One of my fave Pink Floyd tracks. I'm a sucker for long, ambient tracks. It's so interesting to hear an almost story being told through just instruments and no lyrics
"ambient" You keep using that word but I don't think it means what you think it means.. lol I see this piece by floyd as a fusion - third stream piece - third stream is itself a fusion of jazz and contemporary (though usually neo-classical) classical music, with the fusion label tagged to it in the original sense of jazz-rock fusion.
This is from my absolute favourite Pink Floyd period when they also brought out Meddle. They were into experimental stuff at the time and it is exciting music. I love ths album.They started on the downward slope when they went commercial with DSotM. Apparently the name came from headline in a newspaper "Atom Heart Mother" who had a heart pacemaker supposedly atomically powered. I believe it was their manager who suggested the name when he saw the newspaper. So the music has nothing to do with anything to do with the name.
For me the "Atom Heart Mother" suite is a direct precursor to "Echoes", as well for the form or content and the way it was constructed (with a opening, then a theme at the beginning, a funky section in the middle and also a scary & stressful section that leads to the main theme). Even the two albums are built the same way. one side of each album has a long suite (on side 1 on Atom Heart Mother and side 2 on Meddle) and a few shorter songs on the other side. The "Atom Heart Mother" suite is more austere (and sometimes sad as in the theme on violin) while "Echoes" is brighter overall but the two have a certain similarity and i must say i have always loved these two suites ! For me this is where Pink Floyd was at its zenith with this mix of progressive, psychedelia and orchestral (it is the perfect mix between the Syd Barrett period and the dominant period of Roger Waters). Justin, you're absolutely right about the choir anticipating what Mike Oldfield will do a few years later, that's obvious!!!
Agree 100%.I would add.only this .Many ,including P.F.themselves are pointing "Echoes "as the "starting point "of the musical direction they were going to take.I don’t disagree.However I would start with "A.H.M. "There is an immense gap between "Ummagumma" and "A.H.M".
Agree 100%.I would add.only this .Many ,including P.F.themselves are pointing "Echoes "as the "starting point "of the musical direction they were going to take.I don’t disagree.However I would start with "A.H.M. "There is an immense gap between "Ummagumma" and "A.H.M".
Hearing this again makes me so nostalgic of that first acid trip with my friends back in high school in the early ‘70’s: watching 2001: A Space Odyssey at the movie theater followed by driving around for hours down deserted country roads in the misty darkness listening to Atom Heart Mother on the car’s 8 Track player. Good times.
Same here was 16 and riding on those country roads; long way to State College Pa. Tripped the whole time. Atom Heart will always be special. Sorry I hated it when DarkSide came out I considered it sell out to commercialization. Time Money etc did nothing for me.
Amigo,this is a fuuuuuucking masterpieeeeeeeeece(for my taste sure) ,the choir Is soooooooooo emotional.from Treviso Italy,the opening orchestra sound Is faaaaantastic,the entire track is maaaaaagic not a bullshit,and so "ummagumma" Is a great masterpiece and sure the live "Pink Floyd at Pompei Is faaaaantastic,not only there best Seller"the dark side of the Moon",thank to all people share my feelings
Back in the days this wasn't the song that you would play to a girl on a first date. It was for heavy users only. Kind of an Atom Heart -level thing. Now, after many years, it sounded actually very good and not so "difficult" anymore.
@@GareksApprentice don’t misunderstand.... the ‘sucking it up’ part would be to forgoe the Pink Floyd as date music. Of course Marvin Gaye is great and I was recalling how much MY girlfriend from back in the day loved Marvin Gaye, so he was the perfect ‘date’ music. I eventually got her into Yes and Topographic Oceans but that was later when we were ‘steady’. See?
I'm a big fan of this album, which was apparently plagued by production problems. The guy in charge of the orchestra was relatively inexperienced and the brass players in particular were quite uncooperative so the orchestral stuff is not as tight as it might have been. Apparently Deep Purple had similar problems with patronising behaviour from the orchestra when they did their Concerto. Fortunately, Jon Lord had done a good job with the parts and the prestigious cconductor Malcolm Arnold told the players exactly what he thought of them. Problem solved. However, I still prefer this to some of their later stuff. Good choice for a reaction.
Frank Zappa could always relate to these kinds of Orchestra problems. He often complained about how generally stuffy and elitist most players are. Or at least were back in the day. Now, orchestras and individual players jump at the chance to work with a pop group, because it not only proved to be lucrative, but also gave minor fame to a lot of players who otherwise would not have found it. Plus, it’s a whole new generation of orchestral musicians who grew up listening to this music, now.
ELO and ELP also had problems working with orchestras for the exact same reason: elitist musicians looking down their noses at rock groups and rock composers. Jeff Lynne, during the making of ELO's _Eldorado_ complained about the attitude of the orchestra they were working with to the musician's union and forced them to put their all into their work with the band. As jayburdification pointed out, things have improved with classical musicians working with rock and pop groups in the modern era. So that's definitely a good thing.
@@TheReaperMan275 It's interesting to compare the re recorded Jon Lord concerto where the orchestra are really tight and Lord was pleased with it because they played his music in time and up to speed.
In my opinion the best long epic track they ever did. I actually place it up there with other long tracks like "Close to the edge" and "Gates of Delirium" by YES , two of my other favorites.
As much as I love Pink Floyd and also this era of Pink Floyd I would have to respectfully disagree. This is an amazing epic but it doesnt quite reach the likes of Meddle, Close to the Edge, Gates and several others mostly from Yes and Rush that are masterpieces.
@@griffinconaway732 I'm inclined to agree, although it's all a bit apples and oranges in terms of comparison. The only thing AHM really has in common wit those other mentioned epics, is that it's quite long. The use of choirs and orchestrations sets it apart. Also in terms of musical complexity the likes of Yes and Rush were always way ahead of Floyd, but that's not a measure of quality necessarily, I understand that. Floyd had a different approach to making music, focusing more on atmosphere, and less use of odd time signatures, which is probably why they were generally more successful commercially. In any case I almost prefer AHM to Echoes, but my opinion is fairly dynamic and subject to frequent change!!
You asked if you were boring us at one point but honestly those nitty-gritties are what I'm subbed for. This and your reaction to Echoes were some of the most thorough and insightful analyses I've heard of any piece of music.
