@@antoniocarlin5026 I did not know that Antonio that's fascinating.

[@beachsnail]

I saw Pink Floyd play Atom Heart Mother live in Birmingham (UK) in 1970.The title track was beyond belief, absolutely phenomenal. They actually performed Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast live as well, actually making breakfast with the effects circling round the Town Hall in quadrophonic sound through their Azimuth Coordinator.

[@lilRadRidinHood]

PLUS they had Roadies or staff hiding under the stage actually cooking bacon and wafting the aroma upwards. I wonder if Algie was disturbed by this?😂

[@jyutzler]

If I had a time machine, that would be on the list of shows to witness and record. Unfortunately the lone surviving recording from that night is not particularly good.

[@Panzer_the_Merganser]

@@jyutzler Funny you mention that: I’ve got 3-4 copies of that show, each one hoping it’ll be the holy grail, but not yet; they’re all pretty damn rough.

[@jyutzler]

@@Panzer_the_Merganser It's a blessing that we have this stuff at all. People were so short-sighted back then.

[@Panzer_the_Merganser]

@@jyutzler agreed. There were so many phenomenal concerts that we’ll never hear, or only have scraps, missing all nuance and clarity. Floyd from 1969-1973 is a golden era to me and have amassed a huge collection of crappy recordings in the hopes of finding that one sweet soundboard.

[@audreyplunkett6111]

I absolutely fell in love with David the very first time I heard this song. I feel every note. I see a setting sun, I feel the warm summer night falling. This song is so special to me I could never explain. Makes me smile when times are rough, it’s ethereal and sweet, so very intimate. David is so very emotive and beautiful. This album is in my top 5 for sure. Thank you for this one too Doug! 🤍 🍃

[@TamasFerencz]

I love live recordings of Fat Old Sun from the seventies - the middle section is much extended with a long organ solo by Rick, and the whole thing is awesome.

[@isabellaai7274]

"Fat Old Sun- Live at Gdansk" performed by David Gilmour on the same tour as the last performance of Echoes is definitely a must-hear...even if just for the added extended guitar solo

[@PaulSutherland]

I absolutely love that version. David giving his earlier song the Comfortably Numb treatment!

[@teresagural6726]

This Gdansk performance is by far David's ultimate perfection in both singing and playing his masterpeice solo. I also get spellbound listening to Fat Old Sun from the BBC Sessions '71...it's done so perfectly featuring Rick doing his keyboard solo.

[@isabellaai7274]

@@teresagural6726 Sounds like I must give that a listen! Thanks for mentioning it😃

[@tomasjanostiak9524]

Fat Old Sun - one of my favourite David Gilmor song, it was actually recorded entirely by Gilmour, all instruments played by him. At this time they worked separately, Waters worked on a soundtrack with Ron Geesin called The Body. 2nd side of Atom Heart Mother was mostly recorded by Mason, Gilmour and Wright while Roger collaborated on another project.

[@arkadybron1994]

It is wonderful to watch someone like you, discover for the first time, music that has been massaging my soul for 50 years.

[@lilRadRidinHood]

I do so much appreciate coming across Doug and reliving those moments when I first heard some of these songs. At 70 I really didn't think I could learn anything more about Pink Floyd but obviously I was wrong. Thanks to whatever was responsible for shoving me down this new yet comfortable rabbit hole... It appears I'm going to be residing here for a while.

[@user-tm5cu1ir1c]

About the new technology what you mention: it was the first recording to use a new eight-track one-inch tape and EMI TG12345 transistorised mixing console (8-track, 20-microphone inputs), and it was released in the quadraphonic format.

[@KyleWigginsArt]

When I was a kid, my parents didn’t have “Dark Side of the Moon” or “The Wall.” I grew up with “Atom Heart Mother” and “Ummagumma.” So at first I listened to the weird stuff and I loved it!

[@tb-cg6vd]

Me too; my first memories around age 4 are soundtracked by Piper at the Gate of Dawn. Which explains a lot about my musical taste now I guess! Thanks Mum & Dad.

[@xXxXcrosbykidXxXx]

Does it make you wonder if they were ever tripping while listening? Sometimes when I'm high listening to music my dad used to listen to I wonder, makes me laugh haha

[@HempRockTelevision]

@@tb-cg6vd Floyd is a family tradition!

[@Jack-D-Ripper]

Yep, A Saucerful of Secrets, Relics, Ummagumma and AtomHeart Mother were formative for me.

