Floyd's 1975 record, just a really long E.P. Numerically those critics maybe correct, however, clocking in at almost 45 minutes, Wish You Were Here is a conceptual audio odyssey from start to finish. The album was recorded in London's famed Abbey Road Studios as a tribute to late band member and friend Syd Barrett. Floyd created a concept record not only to pay homage to their late band mate, but also mock the music industry and fame. That idea can be found on the albums cover, which mind you I consider one of the greatest sleeves of all time. Two business men shaking hands while one is on fire, some can call this a deal with the devil or the fate of things to come. The philosophy behind the cover can be debated forever. Yet, the content of the record itself is so dense, it certainly is some of Floyd's greatest material. The guitar licks on the title track alone are enough to give you chills. Lyrically and musically it is Floyd on the rise to their finest. Pink Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright stated in a TV special in 2001 that "It's an album I can listen to for pleasure. And there aren't many of the Floyd's albums that I can say that about."I look at Wish You Were Here as a stepping to as per what will come of the band later on in their career. In Europe this record is very well embraced, even to this day. Here in the States, many are familiar with the band from Dark Side of the Moon or The Wall and its accompanying film, but if you turn on any classic rock radio station across the Country you will hear radio friendly versions of "Have a Cigar," "Welcome to the Machine," and "Wish You Were Here." For those that have embraced this album, dust it off and listen to again, for those that have not, go find it and love it.