I really love the early pre-Dark Side PF, Justin. Saw your Meddle album, Interstellar Overdrive, Astronomy Domine, reactions, etc. Was a fan way before Dark Side of the Moon. DSOTM was THE big album that transformed PF from a very popular psychedelic/acid rock band into superstar status overnight. And all their albums afterward are just phenomenal. But many overlook their early works that led them to Dark Side and beyond, and it's cool you are checking them out. Have another pre-Dark Side for you to do, 'Obscured By Clouds' the one just before Dark Side. It's another awesome PF album that is soundtrack music for the French movie "La Vallée" (1973), an album (and movie perhaps) you definitely need to do when exploring early PF. Even though you've done Astronomy Domine off their first album including Syd Barrett, you really should do it from their 'Ummagumma' album done live with David Gilmour, and I believe it's the better of the two. And since you haven't heard it yet it would be a legitimate reaction vid to compare the two. And Ummagumma has a lot more newer material you should experience as well. ✌️😎 Just now finished watching and realize you're doing the first and title song suite, and not the whole album yet. Please continue with the following tracks and since you like the first song, it'll be fun to watch you react to the following ones. Justin, only progressive bands like Pink Floyd can have a sub-track ('d' or "IV") to this suite you did here called, "Funky Dung"! LOL!! 😁
When I first heard this,on cd, and out popped what I though was classical music ,I thought I had been sold a classical album! Having said that, In fact it is classical and experimental. it's ethereal, chill out music. Remember this was released at the start of progressive music. It does seem that the organ just repeatedly using the same groove like a drone, almost makes you listen to the sounds elsewhere on the track. I have been reacquainted with this track and will listen more to it,as I have sadly neglected it. I like it as an alternative to the more intense albums. If I remember rightly,there was a lady whom was given an implant for her heart(a pacemaker) which was described in a newspaper, as the Atom Heart for this mother.
Pink Floyd were struggling with this song during recording. How to put the pieces together. So they brought in a guy called Ron Geesin who was a bit of maverick in the recording studio. Geesin put together the sound montages which on first listen many people find it hard to process. I see that part as distant memories returning or echoes of a dream. Something like that.
I was just 15 when the older brother of a school friend saying “Terry doesn’t get this but I think you will” introduced me to this. I had heard some King Crimson (same source) but this was the first time I just sat and listened. I grew up, musically, that day. 1970-71 wow.
Just listened to your comment about Wright in the 'funky' section. This is one of the great strengths of him and Floyd in general. He is doing more than just accompanying - you are right that he adds little solo touches. But what is unarguable is that Wright is constantly LISTENING to Gilmour and reacting to him musically. He knows when to give space to the guitar and is totally unselfish in his playing. This is why Floyd were so unique amongst prog bands. They didn't have the technical chops of most of their contemporaries, but they had a musicality and deep understanding of ensemble that has stood the test of time.
In 1970 I was 16 and this was the very first Pink Floyd album I heard. To say it changed my life and outlook on music and life would be an understatement. To this day it holds a very special place. It would be a couple more years before DSOTM shot them internationally into the spotlight. How lucky to have lived thru such musical times. Thanks great video.
While it's not as known as the pieces from PF albums that made it to the "mainstream", like Dark Side and The Wall, among all their songs this one definitely rates among the very top. It's a transitional piece where they were trying new directions out of the Barret shadow, and it impacted everything that came later, but still it is, by itself, something very distinct. Not part of the past, not just a sign of the future, it stands out completely on its own. And it is absolutely terrific.
I'm pleased that you got it immediately and so viscerally. (I hope you will find time to backtrack to 'Ummagumma', at some point, another masterpiece that wasn't so appreciated in its time).
Nick Mason is one of my favorite drummers. He was a huge influence on me. I don’t listen to this one very often anymore. But I still love it. There’s a really good “live in the BBC studio” version recorded for radio.
if you don’t know, in pink Floyd’s compilation albums, there’s a lot of hidden unlistened treasures in there! Including 3 other versions of Atom Heart Mother, and a beautiful song called “Embryo”
This is one of my favourite Pink floyd songs ever its in my top 10, but what i find really annoying is how it gets overlooked. The band hate this song now, critics also dislike it and usually on every poll of every pink floyd song ranked it barely reaches past the top 100. (they have 167 recorded songs btw). I love it and the sections flow amazingly and the band do a really good job. Its their first big masterpiece of a song, before they made Echoes.
This is my favourite post Barrett Pink Floyd and as times is my over all favourite. It's just wonderfully unique and creative, This is a collaboration with composer Ron Geesin and for me it just knocks it out of the park. This is one of those pieces that has lived with me for a long time and just feels like a part of what makes great music for me.
So glad you listened to this great piece of music. Along with Echoes, it is a favourite. Floyd was going through a transition phase at the time of this album. They were morphing from a psychedelic rock band into progressive though there is much overlap. You can hear influences from the Beatles' experimental track No.9 off the White Album and the orchestral backing already used by bands like the Moody Blues. 1969 to 1975 was, IMO, the greatest period of progressive music.
I think AtomHeart Mother is brilliant. I'd heard that Echoes could not have been made without Atom Heart Mother. This was said by one of the band members but I dont remember which one. I do like the more chaotic parts too. To me the overlapping recapitulation of earlier parts ending with , "Silance in the Studio" puts me in mind of when an orchestra is tuning an making random sounds, and the conductor taps his baton then the orchestra is suddenly disciplined in the music they produce. Another chaotic piece they did that I enjoy is the studio version of "A Saucerful of Secrets" is has such a wonderful resolve. No doubt the experimental phase of Pink Floyd is underrated. Well, OK that may be my opinion, but I'm far from being alone. I was quite excited to see Atom Heart Mother on the thumbnail of your newest video. Thanks
I love this album it was the first floyd album that I owned, although their later work is obviously superior I still have a soft spot for it. I recently bought it again on 180 gram vinyl, best listened with headphones
As far as I know, this was the first time a 360 degrees sound system was introduced in a live concert. You could stand in the middle of the stadium ( they were playing stadiums then) and the motorcycle would travel from the back of you (right side) to the front of you (left side). This worked better with weed in your system... This album was one of my favorite "closet albums". So different, so wonderous...
Great Reflection and Reaction as usual. I kinda wished they would have explored more this style of Orchestral psychedelic Rock. What came after was great and all, but one or two more of these would have been so uniquely interesting. And you are not alone thinking its kinda stronger than echoes. You could cut echoes in half and you wouldn't lose as much as if you would the same with atom heart. There is so much happening here, with so many interesting ideas.
> _"All of the percussion was done in one independent sitting resulting in an inconsistent tempo from the choir or brass band._ Maybe it's me I didn't notice an inconsistent tempo." Yeah! I've never noticed where the orchestration & drumming clash. The main issue for me is the lack of sonic clarity on the drumming. The mixing got messed up as well for the main drum beat giving that muted sound as if underwater. For me, this track is the most pure fun. Not a wasted second. the theme is vague but resonant. It may not be as complex as all the chords and transitioning sounds on _Shine On You Crazy Diamond,_ or have the seamless flow of _Us & Them,_ but it's just something I can always go back to whether I want to think on it or just relax.
