As part of a larger reissue campaign, Pink Floyd have released a remastered edition of Wish You Were Here with an additional second disc containing several tracks from live performances at Wembley in 1974 and some alternative studio versions of “Have a Cigar” and “Wish You Were Here”
Not much needs to be said about the first disc…. It’s a classic, end of story.
The second disc is full of wonderful surprises and makes this new editions, something well worth owning.
Starting off with a 20 minute live version of “Shine On You Crazy Diamond”, this album will have the hairs on your neck singing an Norwegian death metal rendition of The Settlers classic tune, “The Lightning Tree”. Richard Wright’s virtuoso work on the Hammond organ, stands out in this wonderfully melancholy version.
“Raving and Drooling” meanders along for another 11 minutes as the band jams as if to itself rather than the Wembley audience, providing irrefutable evidence of the inate ability of Pink Floyd to create magic with apparent ease.
The last two tracks on the disk, provide alternative versions of two classic Pink Floyd songs, “Have a Cigar” and “Wish You Were Here”. I have to admit to approaching these two with some trepidation and the vocals on “Have a Cigar” did take a couple of listens to get used to. That being said, it was refreshing to hear the band provide some alternatives and the inclusion of Stephane Grappelli and his violin on “Wish You Were Here” really tickled my fancy…. And my fancy isn’t tickled easily.
Overall, there are some unexpected delights here that should delight even the most hardened Floyd fan. Definitely worth a listen or two.
Review Score: 9/10