[@SecretAgentSuperDragon]

Most all of Ricks compositions are underappreciated and Summer '68 is no exception. One of the few song never played live, sadly. I love every song on this album.

[@nmol9733]

Trivia: David Gilmour played all the instruments on Fat Old Sun.

[@mikewatts867]

David Gilmour wrote Fat Old Sun and also did lead vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, pedal steel guitar, bass guitar, drums, percussion. Richard Wright is the only other band member on this track.

[@srbaran]

I think David Gilmour was still getting comfortable singing back then. You should hear him sing Fat Old Sun as an old man. He only got better at his craft. Wots... Uh the Deal is another song that hits different now that he's old.

[@mousiebrown1747]

Old? He’s younger than I am !

[@nicoladolby2154]

The answer to the question, “Why Alan’s Psychedelic Breakfast “? You’ve been smoking it Doug👍

[@chrisogburn8240]

Doug, it seems your latest listen to Frank Zappa has generated a lot of talk and a general consensus that you should indeed react to The Black Page No 2.

[@gokhanaya]

It's a shame he still hasn't done that!

[@christianwilliamson9752]

Agreed

[@chrisogburn8240]

Just for my own amusement I thought "Hmm, I wonder if...," and searched something like "Zappa black page transcript" on here. Holy Shit, Y'all! Pretty insane stuff. I'm reluctant to start spamming Doug's comments section with links but I've seen a couple now. Pages 1 and 2 As for the the "versions..." yt seems to be a pretty comprehensive resource, especially Frank's penchant for making drastic alterations to music arrangements, style, temp, etc. I've (re) discovered Fantastic Music in the past couple of days, just listening to one song. Of note: one from I *think* was '88, a quite fast ska version, and another one that sounds more "traditional" in it's own way. Hammersmith odeon, from one of the posthumous releases. Thing about it, it seems tighter and faster than any other recording of it I've heard. And all the long versions that Frank would use to solo over.

[@completecharleston7142]

And - the sounds of the bells on "Fat Old Sun" are also used at the beginning of "High Hopes" on their 1994 album Division Bell. That song also used the chirping birds and buzzing fly sounds, which were originally used on "Grandchester Meadows" from the Ummagumma album. Love Floyd's use of same sounds, or sometimes lyrics. between different albums.

[@kennethcox2224]

You have that correct. It was exploration in new instruments recording equipment and music

[@SteveGouldinSpain]

A suggestion for a future episode - Halleluwah from the album Tago Mago by the Krautrock group Can. It has a beat you could use to calibrate an atomic clock by one of the best drummers ever to pick up the sticks. It's an 18 minute plus piece, and features what I consider to be the greatest crescendo in the entire gamut of popular music. Was also a big inluence on punk and new wave in the UK thanks to lots of airplay from the sainted John Peel. Can't wait to see the look on your face!

[@deciccohernan]

I swear every time I listen to "Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast", my head turns to see if anyone has entered the room, and as soon it happens I realize the sound is coming from my headphones 🤣 The sound mix is incredible!

[@richardfurness7556]

Floyd at their creative peak. They simply asked themselves 'what can we do that no one else has ever thought of?'

[@ICountFrom0]

I grew up listening to music like this, without ever appreciating just how good it is, just feeling cheated by other music (to this day). Watching you spell out just how GOOD and detailed this is helps me understand why I keep coming back to music like this now.

[@alnitak208]

"Pyramid" album by Alan Parsons' Project is awesome.

[@mousiebrown1747]

Thanks.

[@standandeliver8376]

Summer 68 is definitely the best out of this pick. As for Fat Old Sun, the extended live version is much better. Try the BBC sessions version.

[@raffaeledivora9517]

Yes, if I'm not mistaken they did two versions on John Peel's program and both are divine

[@krugos1978]

I heard this album for the first time back in the 90s, my CD player had some issues and the piano part in Summer '68 didn't sound at all, so I learned the song having no idea it had a piano in it, lol. So, months later, I'm at a friend's house and we're listening to this album and suddenly there's this piano I had never heard before... I just went mad with laughter. :D This is one of my favorite Pink Floyd albums, it's really cool that you reacted to the whole of it (the side 1 reaction was awesome, I love that piece). Your channel is wonderful, it's always fun listening to your comments and watching your reactions to great music!

[@oneoftheorder]

When you need a relatively short Pink Floyd piece to do, I hope you'll explore the best opening to any Pink Floyd album, the first two tracks of "Obscured by Clouds," Obscured by Clouds and When You're In.