Cool dulcimer! You should get the hammer/mallet things for it too!!! Wowww what a good pick. You're so adventurous JP. I've always liked AHM a lot, it's great mood music. And so completely unexpected from Pink Floyd. I think I heard that at least some members of Pink Floyd looked back on it and thought it was pretentious--but I'm like, pshh, whatever guys lol, it's great. They're clearly doing a lot more than the old 'rock band backed by an orchestra whose sole purpose it to make plain rock music sound fancy' (something Oldfield was critical of around those days)--neither the rock band nor the orchestra could exist on their own here, they really blend, and each has its own times to shine. It's not quite as indistinguishably blended between rock band and orchestra as, say Oldfield (since that was like his very own innovation), but I find it very tasteful and I think there are some comparisons there. (Interesting side-note, Oldfield said The Wall was one of his favorite live music experiences--or maybe even his favorite.) I'll say though, I probably never go, 'Hm, I feel like listening to Pink Floyd. Oh how about Atom Heart Mother?' It's just a totally different mood of it's own. The rest of the album is a bit more conventional, a bit more folky, but still kind of a distinct phase of song-writing for them and worth checking out. But then there's Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast...now that's some real nice mood music :) Hmm, hmmmm... Just a thought: I'm wondering if this was influenced in part by Philip Glass? And if THIS had a special influence on Genesis? Cause think about how early this is--1970? The big big prog names were only just coming to be, and PF was joining them. What had come out by this time?--King Crimson's In the Court, maybe Poseidon, maybe ELP's debut? Probably some others I'm forgetting. But Yes and Genesis weren't really going full prog at this point. Also just ridiculous when you think about how /quickly/ progressive rock was developing, like how advanced they were getting in that short time--that's just a phenomenon I'd think musicologists will have to study, how such inspiration was allowed to flourish. Also just going on feeling here, but it would also make a lot of sense if Gilmour had an effect on Hackett's guitar playing--especially thinking of the clean guitar solo here.
No, you're not boring nor talking too much. Like some of the other comments, I like this magical piece absolutely astounding. There is so much there to unpack. I've been listening to this for about 50 years and never get tired of it. The space part; it's not random. It's like you say. Pushing the boundaries.
In 1973 my high school bud Tom (who introduced me to weed in 1970) was living in a fraternity next to U.C.L.A. and he said "come by" so I got on my bicycle and came by and he introduced me to Floyd with this album and lots of skunkweed. I was transfixed and forever a Pink Floyd fan.
Yes!!! Before Yes, before Mike Oldfield, before long format rock epics, and of course, before "Echos" This was the only true rock/ neo classical piece that took up an entire album side that was over 15 minutes!! Justin!! Great revenue on this one!! And have fun with your new Dulcimer!!
Majestic. I was wondering when you eventually would react to this epic track. You like space in music, so this is it. I assume that when it came out in 1970, at the beginning of Prog, it was a total blow. Keybords, bass, bluesy guitar, horns and strings: what's not to like? This is the Pink Floyd's track that I feel the strongest emotional connection to. And by the way, the cover is iconic.
Weather or not you are considering listening to the rest of the album, the next three tracks are all written by one member of the band. Roger get the next song “if” then to Wrights “Summer 68” then Gilmore gets “Fat Old Sun” In my opinion these tracks range from pretty good to decent. But the last song in the album entitled “Alan’s Psychedelic Breakfast” is in my top 5 Floyd tracks. I think it is one of their most experimental songs, and it is one that, even if you don’t plan on reacting to the rest of AHM, you should still listen to.
Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast... IMO, you either love it, hate it, or LYFAO listening to it. ...especially if listening to it after a hard night of partying.
If, summer ‘68, Fat old sun, and this one. Also guys if you don’t know, in pink Floyd’s compilation albums, there’s a lot of hidden unlistened treasures in there!
Tell you... Wikipedia did not exist when I first listened to this album in the 70s. Just read the album story there and a lot of information how on the recording was done for the first time on an 8-track. Not that I can tell difference how an album is recorded, taped and mastered but still interesting that 51 years after release I learn something new. As a song a musical story with a lot of orchestral and choir moments
Your analysis is really good. Atom Heart Mother came from their manager, who while in South America saw a news paper headline about an expectant mother who was getting a synthetic heart to save her life. Totally different to what you read but I'm sure this was in Nick Masons autobiography. The headline was Atom Heart Mother. The cow came from the late great Storm Thorgerson.
It was actually a headline from the London Evening Standard 16 July 1970 (in full it was 'Atom heart mother named'). The usual story is that the band were literally minutes away from broadcasting it from a BBC live performance theatre, and it still had no title (though a precursor to it had the working name of The Amazing Pudding). They looked through a newspaper that was sitting around in the dressing room to see if they could find a headline that they could use for the time being. They decided that Atom Heart Mother would do for now. The story was about a woman receiving a plutonium-powered pacemaker, which was very new technology at the time. She was a 56-year-old widow, so the pregnancy detail sounds a little unlikely. But she did have kids, which is plenty of reason to use 'mother' in the headline.
Judging by your face expressions, I thought you weren't impressed hahah. I'm glad you liked it. "Atom Heart Mother" is my favorite Pink Floyd album and the title track is, well, epic indeed. By the way, Justin, you're better than all rock critics combined!!! You always make me hear things I've never heard before in songs I've been listening to since forever! And, man, this video was fun!
Love, love, love. One of the discs I discovered through my older brother. Discovered it at the time I saw 2001: A space odyssey for the first time. I found that this track told more or less the same story than the movie.
All the orchestrations on this piece were by Ron Geesin, who also arranged some other musical "soundscapes" with Pink Floyd and with whom Roger Waters recorded the soundtrack to the movie "The Body".
Thanks for the great reaction, Justin. For me as a German there is a funny little section where the choir sings something that sounds like the German word "Wasserkrug"; they sing it four times. It means "water jar". By the way: I share birthday with Nick Mason (and with Mozart and Lewis Carroll, who wrote the two "Alice" books): Jan 27th. The choir certainly sounds as if the singers are doing some kind of magical incantation; perhaps some kind of summoning.
I love this and I enjoyed the in depth review too. I have a very strange documentary soundtrack LP by Roger Waters and Ron Geesin called Music from the Body. It was recorded up to and just after this was recorded, so Ron was already making music with Roger when Floyd started this. I'm glad that I've heard this again, thanks.
@@-davidolivares It's mostly strings and strange sounds. It was for a documentary about the body, probably the music matched the picture. It ends with a pretty good song "Give Birth To A Smile". Lick your Partner, Mrs; Throat Goes Walking and More Than 7 Dwarves in Penis Land are quite amusing too!
Great review Justin. So much to find in Floyd. But then 70s popular music is generally way ahead of later decades in terms of thought and depth. (Thete are exceptions obviously, but to a child of the 70s it just seems I was in the best days of popular music when all the progressive stuff was happening, not to mention the early days of metal. Birmingham in the 70s was a place to be, where I could see Floyd, Zeppelin, Steve Gibbons, Caravan, Roy Harper, Genesis, Yes, Sabbath ... the list is endless.)
Long time since I’ve heard this song. I’m a sucker for orchestras and rock and I guess that’s what I love about Prog. PF really were groundbreaking in their format, music and what their music said. Excellent analysis again and I always enjoy your perceptions and perspectives.
About 50 years since i heard this album for the first time. It`s just brilliant. I love it. I read somewhere, that PF for their self, where`nt satisfied whit this album. Unbelivieable.
In my teenage years my cousin and I often when out deep into the forest at nights with his telescope on our bikes. We find a high point so we had the whole stary sky above us. Watching the stars talking about life and where we came from.....UFO.......incarnation.....wow man, that was my education and not in school. He brought a small tape recorder with him and this was one of the songs on the tape. Can you imagine....a dark night in the middle of the forest far away from everybody, only the sky (and this song).........I'm forever thankfull to my cousin that took me along.
