Pink Floyd’s hugely influential recorded output has covered all the bases from psychedelia and prog to, yes, even disco. Unapologetically experimental from the off, the band’s attention to detail and musical invention make their recordings perfect food for hi-fi gourmands. And, they are as British as a cup of tea. Each of these picks is sure to put your system through its paces. Set the controls for… well, you know.
SHINE ON YOU CRAZY DIAMOND (PT 1-5)
This devastatingly beautiful opus to Syd Barrett’s spirit and creativity demands to be listened to through the best system. Your system should pick out the gorgeously orchestrated parts with enough transparency and map its shifting time signatures with ease. Your kit will also need to deliver the track with gusto, keeping the bassline, Hammond and analogue synths separate yet cohesive in the mix, while the wistful, bluesy reverb-laiden guitar, sax parts and the kitchen sink are thrown at the song as it builds toward its climactic vocal verses. If your gear can deliver it with enough detail and excitement, job done.
ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL PT 2
There’s choppy guitar, deep, deep funky bassline and four-to-the-floor bass drum and hi-hat ‘chicks’ typical of disco tunes of the decade, plus Dave Gilmour’s bluesy solo – all of which should test your system’s dynamics. Over-dubbed to make it seem like there were more kids in the choir, the London school kids’ refrain of ‘we don’t need no education’ should land with all the intent and attitude intact. The track’s disco nature means your system should dance here, too, and handle those meaty lows as well as it does the rest of the sonic register.
MONEY
A good test of timing for your system. Kicking off with a loop of ringing cash registers which was initially intended to keep the band in time, Money is such a fun track to listen to – and your hi-fi should track its 7/8 time bassline with precision, while the drums have a semi-improvised jazzy feel. If your system’s timing is up to the challenge, the addictive, lolloping bassline will punch out smartly and keep all the elements sounding together. Particularly if you’re in the “high-fidelity first-class travelling set”, and can afford the best hi-fi kit!
THE GREAT GIG IN THE SKY
Brought in at the last minute when the band decided the existing track was missing something, Clare Torry wailed out those incredible, wordless vocals on the second take, creating a truly iconic, emotive and powerful vocal part that will challenge your system’s higher registers, as well as pushing the midrange as she