[@ElfSixDave]

Your facial expressions during the last song had me in stitches, ha ha. I'm tempted to make a short video and send it to you.

[@ditmavic]

Brilliant watching your reactions to Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast! In answer to your question about drinking tea or coffee in the mornings, back in the 70's most working class people would think it un-british to drink coffee plus it was more expensive than tea!

[@frankshailes3205]

You're spot on with the riverside remembrance/nostalgia stuff of "Fat Old Sun", Dave Gilmour wrote it as his response to Roger Waters' similarly pastoral and intimately nostalgic "Grantchester Meadows" from the year before. Both grew up in the same area - Dave used to swim in the river.

[@stereo999]

There's a live version of Fat Old Sun where they turn it into a 15 minute epic

[@judahr03]

You should check out In The Court Of The Crimson King by King Crimson! It’s one of the staples of progressive rock and it’s incredibly theatrical!

[@asharmstrong6730]

He's done it already.

[@GuyBruneau]

Should do King Crimson Red and Discipline.

[@GodmanchesterGoblin]

@@GuyBruneau Red already done as a complete album, available currently to Doug's Patreon supporters (Doug's Extended Play Lounge, episode 11). 🙂

[@abdurrahmanzulfikry9202]

He's done some King Crimson a while ago, but it got taken down by copyright. If you know how strict Fripp's recording label, you'll understand

[@yvesblues560]

Alans breakfasts psych reminds me of Zabriskies Point arrangements...worth an ear

[@Tacko14]

Just want to say: you really pick interesting stuff to react to. Atom heart mother was surprising in itself, but side two? Nice! On If: I always thought that Roger thought ‘what if it happens to me?’

[@jeffreybell436]

I agree with the Roger hypothesis. It’s his fear of losing his mind and the same thoughts are expressed in Brain Damage on DSOtM. These are always voiced as a first person statement. In contrast, all of the statements about Syd on WYWH use second person. “Let me join in with your games” is likely a nod back to the lyrics of “See Emily Play”.

[@jeffreybell436]

It’s not rice crispies it’s bacon and eggs.

[@bobbybishop368]

I think its all 3. You can even hear the sugar being sprinkled on the Rice Krispies and milk poured into them, activating the " snap, crackle and pop. "

[@jimromanski2702]

Thanks so much Doug for bringing back memories and bringing a fresh new and open minded perspective on this music. When you did the first half of Atom Heart Mother I had not listened to that for decades but remembered it well. We listened to that so many times back in my college years. It was cool to hear you break it down musically. There are only a few Pink Floyd songs that can be played solo on acoustic guitar. Like most amateur guitarists who are Pink Floyd fans, I play Wish You Were Here (including the solo) and Pigs on the Wing. But I bought a Pink Floyd music book back in the 80s and learned Fat Old Sun and "If". In fact, I use "If" as a warmup song when I'm about to practice finger picking. But I sometimes forget how cool the lyrics are. Keep em coming. I'm enjoying these videos immensely.

[@grahamhowes6904]

You could do GRANCHESTER MEADOWS minus sound effects from UMMA GUMMA

[@henryurbach7973]

I forgot that Rick for his track borrowed David's voice for the chorus, and I believe that he played the brass, and I also hear a mellotron. After Syd left, the band decided to push Rick to be the main singer, and a few post Syd singles feature his voice. That didn't last very long. Note: a couple of tracks, singles and B-sides never made it to the album proper. An example is an almost instrumental and a fan favorite "Careful with that Axe Eugene." Live, It was played as a sequence from Roger's ballad from movie soundtrack to "More" called "Green is the Colour," and it was double the length of the studio, B-side version. And Fat Old Sun was extended another 10 min and featured an extended organ solo from Rick. I encourage you to check two two EXCELLENT (recording and performance wise) BBC radio concerts from the BBC's "Paris Theatre," the first is from 1970 that features Atom Heart Mother (with the brass ensemble and choir that were featured on the album, so they too sound great!), and a short version of Fat Old Sun, and then the 1971 show t hat features 15 min of Fat Old Sun, and two tracks from Echoes, One of These Days (featuring Nick's vocal debut as introduced by the famous BBC DJ, John Peel) and Echoes themselves, one of the early performances. What makes these BBC radio shows special are Peel's introductions of the songs.

[@mrimmar]

Emotional responses are what we all strive for as musicians, for better or worse.