I see Pink Floyd, I click...and usually hit 'like' and with Atom Heart Mother, I instantly hit like!! What a beautiful piece of music! It was the precursor to Echoes (which is my #1 PF track), it bore so many elements that became Floyd standards over the next number of albums, and some that were never revisited again! Great reaction to a masterpiece of a creation! Not sure if you're continuing on with others from this album, but the songs 'If', 'Summer '68' & 'Fat Old Sun' are must listens!! Cheers.
Hey JP, don't know if you noticed it in your research but the role of composer Ron Geesin is incredibly important to how this all turned out.(Edit:apparently you did your research properly)
I remember buying this album a few years after its release ! My initial thoughts as to the title, the picture of the cow and of course some of the sound effects made me think of the prospect of Atomic war which at that time early seventies was a major worry The cow feeding on the contaminated grass and therefore being in the food chain in terms of milk or meat
I clicked this, knowing and loveing so well. Thought I would listen to the start and then skip to your reaction. Impossible. this is a journey you cannot jump off. Heard it 100s of times over 50 years but still hear something new. raw, compared to Echoes and I can understand why the band downplay it, but I think they do themselves a disservice.
Justin, just loved your interpretation of this song. You have great insight. Even though Pink Floyd never liked this album you can clearly see their progression in music and different sounds which start to appear in Meddle and DSOTM. So, I believe it is a very important album displaying their transition in music style. An album not to be dismissed. The other thing I immediately felt with the album was that Pink Floyd were not afraid to be experimental and there is a clear acknowledgement of the same experiments that the Beatles had with their music.
@@JustJP Thank you Justin. Keep playing different music. The world's your oyster. I am just happy to have been able to see Pink Floyd 'live' to experience the visual and sound sensations that they brought to the music industry.
Originally the working title of the song was "Untitled Epic" later it changed to "The Amazing Pudding", but at the time they made the final cut of the song Waters saw an article about a pregnant woman who had been fitted with a heart pacemaker, and the headline was "Atom Heart Mother Named..." so that's where the title of the song came.
You should watch the live version from KQED SF. It’s a four piece version with David and Rick singing the vocal harmonies and has a great Farfisa organ solo. It’s a nice companion to the album version.
When I listened to this song for the first time, I didn't make it to the end, but then I was fresh when it comes to Pink Floyd's music, but after some time I played this song again, I fell in love with it, I will not hide that I was in a smoke so the reception of this song was multiplied. This psychedelic part of the song plays amazingly in the head, just like the whole song.
Love playing this on the cello. I was playing it in class the other day and my teacher asked me if I was playing George Frideric Handel and I said nope it's Pink Floyd
I can't separate this from my early years. This was important to me then because it was a bridge for me, and led me to classical music. I still love it, and I find it very moving.
Atom Heart Mother is wonderful for it's use of horns and choirs. To me Echoes is a much better trip. Title is based on a news story about a woman that had an atomic powered pacemaker for her heart. The chanting reminds me of the band Magma (look that up).
3 years later First I like your backdrop. It's kind of like sitting on the other side of the room Back in 1970. Had to laugh when before you started you said it had no lyrics. First heard Floyd in 68. Endless fortunate enough to go to five of their concerts. One of those was twice, a Encore concert the following night. I do believe I have everything they have recorded on vinyl. And 8tracks as well. Adam Hart was the first time they recorded in quadraphonics. At the time you need it either a special stylist or 8-track. I have to say though it sounds even better on the surround.lol This is my favorite of Pink Floyd. It's my go-to when I want to relax. It's probably been listening to about equally as much as Uma Guma. And they both have all others beat. Don't know if you I seen this performed yet? There are two orchestras bet you can find doing this. What is directed by Gleason. And there is Trinity Orchestra. They both had the full choir as well. Trinity is the one that sticks out in my head. Orchestra plays all parts and doesn't miss a note. Their electric guitar player matches Gilmore. I've seen other orchestras perform but I've never seen happier musicians then the ones performing this suite. What I found most interesting was the piano player plucking her piano like guitar. 🚜🤠🐂
Atom Heart Mother absolutely blew me away when I first heard it many years ago. For a time it was probably my favorite PF piece but over time it began to grow stale. I will still give it a listen every now and then. Great to see someone's first time reaction to this one. Quite refreshing in fact.
I consider this and Procol Harum’s “In Held ‘Twas In I” to be the first Symph-Prog sidelong epics, even though neither one of them can be accurately classified as symphonic prog. More like proto-symph-prog lol. 1969 was a transitional year in so many ways, musically. So many genres officially began that year.
I love this album. It's my favorite of the pre DSOTM albums. The rest of the album is good too but becomes weaker with closing tune, "Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast". This album is great late night listening. "Fat Old Sun" sounds even better live. "If" is a good ballad. I especially like Wright's song, "Summer '68".
Finally! I just love this song, even Knowing that the band thinks that it has little influence on their later work. It doesn't matter to me. I think it's great, epic and sutil as the same time. A masterpiece!
Ron Geesin paid a visit to the Art College I was at, about 1971 or 1972 I think. A very entertaining & memorable event in the lecture theatre where at one point he went around the place with a pair of drumsticks getting different sounds/rhythms by striking anything he could find. Particularly remember a ventilation grille inspiring him! Knew of his involvement with the Floyd so made sure I went along.
I’m surprised to see how many positive comments there are here as it’s often rated as one of the band’s poorer albums. I have to say I love it and was lucky enough to see it performed live in Hyde Park in (I think) 1970. Over the years even the members of PF have criticised it, maybe because they ended up effectively as a backing band for the orchestra and chorus. Ron Geesin has written a book about his experience of making the recording.
I saw the Atom Heart Mother tour in 1971. They played this to start then played the whole Umma Gumma album. The place only held around 2000 people, perfect acoustics. It was the equivalent of going from class A to the major leagues as far as concerts went!
I love the chord progression of this song so much. I remember how happy I was when I figured out what chords were being played. They are unique to say the least. I did notice that there are only 2 repeated over and over. Gm to C. Frank Zappa wrote a tune about them called Variations On The Carlos Santana Secret Chord Progression soloing over Gm and C.
I have mixed feelings about this one. I mean, I respect it for being released before both "Echoes" and "Supper's Ready", and I think the main theme (or the cello melody) is wonderfully evocative and weirdly catchy. Not to mention that the choral section is pleasingly dissonant. But as a complete piece, it definitely feels a bit patchy. It's like they had a few pieces that had nowhere else to go, and so they hammered and glued them all together as best they could. But then it got so long that they thought they might as well extend the thing into a full side of an LP. So they just jammed and experimented "stuff" and threw that into the mix as well. And hey presto! The result was 5 minutes of greatness and 18 minutes of "get on with it...". And I also hate the mix. The drums sound as if they were recorded in a tiny box...
@@rondegroot1508 Yeah. I heard Gilmour say in an interview that he thinks it's a mishmash. I still like it, though. It's just not as cohesive as their later stuff.
