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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
The title of David Gilmour’s third solo album may be some clue as to his whereabouts since Pink Floyd’s swansong The Division Bell. That period of near-silence has now given way to a flurry of solo touring and glorious charitable reunions, which are enough to make you forget it’s been over a decade since we last heard anything new from the band or its remaining members. All this has changed now with the arrival of On An Island.
Immaculately crafted with sundry high-profile guests, the album rolls along gently, only cutting loose on "Take A Breath" (reminiscent of "Yet Another Movie"). Lyrically, don’t expect any Floydian angst here; Polly Samson’s words are dominated by familial contentment and emotional warmth. This may understandably jar with the expected lyrical subjects, but it adds another facet to Gilmour’s persona. Musically, all of the trademark soaring mercurial guitars and crashing epics are in place, and there are moments of pure Floyd on the title track and "The Blue" both of which feature Richard Wright. These two tracks are the standouts, alongside the gentle "Smile", and rank among Gilmour’s best work, and help make this album as essential as anything from his former band’s catalogue. --Thom Allott
Review
Released on his 60th birthday, David Gilmour's third solo album highlights a somewhat leisurely work rate but should definitively seal his place as the tasteful one in the Pink Floyd.
Harsher critics may point out the similarity between this and more famous Floydian moments (the title track, for instance, is a kind of "Wish You Were Animals") yet what Island... really confirms is that all the BEST post-Syd bits by the far-out foursome came from the mind and fingers of our David. Tasty guitar work? Tick! Plaintive, understated double-tracked vocals? Tick!! Jazzy blues with rather gorgeous melodies? Double tick.
This is all wrapped up in a quiet, quintessentially English vibe, aided and abetted by Robert Wyatt (vocals and cornet), co-production by Phil Manzanera and contributions from David Crosby, Graham Nash and even old mucker, Rick Wright. In lieu of any post-Live 8 Floyd reunion this is more than fine, thanks... --Chris Jones
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
26 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I have been a Pink Floyd fan for a few years now (5 years if you must know) but I am rather ashamed to admit that this is my first David Gilmour album that I have purchased. I bought Roger Waters solo albums first then “Broken China” by Richard Wright. To be honest I am glad that I have waited. My first Gilmour album that I have purchased is truly fantastic!
There is little to say other than that this album is wonderful. It is controlled, measured and wonderfully relaxing to listen to, and is also deep. The music is melancholy and yet lovingly endearing. There are subtle hints to Gilmour’s past musical triumphs. In the opening track, “Castellorizon” there are a few minutes that remind us of the psychedelic doodling that Gilmour excelled at on the Floyd album “A Saucerful of Secrets”. Of course it isn’t heavy, just lilting and enjoyable to listen to.
The only track that I was unsure of was “Take A Breath” but after a second listen it has grown. The entire album is wonderful. It is calm, reflective and everything that makes a wonderful album. I could quite easily listen to this album everyday. If you are expecting Floyd than you are a fool: you will get hints of Floyd via some of the guitar work but this is Gilmour doing his solo work: and thank goodness. We have the Floyd albums; we don’t need any one member doing a solo album trying to do a pale imitation of the group they were once in. Floyd was a collective work of all members. Also don’t come to this album expecting Waters! Waters is concerned with mainly political issues, which he finely demonstrated with his last album “Amused to Death”. Gilmour is treating us to one thing that we tend to forget when coming to Floyd member’s music: ourselves! This is a personal album for Gilmour and yet as an 18 year old I can easily tap into its personal emotion.
There is nothing I can say other than buy this album. You will not be disappointed. The music ranges from rock to jazz and blues in a coherent manor, with perhaps a hint of folk. Excel it its lilting and yet emotional music.
Enjoy!
25 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
The album has an almost ambient recording that would suit a soundtrack to a film and I cant help but hearing elements of Meddle, Obscured by Clouds and Atom Heart Mother, it certainly is no DSOTM - but thats a good thing, if you were expecting something as radical as that then you have set your expectations way too high and you deserve to be disappointed.
If I wanted angst I'd have bought a Waters album, I knew what sort of sound Gilmour would create and I wasnt disappointed. The guitar playing is beautiful as ever and lets face it - thats why we listen to Gilmour. The songs ARE mellow but are NOT bland, they are understated and subtle, the production has a sonic translucency that shimmers and teases the listener yet relaxes and involves. The overall effect of the album is to encompass you in an aural massage smoothing away strains and stresses of everyday life.
There is a tendency by music reviewers to critisise anything that has any easy listening properties, and I would agree that there is a lot easy listening rubbish out there, like Dido and Katie Melua, but this isnt a music by numbers exercise like afore mentioned, David's album is a very intimate reflection of his life and memories and deserves a proper listen if you consider yourself a fan.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I purchased this album, as I was lucky enough to get a pair of tickets to see David Gilmour at the Royal Albert Hall and wanted to know the music on the album that he may play at the gig before the event. As it turned out it was a wise decision as he played the whole of the album at the gig.