[@michaelseaberg7964]

You can hear some influences in the background vocals of Brian Wilson's 'Pet Sounds' in there. Lots of bands were taking influences from others in their songwriting.

[@minmodulation]

summer 68 is incredible

[@Tonyblack261]

With that final track, you can sort of see some of see experiments in sounds and voices that were later used in Dark Side of the Moon. Also, Alan may have had some 'shrooms with his breakfast.

[@kentclark6420]

'If' is such a meditative song. I love it. It pulls me back to a time from so long ago, I'd forgotten it.

[@rumblebars]

Summer '68 is one of my all time favorite PF tunes. I like the arrangement and just the sound of it. Lyrically, well, it's kind of depressing, reflecting on fleeting one-night-stands with groupies. To me it was like him asking "Why do I keep doing this night after night" and "What did I get out of it, and what did she?" It's stated pretty clearly to me. Years later, the often misunderstood R.E.M. song The One I Love would be a more obscure version of the same theme when they said the horny groupie was just a "simple prop to occupy my time".

[@Jack-D-Ripper]

Summer '68 is my favourite track because, when I first heard this, in 1972, I was 16 years old and it paints my memories vividly on the time and the place where I was. Whenever I hear it, I'm back there. The sights, smells and feelings come back to me. Regarding Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast is very 1970's England. (Most Brits have a nice cuppa Tea throughout the day - I cannot stand the stuff, and always drink coffee throughout the day). The dripping tap gives way to a chap enters into the kitchen, shuffles across in his slippers and reaches for the Corn Flakes, then fills the kettle from the tap (faucet), and proceeds to like the gas hob to boil the kettle for a cup of Coffee/Tea. The music is very much "Rise and Shine". The music blends into the whistling kettle, which is poured to make (instant) coffee. Then he stirs the coffee and gulps it down loudly. He then opens some Rice Crispies breakfast cereal, pours them into a bowl, puts sugar onto them and adds milk, whilst the guitar starts to play, beneath the sounds of Snap Crackle and Pop of the cereal and then he eats them, rather noisily. The guitar works its magic (Sunny Side Up - a term for fried eggs with the bright yellow yolky suns uppermost) to wake one up gently, and the sound of eggs and bacon frying in the pan dominates as Alan blathers on about inane drivel. I like the way the spattering fat leads into Morning Glory. As the music fades, the tap is running and then turned off before Alan leaves the kitchen and the water swirls in the drain of the sink and a the dripping tap.

[@roballen5718]

i love Fat Old Sun. very pleased that David chose to sing it in his later live shows

[@thomasallan1196]

Yes did a very similar thing on their Fragile album. A few tracks are collaborative, but there are 4-5 shorter tracks that each band member showcases something unique with their particular instrument.

[@adamlaceky8127]

One Weird Wednesday, you could listen to "Music From The Body" by Roger Waters and Ron Geesin. Geesin co-produced Atom Heart Mother, and you can hear the similarity. Loads of musique concrète.

[@shawnkautzman4879]

I've always loved this song summer 68. The stereo affect is awesome on this album. I have on vynil and c.d. the more you listen to it the more you will love it. It was a number one album their first number one.

[@malcolmwood5676]

I saw Pink Floyd twice about the time this came out. Experimental doesn't really cover the half of it. In the first they played Saucer Full of Secrets with a long line of drums ,Nick Mason ran from one end to the other playing the drum runs. In the second the evening portrayed a sort of epic tale. with the appearance of a sort of scaly monster lumbering onto the stage before urinating over the first two rows. It finished with what I think was a precursor to Echoes and Richard wright manically playing the venues ppe organ. For both concerts speakers were placed all round the auditorium so that the sound could be panned in all directions for a full surround sound experience. Magic!

[@lucapolidori8817]

You have nailed how big was Rick's contribution to Pink Floyd's sound

[@MONGIE30]

I just love everything they did pre Darkside. Their Early Years box set is fascinating listen with gems like Embryo which was a staple of their early 70s sets. Only ever released on a compilation album The Picnic, The Works, A Breath of Fresh Air - an Harvest Records Anthology and Multiple versions on the afore mentioned Early Years box set.

[@underwoodvoice9077]

It always takes me a moment or two to remember that Fat Old Sun is Pink Floyd; the beginning could easily be the Kinks, especially vocals. (By the way, the title card says "Fat Old Son", rather than "Fat Old Sun".)