Again, an artist friend pretty much had all the PF albums and this one looked cool but, was heard very little, maybe once, twice over the years I hung out. I’d forgotten how strange it was, I get it now. Very neato. I just woke up, no coffee yet, the music of my dreams is what it felt like. Now, you... I think you loved it, it blew you away cuz, it did me. Ok, I paused and went to make coffee and got distracted by my new breakfast bars... went back to sit down and listen, then you say get some snacks or coffee, so I got back up, made some brew and returned. Ok, proceed maestro... My initial thoughts on the song was a weird dreamy symphonic piece that melded with my dream state I just woke from. Where it stands next to the other PF masterpieces, it has risen to be an equal facet of the PF crazy diamond, shine on... As far as the noise section: What I think you thought or think? At the time... this is interesting. Now, probably you think it’s a nice almost random paint stroke that you didn’t know it needed. I agree. Yes, the ending, the weed pushes it’s way through the pavement...Tull... Yes, it’s epic. Great choice, Won’t ask for you know who yet but I want to, Oh, and congrats on the electric dulcimer. Pretty sweet. Perhaps a three or four string cigar box guitar next? Which would take slide also, dulcimer slide? Peace and dream state Music
One of my favorite moments in all of Rock *** "Silence in the Studio!" *** It is like the climax of that weed growing through the sidewalk. There are several versions of this live, if you are interested. Both with full orchestra, (conducted by Ron Geeson, no less), and stripped down version by excellent cover bands. Certainly worthwhile. Thank you for another deep dive into the music that changed my life.
Again thanks JP. I have the album but havent listened it for 20 years. I didn't like it (I'm not a Pink Floyd fan), but your explanations put another light on this. And now I must admit this is a great piece of music.
Back in high school (just pre-Wall), I often cited this as my favorite Floyd piece. Partially it's because it's difficult listening music, and I was a bit of a snob (sad truth), but also because I thought it was worth it. It both asks a lot of attention from you as a listener, and really rewards that attention when given. But as someone else said, this wasn't date music or casual music, and wasn't something I'd actually recommend to unprepared listeners. You, on the other hand, I hoped would get it. And since I really hadn't sat down and listened to it more than half a dozen times in the last 30 years, I'm glad I did take time to rediscover it here with you.
Justin.I have been asking you this for a longtime.What an open mind and intelligent review.Maybe the best to this point.This piece was my introduction to Pink Floyd almost 50 years ago,and probably still my favourite from P.F. even so, being an unconditional P.F. fan,It is hard to choose.Now picture this: A young men,open to classical,Opera,blues,Jazz ,contemporary and rock music,but trapped only with the habitual rock because that was what friends liked.And one night ,from nowhere in a cozy relaxing room and music listening session,someone put this piece.A Revelation!.It had everything and more than I was expecting from music.I thank you kindly Justin.You are the best.
@@JustJP I am sorry Justin but this time was Arthur,Elaine's husband who commented,but in the music world me and Elaine ,agree on everything.Both of us ,together ,we have been followed your work with a great pleasure.It was rude of my part not having introduced myself and for that ,I apologize.
By the way Justin.Having been a Classical Piano player and teacher for many years but retired now,(I only play for my plaisir and my husband ),I have become intrigued by Dulcimers.In the last couple weeks I was searching to acquire one (if télépathie exist,this is a good example ).May I ask you where did you purchase yours?I will understand if you prefer keeping that for you.Not a problem at all.Thank you kindly.
What a master piece. Even after so many years have passed since listening to it for the first time. Great stuff. I remember, it left (and still leaves) me emptied and in the same time filled up with emotions, strange mixture.
For a long time, I treated this as a minor work by Pink Floyd of no interest, if compared to their major albums such as Meddle. Now hearing it as if for the first time, I can better appreciate the clever and skillful writing and arrangement. "Atom Heart Mother" to me presents itself as a long and sustained Prelude. And with horns, chorus and strings, no less. A beautiful Prelude by itself.
Thanks and congratulations for your excellent analysis. This is by far the best reaction video I’ve seen to date. It’s refreshing to come across someone who not only engages with a piece of music, but takes the trouble to explore it in depth. And let’s face it, Floyd’s music deserves that kind of attention. I particularly enjoyed your analysis of the title, suggesting that the track is a kind of ‘travelogue of life’. This may not have been entirely intentional on Floyd’s part, but it reflects the breadth of vision and depth of intelligence that they brought to their work and the creative level at which they were working. I’ve been listening to AHM since the early 70s and I still enjoy it immensely, for all the reasons you mention and more. I was once walking past a record shop in downtown Sydney, appropriately called Warped Records, and AHM was wafting out in the street. It’s moments like that that enhance a life. For me, the track is full of passages and moments that get my juices going and take me to worlds both strange and familiar. It’s essentially a medley, as is Echoes (hence the title ‘Meddle’, presumably), but the tracks coalesce into a coherent whole despite the huge range of styles. I read somewhere that the ‘main theme’ of AHM was originally written as the soundtrack for a Western, but the soundtrack didn’t happen for some reason. In a way that’s a pity, because it’s a brilliant Western theme. Also, I’ve always thought that the first soprano voices were boy sopranos rather than women, but I may be wrong about this. I do have some reservations about the track. As others have pointed out, the production quality is shaky in places, which may be partly why the band themselves were never happy with it. And while it’s a great ‘ride’, I don’t find it as emotionally moving as later works like Echoes and Shine On. While Floyd experimented with and drew inspiration from a huge range of musical styles, one thing that never seems to get mentioned is that there’s a spiritual component to some of their best music; there are passages and moments that evoke sacredness. I’m inclined to feel that much of this was largely due to Wright. But Gilmour and Wright shared a deep understanding, and it comes out in Gilmour’s playing as well, and infuses the whole music. There are fragments of this sacredness in AHM (not least the choir passage), but they lack the clarity and beauty and force of some of their later work. Like you, I think the ‘Remergence’ section is brilliant. ‘Mind your throats please’ reminds me of a nightmare I once had under bad anaesthetic; Remergence brings us back to the light and to a triumphant ending. Thanks again, and I look forward to watching your reaction to Echoes.
Great analysis, and great way to bring me new perspectives on a piece I've listened to thousands of times. I'm a bit surprised by how much you like it, though. Comparing it to Echoes is unavoidable. On this, the band needed help and got it right. On Echoes, they found their own ways and did it by themselves. Echoes would never have existed without this. This was the real breakthrough.
"SILENCE IN THE STUDIO!" (21:20) was Geesin just about to lose patience with the brass ensemble (he says they're a very "unique" kind). I'm glad they kept it on tape! What a great way to start a Saturday. Thanks for this! P.S. Here's a stunning live cover: ruclips.net/video/gFzQmz3SK6I/видео.html
Listened to this quite a long time ago. But now listening to it again I hear so much more. So many themes and variations that I did not fully appreciate in my younger years. A fantastic song.
The cow on the shelf. It was there all along and now it makes sense
😉
Adds to the mooood. sorry.
@@-davidolivares I don't think you need to apologize. You're clever and made me laugh out loud! Thanks!
But Justin, you should have faced it the other way to match the cow on the album cover!
I prefer this album to The Wall and this has always been a summery album to me.
Summery--that's a great description for this whole album.
The wall is a commercial joke
Shut up!!!
One of my fave Pink Floyd tracks. I'm a sucker for long, ambient tracks. It's so interesting to hear an almost story being told through just instruments and no lyrics
Completely agree!
I love long songs. 10 minutes is too short in my book.
