Amused to Death

by

Roger Waters

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I'm not unique in that I like Roger Waters and old Pink Floyd (Waters & Co. from DSOTM). But I seemed to be on a limb with many listeners concerning the new (1994 is new? -- David Gilmour and Co.) Pink Floyd. There is obviously strong camps for one or the other, and the customer reviews of any Pink Floyd CD brings this out rather vehemently. Me? I love them all, past, present, and future(?). All I have to do is listen to the first few guitar strings of ANY Pink Floyd cut, and I sit back in anticipation, knowing I'm listenening to one of my favorite groups. It doesn't matter to me if it's Roger or David. It doesn't matter to me if it's a cut from "The Wall" or from "Division Bell". It's Pink Floyd, whether it's the group or an individual.

As far as "Amused to Death"? The very first moment the sound began drifting from my speakers, I smiled. From the battle-weary old man mumbling remembrances through the satirical "What God Wants" and "It's a Miracle", I find Roger at his cynical best, and I begin waxing nostalgic. Here is the anger and the bite that I have missed for so many years. Here is the cynicism, both modern and old...and weary, so clearly resonating from Roger's anguished voice. Ahhhh, I wish...I wish....

The rumor mill continues, but if wishes were...heck, you know the old saying as well as I. The truly sad thing is, I don't know if I'll ever hear anything coming from either camp ever again. Roger has been silent since 1992, and David Gilmour since 1994. All I can do now is sit back and listen and remember a talented group of individuals who have given me hundreds of hours of pleasure. Between 1 and 10, I give "Amused to Death", perhaps Waters' best solo work, a solid 8. Thank you, Roger. And thank you, David. I miss all of you.