Arnold Layne

Pink Floyd guitarist/vocalist David Gilmour, with help from David Bowie and Richard Wright, pays tribute the band's founder, Syd Barrett, who passed away in July of 2006 by covering two of Syd's songs. The first is the early Floyd tune, 'Arnold Layne', a song the band recorded before Gilmour joined. The second cover is a solo Barrett track 'Dark Globe', originally from Syd's The Madcap Laughs album (which was produced by Gilmour!). Features two versions of 'Arnold Layne' (with and without introduction) and 'Dark Globe'. EMI. 2006. Album Description

David's short, yet excellent, tribute to Syd Barrett!

Pink Floyd singer and guitarist David Gilmour released a solid Extended Play single titled Arnold Layne in late 2006.
The 3-song EP is Gilmour's tribute to Pink Floyd founder and his fallen comrade and friend the late Syd Barrett.
It consists of two versions of Arnold Layne recorded in May of 2006 plus a version of Dark Globe that almost makes one want to cry at how beautiful it is.
The first version of Arnold Layne (which was actually the first Pink Floyd single for those who don't know) was recorded on May 29, 2006 at the Royal Albert Hall with the legendary David Bowie doing a stellar version of the track with Gilmour's band. This track is now on the Remember That Night DVD. Next is another version of the track featuring Pink Floyd keyboard player Rick Wright on vocals and just as stellar as the one with Bowie. This was recorded on May 30, 2006 at Royal Albert Hall.
We close things out with Dark Globe (a/k/a Wouldn't You Miss Me) which is an excellent version of the classic Syd Barrett track from The Madcap Laughs which David added to his setlist in the summer of 2006 as a tribute to Syd (in addition to Shine On, Arnold Layne, Astronomy Domine, Dominoes and Wish You Were Here).
Contrary to last reviewer's opinions, Wright and Gilmour are the real musical talents of Pink Floyd whom can still sing and play. Roger Waters lost my respect last year with his last tour by pulling a Britney Spears and Ashlee Simpson tactic (lip-synching on stage for SIX SONGS!) and plays the same songs tour after tour with a pale version of Dark Side.
This disc is recommended! December 24, 2007

PINK FLOYD MINUS TWO.

A Mini CD from the 2006 David Gilmour Tour of Europe,"Arnold Layne" adds to any Pink Floyd Collection. Fine tribute to original Floyd member Syd Barrett,also.

There are three songs with two versions of Arnold Layne. One with David Bowie and the other with Floyd member Rick Wright. Nice contrast and they blend well with a slight nod to the Wright cut.

Dark Globe, from Syd's first solo release "The Madcap Laughs", might be the best song. Excellent David Gilmour rendition of a cut he was involved in when "Madcap" was released in 1970.

An import CD, "Arnold Layne" is priced high (old EP's had at least four songs). Floyd fans should be pleased, however, with the great sound and the excellent band assembled by Gilmour.

The CD liner notes end with the following:

"Dedicated To The Memory Of Syd Barrett" September 28, 2007

Enjoy these jewels live

Arnold layne and Dark Globe live....performed by David Gilmour's Band along with David Bowie and Richard Wright...what's not to like?.

I can't understand some people comments on Gilmour's right or lack of thereof to play these tunes or release this EP, or the arguments on who's the best between Roger and David, it makes no sense. Why can't David Gilmour play Syd's songs?, they were friends and he was the ONLY Floyd who tried to help him after his breakdown, he produced Syd's Dark Globe and the whole madcap laughs album, when it was already practically impossible to work with Syd because of the state he was in, so, why can't he do it?.

I am greatfull he's doing it, at least he's bothering to, and we the fans should appreciate the opportunity to hear these songs live. I admire Roger Waters and think that Amused to Death is far better than any of the Gilmour's PF albums, but that doesn't have to do with anything. Thumbs Up to David for honoring Syd Barret, and to Rick and Bowie for helping him out. June 21, 2007

Horrid, Simply Horrid

David Gilmour has made a living off of singing songs written by Roger Waters and pretending that he had a hand in the song. Now, to leverage off of the death of Roger's former bandmate, Syd Barrett, Gilmour actually has the nerve to sing and release a cover of Arnold Layne.

When this song was written, recorded, and released by Pink Floyd, Gilmour wasnt even in the band. But that wont stop Gilmour from tring to make a buck or two off of someone else's talent...he has done it for 30 years off of Roger Water's talent.

However, I suppose it beats singing songs written by his hilariously embarrassing untalented wife, Polly Samson, which he has done in his last two terrible efforts (Division Bell and On An Island).

Some people simply have no shame. April 30, 2007

What's with that one-star dude?

I'm willing to stand up for David Gilmour and for this charming and modest tribute to Syd Barrett. Gilmour is one of the few people who can sing Syd's songs as well as Syd could (along with Robyn Hitchcock). This EP is clearly a labor of love, not an attempt to cash in. Gilmour is well beyond the point where he needs to do anything for money -- and he's also at a stage where loss of reputation would be devastating, so the risk is all his. I loved this little EP just as I loved his In Concert DVD, which includes performances of Syd's "Terrapin" and a great, jazzy, shuffling, stunningly original reimagining of "Dominoes." Gilmour is the leading Syd Barrett interpreter and I hope he will offer us more inspired Syd covers. April 29, 2007

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