Before I start writing about this great new release on iTunes, I must first disclose, and those who have read my previous posts would know this, "Wish You Were Here" is my most favourite rock album of all time! What Pink Floyd achieved in 1975, in their tribute to their founding wayward member "Syd Barrett" is unique. After all, this was meant to be the follow up to their masterful best selling 1973 album "Dark Side of the Moon" & rock music history is littered with bands failing to repeat their success with an even better album, which is the case here!
I have written reviews on this album in several occasions. This post however is more about the reissuing of the entire Pink Floyd catalogue & in particular as a new concept called "iTunes LP' on iTunes (RIP Steve Jobs). ie I am not sure if this exact version will be available as a hard copy in music stores or is unique to iTunes.
According to iTunes description, this is a new remastered release of the original album, plus previously unreleased live & studio tracks, screen films, memorabilia & more.
For any serious Pink Floyd fan, this "iTunes LP" is a must have & great value for money. The extra tracks include several jewels:
- Live performances of "Shine on you Crazy Diamond" at Wembley in 1974 prior to the release of the album in 1975
- An alternative version of "Have a Cigar" without Roy Harper on lead vocals (album version) as well as an alternative version of their epic "Wish you were here"
- 1974 live performances of songs titled "Raving & Drooling", & "You've got to be Crazy"which finally found their way as the songs "Sheep" & "Dogs" in their 1977 album "Animals"
- Concert screen video of Shine on, and of course PF fans know Pink Floyd are famous for their concert screen videos.
All in all, whilst I will buy the "Discovery Box Set" which features all 14 Pink Floyd albums remastered, I will be looking out for more of the iTunes LPs to purchase as well.
My rating: 10/10 Must have for any serious Pink Floyd & rock fan