Initially I thought the purchase of the album was a mistake as after the first few plays I thought it quite boring and music suitable to do your shopping too. But after seeing Mr Gilmour play a couple of tracks from the album on the Jools Holland show where he seemed to breathe a bit more life into the music I decided to give it another chance and gradually the album grew on me and now I find it not to be a bad piece of work at all.
Solo albums from well known members of huge groups are often very disappointing, try and think of many good ones and you will be hard pushed. It is not a Floyd album and to compare it to Floyds greatest will only lead to disappointment but as a stand alone piece of work it is not a bad attempt at all and will sit well along side any Floyd collection and I am sure will get a few plays over the years when you want something to relax too that is not on your regular play list.
To be critical the album is well over produced and is far too mellow, this gives it the initial impression of it being boring. But when the tracks are played live such as on TV or at a gig the rough edge of a live rendition improves it greatly. By the way the Albert Hall gig was fantastic and were being recorded for a DVD, this should showcase this album at its very best (being without the clinical mellow production) so if you are not sure about buying the CD wait for the DVD.
It is not one of the greatest albums ever so I would give it four stars but the clinical production brings it down one star so I would think three is a fair review, but don't let that put you off give it a chance and quite possibly eventually you will not regret buying this album and it will not just become a space filler in your CD rack.
Initially I thought the purchase of the album was a mistake as after the first few plays I thought it quite boring and music suitable to do your shopping too. But after seeing Mr Gilmour play a couple of tracks from the album on the Jools Holland show where he seemed to breathe a bit more life into the music I decided to give it another chance and gradually the album grew on me and now I find it not to be a bad piece of work at all.
Solo albums from well known members of huge groups are often very disappointing, try and think of many good ones and you will be hard pushed. It is not a Floyd album and to compare it to Floyds greatest will only lead to disappointment but as a stand alone piece of work it is not a bad attempt at all and will sit well along side any Floyd collection and I am sure will get a few plays over the years when you want something to relax too that is not on your regular play list.
To be critical the album is well over produced and is far too mellow, this gives it the initial impression of it being boring. But when the tracks are played live such as on TV or at a gig the rough edge of a live rendition improves it greatly. By the way the Albert Hall gig was fantastic and were being recorded for a DVD, this should showcase this album at its very best (being without the clinical mellow production) so if you are not sure about buying the CD wait for the DVD.
It is not one of the greatest albums ever so I would give it four stars but the clinical production brings it down one star so I would think three is a fair review, but don't let that put you off give it a chance and quite possibly eventually you will not regret buying this album and it will not just become a space filler in your CD rack.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Obvious?
I haven't heard this album, but whilst reading the bad reviews I couldn't help thinking that people were missing the point a little. Read more
Published 1 month ago by MR A P WOOD
david this is very disappointing
i am a very big pink floyd fan ..i also have davids earlier works...this is just not up to the standard of any of the previous stuff. island life doesn't suit you..dave . Read more
Published 3 months ago by Mr. A. Pugh
On an Island CD
Ordered this product for Christmas, the delivery service was fantastic on hearing the CD I was more than happy, I cannot speak to highly of the content.
Published 4 months ago by coldwaters
Gilmour at his best since Wish You Were Here
On an Island, in totality, is the best piece of music I listened after Wish You Were Here.
It is strictly a "not for everyone" album, very much like any other good work... Read more
It is strictly a "not for everyone" album, very much like any other good work... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Sinan Haseki
On An Island
Despite consummate musicianship Gilmour proves he is ultimately a great band member (as in his sublime performance of Echoes alongside Rick Wright in Gdasnk) and not a great... Read more
Published 11 months ago by Ed Kingsley
On An Island - Dave Gilmour
This is very much 'Division Bell' part 2 in terms of writing style and production. If you liked 'Division Bell' you will like this. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Rosamund E. Wilson
beautifull !!!!!!!
This is an absolute superb and beautifull chilled out album. Heartfelt atmospheric mellon collie songs (pieces of music). A must have for any Pink Floyd fan. Read more
Published 21 months ago by S. C. Clarke
Beatiful Gilmour's cd...
A Cd (with a fantastic cover) that sounds in the classic Gilmour way.
Melodic, soft...all that you want from David!
Melodic, soft...all that you want from David!
Published 23 months ago by vignuol
On A Island David Gilmour
Didn't buy this when released, then i couldn't decide until i saw a used copy that was really cheap! What a bargain. Read more
Published on 12 Mar 2010 by Mr. Peter P. Good
Wow! Buy this CD NOW!! It's fabulous.
Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous!!
More great music from the talented Mr G. If you like Mr G's music you will love this. Read more
More great music from the talented Mr G. If you like Mr G's music you will love this. Read more
Published on 17 Dec 2009 by J. Bull
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