[@gonzo_the_great1675]

The running water sound was the kettle being filled. Followed by the repeated match strikes to light the gas stove. And definitly tea in the morning for brits, at least in 1970 it was.

[@mcolville]

"Is this about Syd? Who had mental health issues and left the band?" I feel compelled to point out: Syd was never diagnosed with any mental health issues. The idea that Syd was mentally ill, "schizophrenic" was something the guys in the band DECIDED. Once he was out of the band, his family said he was perfectly happy and healthy living outside the music business. They couldn't get Syd to agree to see anyone, but the other guys in the band went to a psychiatrist and described Syd's "problems" and the therapist said "Are you sure Syd is the one with the problem?" At least Nick Mason thought he had a point. What we know is; the other guys in the band wanted to be Rich & Famous, and Syd seemed pretty happy with the success they'd already achieved, and didn't want more. And the more the band pushed him, the more he retreated.

[@Doug.Helvering]

Thank you for this information, I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the band’s history.

[@rjurikdavidson]

Having said that, there's little doubt that Syd had issues with his mental health and that his behaviour was increasingly bizarre - he did spend time in an institution in the 80s.. But Doug, really you should do the band's first album. Really. Should. Really.

[@Lightmane]

@@rjurikdavidson Yes. Love the first album, even though it's nothing like what Pink Floyd did afterwards. It's all Syd and I love it.

[@tskmaster3837]

"I feel compelled." I feel compelled to add what we know is there is footage of Syd "not being there". And if anyone wanted to be Rich and Famous, they would never release Ummagumma with a straight face.

[@mcolville]

@@tskmaster3837 Well you've put your finger on the issue. Floyd never would have made an album like Ummagumma if Syd had stayed in the band. He was their songwriter. And he could write hit songs. The other guys were emphatically NOT songwriters in Syd's class. But once he was out, it was up to them. And it took them years to develop songwriting chops. That's WHY there was so much pressure on Syd. Lots of bands get pressure from their record label and often it creates stronger bonds in the band. Us vs Them. With the Floyd, the pressure on Syd was coming FROM the band. These were guys he'd known since they were kids. I very strongly recommend Nick Mason's book INSIDE OUT, I think that's about as close as you're gonna get to the straight dope.

[@andyambrose4517]

Dave Gilmours recent live versions of Fat Old Sun contain one of the best guitar solos ever...

[@tommihommi1]

the Remember That Night version is absolutely glorious, my favorite Gilmour piece ever.

[@floydianepic3259]

@@tommihommi1 totally agree.

[@blazingaqua9127]

Live in Gdansks solo is so good

[@MrPhil1503]

Live in Gdansk version is awesome, basically perfect

[@daviddet]

His tone on Remember That Night, and on Fat Old Sun in particular is nothing short of spectacular.

[@xr800]

Just discovered your Pink Floyd reactions, enjoying your journey discovering Pink Floyd. So envious that you get to enjoy the experience for new. Theu've been a part of my life for 40years. Wish you were Here, then Dark Side of the Moon my first albums.

[@JoaoLucas-jl4gd]

Doug, just for curiosity..... This album was their first album to use the quadraphonic technology, which means to record 4 different sound channels on the single continuous groove on the vynil.... So they were exploring the possibilities. That's why you can notice several of those cool stereo effects on the songs. If you could hear it in a 4 channels system it would sound even cooler.

[@Tacko14]

That’s new. I though Alan was Alan Parsons, the sound engineer on AHM and Dark Side and founder of Alan Parsons Project. I learned something today :)

[@henryurbach7973]

Dear Doug, A HUGE THANK YOU. AHM was the first Floyd LP I heard at the tender age of 13. After hearing that album, along with Deep Purple's "Made in Japan" (esp. Child in Time), and ELPs' first album, I've never been quite the same. I've not yet heard your commentary and I'm really curious what your thoughts are on "Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast." I very much appreciate you reaching into the Pink Floyd's "psychedelic" early beginnings. Perhaps "A Saucerful of Secrets" or their first, feat. Syd, "Piper at the Gates of Dawn." should be next. An interesting tidbit is that they were recording "Piper" at the EMI studio next to studio where Beatles were recording "Sgt. Pepper," and some of the Beatles used to stop by to hear what this new Pink Floyd band (that were a rage in underground circles) sounded like, and perhaps lifted some ideas. You be the judge.

