Obscured by Clouds by Pink Floyd (CD, Sep-1996, Capitol/EMI Records)

To those folks that think "The Wall" is the greatest Floyd CD (it certainly seems to get the most radio play, at least around these parts) I would ask that you listen to this CD with open ears. While it doesn't have the universal appeal of "Dark Side of the Moon" or "The Wall", this CD represents a much more intimate and concise view of a band that was near the top of their game rather than beginning the long slow descent into self-parody (sorry!) This is a beautifully crafted group of songs which displays an incredible array of style and a touch of class as well. I've owned this offering in LP and CD form and it simply doesn't get old; it's like fine wine and just gets better with age and repeated listenings. For me, this CD represents the post-Barrett Floyd infinitely better than some of their later releases. I agree with the theory that the more time that went by without the influence of Syd, the less focused and enjoyable the music became (although I still think they were pretty damn good even THEN). So my advice is to turn off the telly, grab a cold one from the fridge and crank this CD up any time of the day or night---I think you'll be thoroughly entertained; I know I still am.

First album that dabbles into Roger Walters life, mostly about his father. The first Floyd album to use the VCS 3 synthesizer. The first album you should listen to if you are just starting to get into Floyd. Has pretty much all of Pink Floyds styles from start to finish.

Awesome album. Also this is the first I believe that dabbles in instrumental songs.. and long series of instrument mayhem.

So you
thought you
have heard the best of Pink Floyd,
The sound that gives you confusion
yet shows you a choice,
I'll tell something is eluding you sunshine,
this album is better than you expect it to be,
If you want to hear Floyd on their way to DARK SIDE,
Buy this CD then listen to it and cry.

A balance of Roger, Dave, and Rick and Nick making it thick.
The mood is up and down with occasional placement of meat on the ground.
A quick soundtrack they made in 1972 for film unseen because of the glue.
The music is magic and that's not a crock, because some of these tunes are actually rock!
I listened today and was glad to hear that music still sounds good without drinking beer.
The lyrics are good and the melodies great and Dave's guitar soars like a bird on a plate.
Roger chimes in with his wit and his brain yet this album makes me think he's not that insane.
Rick is a lonely soul throughout Floyd's existence, on Obscured by Clouds you really can't miss him.
A MOOG and a Hammond, piano and chime these tunes tunes have the flavor of the legendary TIME.
Finally Nick Mason, let us not misplace him, in the fold of a brief ripple in line.
In his career he has carried the whimsical and scary thoughts of his crazy yet practical friends.
Solid and clean the drum skins did seem all the more better when presented with letters.
A back beating man, mallet in hand, gave the crescendo it's finale to wait for the next album was best.

To sum up as an American man I am a floyd fan but I miss my mind the most.
Sometimes Obscured helps you see clearly the things that you burnt out while making your toast.

Released in 1972, this titles only problem is that it was immediately followed by the breakthrough in 1973 of the classic "Dark Side Of The Moon". The music on Obscured by Clouds was meant to be the soundtrack to the movie La Valle but this Floyd release is chock full of songs that you really wouldn't ever expect to be in a movie! "Childhood's End" and the Gilmour guitar riffs and the great vocals/lyrics stating that "There'll be war, there'll be peace but everything one day will cease. All the iron turned to rust, all the proud men turned to dust." tells the whole story, for an early studio album the music and the lyrics to these songs are remarkably mature and profound. Perhaps my favorite song on the entire disk (and provides the best solo guitar riffs on the entire cut) is the catchy tune "Freefour". If your a fan of the band, then this cd is a must own. If you don't own it, and are curious about the first decade of the band and its evolution into a Superband then this may just be the perfect place to start...pre-Dark Side didn't get any better than this!

OMG when i heard this album i jizzed my pants. no comment. great CD cant go wrong with pink floyd before 1985.

This is a fumble between the excellent Meddle and Dark Side of the Moon. Fortunately, it's the last bummer Floyd release.

Obscured is my least favorite Floyd album. I can't quite put my finger on why, all I know is that it does not appeal to me like the rest of their work does. The one standout gem is wot's...uh the deal which is a sweet, mellow, pop song. The true Floyd fan needs this in their collection. The rest of you might want to get everything else first and come back to this one if you like still need more. 3 1/2 Stars.