From The Archives: 60s Vol 4 – Pink Floyd – Ummagumma

This is “From The Archives” a feature where we take a trip back to a previous decade and discuss an album! We will talk about highlight tracks that should not be missed. As well as reasons why we think the album was so influential and successful.

The Album Breakdown

The double album features a live disc and experimental studio disc where each band member came up with their own solo compositions. A transitional period for the band as they moved away from the Syd Barrett era psych and into concept work instead.

Strengths

The live disc highlights the band at their early peak, with extended songs filled with atmosphere. The experimental nature of the 2nd disc shows off the bands natural willingness to push boundaries and try the unconventional.

Weaknesses

I’d say the solo pieces can feel somewhat disjointed, the concept albums that were to follow felt more cohesive. Casual listeners also might struggle with the experimental sections which at times (although not often) come across as self-indulgent.

Highlight Tracks

This particular live version expands on the psych intensity of the song. With deeper textures and more commanding vocals. The interplay between band members feels tight and atmospheric. Giving it this dark edge.

Pink Floyd – Astronomy Domine (All Rights Are Retained By Pink Floyd)

It’s an early Pink Floyd instrumental and the slow build into this screaming climax is terrific. The band really do show here how they can create drama through minimalism.

Pink Floyd – Careful With That Axe, Eugene (All Rights Are Retained By Pink Floyd)

Other Notable Albums From The Band

Meddle

The Dark Side Of The Moon

Wish You Were Here

All rights to the songs used in this post are retained by the band/artist. This site claims no rights over them.


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15 responses to “From The Archives: 60s Vol 4 – Pink Floyd – Ummagumma”

  1. Tiffini avatar

    While I’m more of a country music fan, Pink Floyd played in the car while I was growing up – so enjoyed this one! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar

      Nothing like decent tunes in the car

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Michael Sammut avatar
    Michael Sammut

    One of the greatest bands of all time.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar

      No arguments from me

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Michael Sammut avatar
        Michael Sammut

        😁

        Liked by 1 person

  3. lyndhurstlaura avatar

    Great band, great album. Both the above tracks, but ‘Careful with That Axe, Eugene’ stirs particular memories … Thanks for featuring! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar

      Glad you enjoyed it ! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar

      What is your favourite album by them?

      Like

    2. mixerrreviewsatxn avatar

      Same here. I have original copies of “The Dark Side of the Moon” and “Wish You Were Here”.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. richardbist avatar

    Definitely an album for the hardcore fan or collector. I agree, the solo pieces are sort of all over the place, which can make it a challenge to listen to when bookended by their other work.

    Personally, Animals is my favorite album of theirs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar

      Yeah this is one for the hardcore for sure but still a well worthwhile listen!

      Like

  5. robjtriggs avatar

    Got this out of the library circa 1998 and bounced off it hard. Some of the love tracks are amazing – Axe, of course, and Set The Controls… especially stood out. But the original stuff? Nope. Very nope. The song titles are better than the music.

    Interested that you put Meddle in with their notables as that’s often overlooked. Is it any good? I’d add an extra vote for Animals to go with WYWH, and I have a lot of time for The Division Bell too. No Wall? It’s the other one that’s always mentioned. I think it’s better as a soundtrack than as a standalone album. Keep Another Brick II and Comfortably Numb, maybe Run Like Hell, and lose the rest, thanks.

    Saw Velvet Revolver cover WYWH at Download 2005. They sang the entire bloody thing, then told the crowd to join in. We’re like, with what? You’ve finished.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar

      I enjoy Meddle , but I suspect others wont as much 🙂 I just think sometimes my taste is vastly different to other peoples haha! I wish I had been at that download but before my time of going.

      Liked by 1 person

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