[@IllumeEltanin]

Regarding Pink Floyd songs with Richard Wright on lead or co-lead vocals, I found this list of posts on Reddit: See-Saw Stay Paintbox Summer '68 Remember a Day joint lead vocals on Echoes David and Rick go back and forth on Time. It Would Be So Nice Co-lead with Barrett on Astonomy Domine Back and forth with Barrett on Matilda Mother All voices on Sysyphus are him IIRC he shares the lead with Gilmour on Embryo (studio or live or both) Second lead after Gilmour on Burning Bridges Us And Them choruses are sung by both Gilmour and Wright in harmony à la Echoes Wearing the Inside Out I hope that's accurate.

[@evanerys]

I've always seen Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast as a primitive precursor of the sampling techniques they'd master by Dark Side of the Moon. It's odd and disorienting in 1970, and much less present in the following album, Meddle. But by 1973, they'd managed to meld that sampling technique into their instrumental excellence.

[@billlazar6648]

Thanks for finishing the Album. I remember a day, long ago, I introduced someone to AHM. We got to the end and I let the drip loop for several minutes, he was so entranced by this time, he barely noticed until I brought it to his attention. He too had an emotional reaction to the album-after all, that is the purpose of music, to stir something deep inside, even if it consists of sound effects.

[@SpookyLuvCookie]

You'd very much enjoy "(We Are The) Village Green Preservation Society" by the Kinks - another great UK psyche influenced pop/rock album from a golden age

[@christianwilliamson9752]

I will thank you

[@blankreg3858]

Hey Doug, the effect of the dripping faucet at the end of the vinyl, is called a locked groove.

[@timhubbard8895]

Alan was filling his kettle to boil up some water to make a cup of tea! Familiar English kitchen sounds! He is using matches to light the gas cooker. Gas cookers often required matches to light the gas hob back in the 1960's/Early 1970's. No electronic ignition in those days. Then you'll hear the whistle of the kettle when the water's boiled. Brits quite often have tea in the morning, coffee in the afternoon! Yes! Rice Krispies. He's a really noisy eater, like a pig! Then Bacon and Eggs. I think he's talking about a Wheelbarrow bringing the band's equipment in. I think the track resolves with Alan being given a free holiday! "Oh, a holiday. What!" The band reputedly gave him a holiday for his efforts. He washes up and storms out. "All my head's a blank!" the sort of thing that goes through your head, trying to gather your thoughts before heading off to work. And yes, the vinyl LP's groove has the dripping tap on the run out groove which is never ending..

[@electric-toadstool]

You should have a listen to the extended version of "Wishing" by A Flock of Seagulls. Over 9 minutes of layered 80s keyboard bliss.

[@CristiNeagu]

23:49 For some reason, the guitar bit reminds me of Bolero. And I keep expecting 27:56 to turn into A Pillow of Winds.

[@simond1574]

What's so great about Summer of 68 is the Beatles vibe with the brass. Just like Penny Lane. Atom heart mother is published only two years later, but it is almost a different era for Rick, the band and rock music in general. He became father, the band broke big in UK and in 1970 swinging London was over. So it is a look back to the summer, the girl(s) of that summer and the soundtrack of that summer.

[@wkmac2]

Brings back memories of discovering Ummagumma in 69' and AHM when it came out in 70'. AHM doesn't always get much love but it began to flip the switch that would become DSOTM and WYWH not to mention the iconic Echoes.

[@shodan6401]

"If", along with "Behind Blue Eyes" by Pete Townsend and "Seagull" by Paul Rodgers, is one of my all-time favorite pieces of songwriting. Waters, like many successful writers, suffered from depression, and I think that this song communicates beautifully the emotional rollercoaster of life itself. It's message is universal and timeless, which is why it is one of the greatest songs ever written. The song is all about the lyrics. The music is a backdrop to the words. It's message breaks my heart every time.

[@G60syncro]

Easily my favourite Floyd album! I love Dark Side Of The Moon but this one feels so much closer and intimate.

[@nazfrde]

Fat Old Sun is an homage/pastiche to/of The Kinks' Lazy Old Sun. Even his voice sounds like Ray Davies.

[@Rlagow]

David Gilmour’s “Live in Gdansk” version of Fat Old Sun has the best guitar solo of all time. /fight me.

[@Real1Gaming]

@@Rlagow I'll fight you! The Live at BBC 1971 version of Fat Old Sun is 15 minutes long with some of my favorite instrumental parts of any Pink Floyd song.

[@raffaeledivora9517]

​@@Real1GamingSecond that. Just amazing!