Yes! I like this kind of ambience as well, so its right up my alley
"ambient"
You keep using that word but I don't think it means what you think it means..
lol
I see this piece by floyd as a fusion - third stream piece - third stream is itself a fusion of jazz and contemporary (though usually neo-classical) classical music, with the fusion label tagged to it in the original sense of jazz-rock fusion.
@@shacharh5470 The ambience in this comment is present in this comment.
Bought this album 50 years ago and it still sounds great.
I was 2 😬
@@jayburdification I was -32
Me too. It was my first Pink Floyd album. I bought it because I liked the album cover. And it’s still my favorite from their catalog.
This is from my absolute favourite Pink Floyd period when they also brought out Meddle. They were into experimental stuff at the time and it is exciting music. I love ths album.They started on the downward slope when they went commercial with DSotM. Apparently the name came from headline in a newspaper "Atom Heart Mother" who had a heart pacemaker supposedly atomically powered. I believe it was their manager who suggested the name when he saw the newspaper. So the music has nothing to do with anything to do with the name.
I forgot about the pacemaker thing. I like Justin‘s interpretation better lol
Do you really believe their greatest albums was a downward slope? Such an odd take.
i got some real love for Meddle and AHM but calling DSotM and the three following albums below par is criminal
For me the "Atom Heart Mother" suite is a direct precursor to "Echoes", as well for the form or content and the way it was constructed (with a opening, then a theme at the beginning, a funky section in the middle and also a scary & stressful section that leads to the main theme). Even the two albums are built the same way. one side of each album has a long suite (on side 1 on Atom Heart Mother and side 2 on Meddle) and a few shorter songs on the other side.
The "Atom Heart Mother" suite is more austere (and sometimes sad as in the theme on violin) while "Echoes" is brighter overall but the two have a certain similarity and i must say i have always loved these two suites ! For me this is where Pink Floyd was at its zenith with this mix of progressive, psychedelia and orchestral (it is the perfect mix between the Syd Barrett period and the dominant period of Roger Waters).
Justin, you're absolutely right about the choir anticipating what Mike Oldfield will do a few years later, that's obvious!!!
Agree 100%.I would add.only this .Many ,including P.F.themselves are pointing "Echoes "as the "starting point "of the musical direction they were going to take.I don’t disagree.However I would start with "A.H.M. "There is an immense gap between "Ummagumma" and "A.H.M".
Agree 100%.I would add.only this .Many ,including P.F.themselves are pointing "Echoes "as the "starting point "of the musical direction they were going to take.I don’t disagree.However I would start with "A.H.M. "There is an immense gap between "Ummagumma" and "A.H.M".
Have you ever heard the song “Embryo” from their compilation albums?? I’d consider that one of their very lesser known precursor songs
Floyd at their creative peak. Side 2 is even better. I like marmalade.
Marmalade...I like marmalade...
(and apple pie, without the crust...)
Hearing this again makes me so nostalgic of that first acid trip with my friends back in high school in the early ‘70’s: watching 2001: A Space Odyssey at the movie theater followed by driving around for hours down deserted country roads in the misty darkness listening to Atom Heart Mother on the car’s 8 Track player. Good times.
Same here was 16 and riding on those country roads; long way to State College Pa. Tripped the whole time. Atom Heart will always be special. Sorry I hated it when DarkSide came out I considered it sell out to commercialization. Time Money etc did nothing for me.
I love this track. Its ashame its largely under appreciated, especially by the band who don't like it at all.
Amigo,this is a fuuuuuucking masterpieeeeeeeeece(for my taste sure) ,the choir Is soooooooooo emotional.from Treviso Italy,the opening orchestra sound Is faaaaantastic,the entire track is maaaaaagic not a bullshit,and so "ummagumma" Is a great masterpiece and sure the live "Pink Floyd at Pompei Is faaaaantastic,not only there best Seller"the dark side of the Moon",thank to all people share my feelings
Back in the days this wasn't the song that you would play to a girl on a first date. It was for heavy users only. Kind of an Atom Heart -level thing. Now, after many years, it sounded actually very good and not so "difficult" anymore.
I find it downright accessible. Always have. But then again, I like avant-prog. Always have.
Yeah, it definitely would not be your choice for date music. That’s when you suck it up and put on a little Marvin Gaye.
@@glenndespres5317 "Suck it up"? Marvin Gaye is great
@@GareksApprentice don’t misunderstand.... the ‘sucking it up’ part would be to forgoe the Pink Floyd as date music. Of course Marvin Gaye is great and I was recalling how much MY girlfriend from back in the day loved Marvin Gaye, so he was the perfect ‘date’ music. I eventually got her into Yes and Topographic Oceans but that was later when we were ‘steady’. See?
I'm a big fan of this album, which was apparently plagued by production problems. The guy in charge of the orchestra was relatively inexperienced and the brass players in particular were quite uncooperative so the orchestral stuff is not as tight as it might have been. Apparently Deep Purple had similar problems with patronising behaviour from the orchestra when they did their Concerto. Fortunately, Jon Lord had done a good job with the parts and the prestigious cconductor Malcolm Arnold told the players exactly what he thought of them. Problem solved.
However, I still prefer this to some of their later stuff. Good choice for a reaction.
Frank Zappa could always relate to these kinds of Orchestra problems. He often complained about how generally stuffy and elitist most players are. Or at least were back in the day. Now, orchestras and individual players jump at the chance to work with a pop group, because it not only proved to be lucrative, but also gave minor fame to a lot of players who otherwise would not have found it. Plus, it’s a whole new generation of orchestral musicians who grew up listening to this music, now.
ELO and ELP also had problems working with orchestras for the exact same reason: elitist musicians looking down their noses at rock groups and rock composers. Jeff Lynne, during the making of ELO's _Eldorado_ complained about the attitude of the orchestra they were working with to the musician's union and forced them to put their all into their work with the band. As jayburdification pointed out, things have improved with classical musicians working with rock and pop groups in the modern era. So that's definitely a good thing.
Sometimes great work comes out of creative tensions.
imagine looking down on pink floyd as a musician lol, what would that make you then? brain dead snobs
@@TheReaperMan275 It's interesting to compare the re recorded Jon Lord concerto where the orchestra are really tight and Lord was pleased with it because they played his music in time and up to speed.
In my opinion the best long epic track they ever did. I actually place it up there with other long tracks like "Close to the edge" and "Gates of Delirium" by YES , two of my other favorites.
As much as I love Pink Floyd and also this era of Pink Floyd I would have to respectfully disagree. This is an amazing epic but it doesnt quite reach the likes of Meddle, Close to the Edge, Gates and several others mostly from Yes and Rush that are masterpieces.
I like it better than Meddle, slightly but, PF albums move up and down in preference order. May change tomorrow...
@@griffinconaway732 I'm inclined to agree, although it's all a bit apples and oranges in terms of comparison. The only thing AHM really has in common wit those other mentioned epics, is that it's quite long. The use of choirs and orchestrations sets it apart. Also in terms of musical complexity the likes of Yes and Rush were always way ahead of Floyd, but that's not a measure of quality necessarily, I understand that. Floyd had a different approach to making music, focusing more on atmosphere, and less use of odd time signatures, which is probably why they were generally more successful commercially. In any case I almost prefer AHM to Echoes, but my opinion is fairly dynamic and subject to frequent change!!
