Pink Floyd - Embryo San Diego, 1971

A recording of indeterminate origin from a show in 1971 at Golden Hall, San Diego. Discerning and smug fans say that their live work from this period was far better than their patchy studio albums, and I'd agree with them from the evidence of this show. It's comparatively good sound quality for an audience recording, and a tight, energetic performance by the band. Notably this has extended performances of some pieces whose studio equivalents are limp by comparison. Gilmour's pastoral ballad "Fat Old Sun" is stretched out with an exciting full band build-up in the middle. "Embryo" is also adorned with an extended psychedelic jam which always has direction and don't ramble, while "Cymbaline" features a spooky extra "footsteps" section in the middle. Although as well as extending they also play a shorter version of one particular piece with great success. Here we have an alternative to the bloated, over-produced Atom Heart Mother from the cow-adorned album of the same name. It's a concise (at 15 minutes!) rendition of the meat of this bluesy piece, neatly carving out the brass, choir and kitchen sink. A fine performance, grab it if you find it on the local market stall.

(see also the entry on the Pink Floyd ROIO database)

May 4, 2004

8 out of 10

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