Originally a soundtrack for the French film "La Vallee", this represented PF's last venture into a true soundtrack style. However, this is not throwaway Floyd, this is perhaps the most interesting album, showing them bristling right before their peak of "Dark Side of the Moon" and gives so much background to the ideas put forth in DSOTM. This is their most underrated album.
Track by track:
1) Obscured by Clouds: Immensely creepy title track utilizing slide guitars. This is the most effective opening to an album, ever.
2) When You're In: Oh man, its like PF knew exactly what everyone wanted like nothing else! This song FLAT OUT ROCKS! It also continues the absolutely phenomenal opening instrumental...unfortunately we then hear
3) Burning Bridges: While being one of PF's most lyrically poignant songs, it just doesn't fit into this section, and perhaps its just a weak (is it possible?) PF song.
4) The Gold its In.... This song, well, damn. It gets back to the rocking tone of the first two songs and almost reminds one of a Jimmy Hendrix driving rock guitar. Incredible reboost.
5) Wots...Uh the Deal: Best song name ever. Slower, but well done. It feels good and is classic dreamy Floyd. Plus the mixing guitar textures are astounding in their simplicity.
6) Mudmen: strange instrumental that is more like a kickass solo
7) Childhoods End: This is the spiritual child of "Time". This song I actually like more in its structure and riffs, plus I like the timing of the solo a lot more. I can't believe I'm saying this, but this song > "Time"
8) Free Four: Skip this track. Its well made, with some of the coolest reverbing PF has ever done and probably some of Rogers best base sounds, but beyond the obviously amazing solo, its pretty campy and annoying.
9) Stay: Lyrical powerhouse and very emotional. This is the perfect climax to the album. It almost works as well as Brain Damage/Eclipse did on DSOTM and that is saying something.
10) Absolute Curtains: strange ending that has this oddly enchanting native American chanting. Really cool, unique as well for Floyd.
Overall, this album is far too often overlooked and remains one of Floyd's most rock driven and awesome albums. Buy it.