You asked if you were boring us at one point but honestly those nitty-gritties are what I'm subbed for. This and your reaction to Echoes were some of the most thorough and insightful analyses I've heard of any piece of music.
Appreciate that Justin, sometimes I feel like I'm just rambling on lol
I really love the early pre-Dark Side PF, Justin. Saw your Meddle album, Interstellar Overdrive, Astronomy Domine, reactions, etc. Was a fan way before Dark Side of the Moon. DSOTM was THE big album that transformed PF from a very popular psychedelic/acid rock band into superstar status overnight. And all their albums afterward are just phenomenal. But many overlook their early works that led them to Dark Side and beyond, and it's cool you are checking them out. Have another pre-Dark Side for you to do, 'Obscured By Clouds' the one just before Dark Side. It's another awesome PF album that is soundtrack music for the French movie "La Vallée" (1973), an album (and movie perhaps) you definitely need to do when exploring early PF. Even though you've done Astronomy Domine off their first album including Syd Barrett, you really should do it from their 'Ummagumma' album done live with David Gilmour, and I believe it's the better of the two. And since you haven't heard it yet it would be a legitimate reaction vid to compare the two. And Ummagumma has a lot more newer material you should experience as well. ✌️😎 Just now finished watching and realize you're doing the first and title song suite, and not the whole album yet. Please continue with the following tracks and since you like the first song, it'll be fun to watch you react to the following ones. Justin, only progressive bands like Pink Floyd can have a sub-track ('d' or "IV") to this suite you did here called, "Funky Dung"! LOL!! 😁
Ty Marx! I'll likely continue through 😄
animals is probably my favourite album.
When I first heard this,on cd, and out popped what I though was classical music ,I thought I had been sold a classical album! Having said that, In fact it is classical and experimental. it's ethereal, chill out music. Remember this was released at the start of progressive music.
It does seem that the organ just repeatedly using the same groove like a drone, almost makes you listen to the sounds elsewhere on the track.
I have been reacquainted with this track and will listen more to it,as I have sadly neglected it. I like it as an alternative to the more intense albums.
If I remember rightly,there was a lady whom was given an implant for her heart(a pacemaker) which was described in a newspaper, as the Atom Heart for this mother.
I know, right?
Pink Floyd were struggling with this song during recording. How to put the pieces together. So they brought in a guy called Ron Geesin who was a bit of maverick in the recording studio. Geesin put together the sound montages which on first listen many people find it hard to process. I see that part as distant memories returning or echoes of a dream. Something like that.
I like the Atom Heart Mother/Meddle/Obscured by Clouds era better than the more popular Dark Side/Wish You Were Here/Animals era.
I like most of the pink floyd era except maybe the reform the quality tapered off when waters left. Although I still enjoy division bells
Also known as " Theme For An Imaginary Western", or, "The Amazing Pudding."
Now that you're at this album, try Summer '68
If I have to pick the the standout track, it's this one.
And also IF
Yes!
One of my favourite tracks from Pink Floyd (written & sung by Richard Wright) with a certain Beatles feel !
The rest of the album
I was just 15 when the older brother of a school friend saying “Terry doesn’t get this but I think you will” introduced me to this. I had heard some King Crimson (same source) but this was the first time I just sat and listened. I grew up, musically, that day. 1970-71 wow.
Just listened to your comment about Wright in the 'funky' section. This is one of the great strengths of him and Floyd in general. He is doing more than just accompanying - you are right that he adds little solo touches. But what is unarguable is that Wright is constantly LISTENING to Gilmour and reacting to him musically. He knows when to give space to the guitar and is totally unselfish in his playing. This is why Floyd were so unique amongst prog bands. They didn't have the technical chops of most of their contemporaries, but they had a musicality and deep understanding of ensemble that has stood the test of time.
In 1970 I was 16 and this was the very first Pink Floyd album I heard. To say it changed my life and outlook on music and life would be an understatement. To this day it holds a very special place. It would be a couple more years before DSOTM shot them internationally into the spotlight. How lucky to have lived thru such musical times. Thanks great video.
While it's not as known as the pieces from PF albums that made it to the "mainstream", like Dark Side and The Wall, among all their songs this one definitely rates among the very top. It's a transitional piece where they were trying new directions out of the Barret shadow, and it impacted everything that came later, but still it is, by itself, something very distinct. Not part of the past, not just a sign of the future, it stands out completely on its own. And it is absolutely terrific.
@Dahak
Your comment sums up this track perfectly. You couldn't have said it any better imo.
I'm pleased that you got it immediately and so viscerally. (I hope you will find time to backtrack to 'Ummagumma', at some point, another masterpiece that wasn't so appreciated in its time).
Ummagumma... yes please.
@@-davidolivares Ummagumma is so underrated, its what those days and PF is all about......experimenting
Ummagumma is my fave
Thanks for reacting to this Pink Floyd masterpiece.
Nick Mason is one of my favorite drummers. He was a huge influence on me.
I don’t listen to this one very often anymore. But I still love it.
There’s a really good “live in the BBC studio” version recorded for radio.
if you don’t know, in pink Floyd’s compilation albums, there’s a lot of hidden unlistened treasures in there! Including 3 other versions of Atom Heart Mother, and a beautiful song called “Embryo”
This is one of my favourite Pink floyd songs ever its in my top 10, but what i find really annoying is how it gets overlooked. The band hate this song now, critics also dislike it and usually on every poll of every pink floyd song ranked it barely reaches past the top 100. (they have 167 recorded songs btw). I love it and the sections flow amazingly and the band do a really good job. Its their first big masterpiece of a song, before they made Echoes.
This is my favourite post Barrett Pink Floyd and as times is my over all favourite. It's just wonderfully unique and creative, This is a collaboration with composer Ron Geesin and for me it just knocks it out of the park. This is one of those pieces that has lived with me for a long time and just feels like a part of what makes great music for me.
Great pick, I’ve listen to this numerous times and gives me chills every time
You did it, fantastic. This is my second favourite song of all time. Fat Old Sun is my favourite which I'm sure we'll be hearing soon.
So glad you listened to this great piece of music. Along with Echoes, it is a favourite.
Floyd was going through a transition phase at the time of this album. They were morphing from a psychedelic rock band into progressive though there is much overlap. You can hear influences from the Beatles' experimental track No.9 off the White Album and the orchestral backing already used by bands like the Moody Blues. 1969 to 1975 was, IMO, the greatest period of progressive music.
I think AtomHeart Mother is brilliant. I'd heard that Echoes could not have been made without Atom Heart Mother. This was said by one of the band members but I dont remember which one. I do like the more chaotic parts too. To me the overlapping recapitulation of earlier parts ending with , "Silance in the Studio" puts me in mind of when an orchestra is tuning an making random sounds, and the conductor taps his baton then the orchestra is suddenly disciplined in the music they produce. Another chaotic piece they did that I enjoy is the studio version of "A Saucerful of Secrets" is has such a wonderful resolve. No doubt the experimental phase of Pink Floyd is underrated. Well, OK that may be my opinion, but I'm far from being alone. I was quite excited to see Atom Heart Mother on the thumbnail of your newest video. Thanks
I love this album it was the first floyd album that I owned, although their later work is obviously superior I still have a soft spot for it. I recently bought it again on 180 gram vinyl, best listened with headphones
As far as I know, this was the first time a 360 degrees sound system was introduced in a live concert. You could stand in the middle of the stadium ( they were playing stadiums then) and the motorcycle would travel from the back of you (right side) to the front of you (left side).
