Pink Floyd

Background

A Momentary Lapse of Reason is Pink Floyd's thirteenth studio album, launched in September 1987 by EMI in the UK and Columbia in the US. This album marked a new chapter for the band, as it was the first release following the departure of bassist, singer, and primary songwriter Roger Waters in December 1985. The legal disputes that ensued between Waters, David Gilmour, and Nick Mason over the rights to the Pink Floyd name created a backdrop of tension during the album's creation.

Recording Process

The album was primarily crafted by David Gilmour, who utilized material originally intended for his third solo project. Nick Mason and Richard Wright contributed their talents, although Wright was not formally reinstated as a full band member due to legal constraints from a previous settlement. Recording began at Gilmour's studio on his converted houseboat, Astoria, before moving to Mayfair Studios in London in February 1987. The sessions then transitioned to A&M Studios in Los Angeles with Bob Ezrin serving as producer.

Musical Composition

A Momentary Lapse of Reason features a blend of rock genres, including alternative rock and progressive rock. The album's tracks explore themes of loss, conflict, and existential reflection. "Learning to Fly" stands out as one of the more recognized tracks, presenting an introspective look at freedom and personal growth. Other notable tracks include "The Dogs of War," which critiques war from a commercial perspective, and "Sorrow," which showcases Wright's emotive keyboard work and Gilmour's expressive guitar solos.

Production Details

The production credits for the album indicate a collaborative effort. Bob Ezrin and David Gilmour took the lead in production. Notable musicians contributed to the album, including Tony Levin on bass guitar and Chapman Stick, and Carmine Appice and Jim Keltner on drums. The album's sound was further enhanced by the contributions of saxophonists Tom Scott and Scott Page, along with keyboardist Jon Carin. The mixing was handled by Andrew Jackson, with additional re-mixing by James Guthrie on select tracks.

Release and Formats

A Momentary Lapse of Reason was released in multiple formats, including vinyl and LP. The album was well-received commercially, charting in various countries. It served to re-establish Pink Floyd's presence in the rock scene after a tumultuous period. The album's production took place during a time of transition for the band, highlighting the resilience of the remaining members. The album was recorded in several locations, including Astoria and A&M Studios, and features contributions from various musicians.