This worked better with weed in your system...
This album was one of my favorite "closet albums". So different, so wonderous...
Great Reflection and Reaction as usual.
I kinda wished they would have explored more this style of Orchestral psychedelic Rock. What came after was great and all, but one or two more of these would have been so uniquely interesting.
And you are not alone thinking its kinda stronger than echoes. You could cut echoes in half and you wouldn't lose as much as if you would the same with atom heart.
There is so much happening here, with so many interesting ideas.
Takes me back to my college days. Ah, the memories....
> _"All of the percussion was done in one independent sitting resulting in an inconsistent tempo from the choir or brass band._ Maybe it's me I didn't notice an inconsistent tempo." Yeah! I've never noticed where the orchestration & drumming clash. The main issue for me is the lack of sonic clarity on the drumming.
The mixing got messed up as well for the main drum beat giving that muted sound as if underwater.
For me, this track is the most pure fun. Not a wasted second. the theme is vague but resonant. It may not be as complex as all the chords and transitioning sounds on _Shine On You Crazy Diamond,_ or have the seamless flow of _Us & Them,_ but it's just something I can always go back to whether I want to think on it or just relax.
Cool dulcimer! You should get the hammer/mallet things for it too!!!
Wowww what a good pick. You're so adventurous JP. I've always liked AHM a lot, it's great mood music. And so completely unexpected from Pink Floyd. I think I heard that at least some members of Pink Floyd looked back on it and thought it was pretentious--but I'm like, pshh, whatever guys lol, it's great. They're clearly doing a lot more than the old 'rock band backed by an orchestra whose sole purpose it to make plain rock music sound fancy' (something Oldfield was critical of around those days)--neither the rock band nor the orchestra could exist on their own here, they really blend, and each has its own times to shine. It's not quite as indistinguishably blended between rock band and orchestra as, say Oldfield (since that was like his very own innovation), but I find it very tasteful and I think there are some comparisons there.
(Interesting side-note, Oldfield said The Wall was one of his favorite live music experiences--or maybe even his favorite.)
I'll say though, I probably never go, 'Hm, I feel like listening to Pink Floyd. Oh how about Atom Heart Mother?' It's just a totally different mood of it's own. The rest of the album is a bit more conventional, a bit more folky, but still kind of a distinct phase of song-writing for them and worth checking out. But then there's Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast...now that's some real nice mood music :)
Hmm, hmmmm... Just a thought: I'm wondering if this was influenced in part by Philip Glass? And if THIS had a special influence on Genesis? Cause think about how early this is--1970? The big big prog names were only just coming to be, and PF was joining them. What had come out by this time?--King Crimson's In the Court, maybe Poseidon, maybe ELP's debut? Probably some others I'm forgetting. But Yes and Genesis weren't really going full prog at this point. Also just ridiculous when you think about how /quickly/ progressive rock was developing, like how advanced they were getting in that short time--that's just a phenomenon I'd think musicologists will have to study, how such inspiration was allowed to flourish. Also just going on feeling here, but it would also make a lot of sense if Gilmour had an effect on Hackett's guitar playing--especially thinking of the clean guitar solo here.
No, you're not boring nor talking too much. Like some of the other comments, I like this magical piece absolutely astounding. There is so much there to unpack. I've been listening to this for about 50 years and never get tired of it.
The space part; it's not random. It's like you say. Pushing the boundaries.
In 1973 my high school bud Tom (who introduced me to weed in 1970) was living in a fraternity next to U.C.L.A. and he said "come by" so I got on my bicycle and came by and he introduced me to Floyd with this album and lots of skunkweed. I was transfixed and forever a Pink Floyd fan.
Yes!!! Before Yes, before Mike Oldfield, before long format rock epics, and of course, before "Echos" This was the only true rock/ neo classical piece that took up an entire album side that was over 15 minutes!! Justin!! Great revenue on this one!! And have fun with your new Dulcimer!!
Majestic. I was wondering when you eventually would react to this epic track. You like space in music, so this is it. I assume that when it came out in 1970, at the beginning of Prog, it was a total blow. Keybords, bass, bluesy guitar, horns and strings: what's not to like? This is the Pink Floyd's track that I feel the strongest emotional connection to. And by the way, the cover is iconic.
Wow, this is my first time hearing this. I would never had guessed Pink Floyd, until the guitar kicked in. VERY NICE!
Weather or not you are considering listening to the rest of the album, the next three tracks are all written by one member of the band. Roger get the next song “if” then to Wrights “Summer 68” then Gilmore gets “Fat Old Sun” In my opinion these tracks range from pretty good to decent. But the last song in the album entitled “Alan’s Psychedelic Breakfast” is in my top 5 Floyd tracks. I think it is one of their most experimental songs, and it is one that, even if you don’t plan on reacting to the rest of AHM, you should still listen to.
Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast...
IMO, you either love it, hate it, or LYFAO listening to it.
...especially if listening to it after a hard night of partying.
If, summer ‘68, Fat old sun, and this one. Also guys if you don’t know, in pink Floyd’s compilation albums, there’s a lot of hidden unlistened treasures in there!
Tell you... Wikipedia did not exist when I first listened to this album in the 70s. Just read the album story there and a lot of information how on the recording was done for the first time on an 8-track. Not that I can tell difference how an album is recorded, taped and mastered but still interesting that 51 years after release I learn something new. As a song a musical story with a lot of orchestral and choir moments
Your analysis is really good. Atom Heart Mother came from their manager, who while in South America saw a news paper headline about an expectant mother who was getting a synthetic heart to save her life. Totally different to what you read but I'm sure this was in Nick Masons autobiography. The headline was Atom Heart Mother. The cow came from the late great Storm Thorgerson.
Ty moogle!
It was actually a headline from the London Evening Standard 16 July 1970 (in full it was 'Atom heart mother named'). The usual story is that the band were literally minutes away from broadcasting it from a BBC live performance theatre, and it still had no title (though a precursor to it had the working name of The Amazing Pudding). They looked through a newspaper that was sitting around in the dressing room to see if they could find a headline that they could use for the time being. They decided that Atom Heart Mother would do for now.
The story was about a woman receiving a plutonium-powered pacemaker, which was very new technology at the time. She was a 56-year-old widow, so the pregnancy detail sounds a little unlikely. But she did have kids, which is plenty of reason to use 'mother' in the headline.
Judging by your face expressions, I thought you weren't impressed hahah. I'm glad you liked it. "Atom Heart Mother" is my favorite Pink Floyd album and the title track is, well, epic indeed.
By the way, Justin, you're better than all rock critics combined!!! You always make me hear things I've never heard before in songs I've been listening to since forever! And, man, this video was fun!
Ty Eric! I appreciate that 🙏
Love, love, love. One of the discs I discovered through my older brother. Discovered it at the time I saw 2001: A space odyssey for the first time. I found that this track told more or less the same story than the movie.
All the orchestrations on this piece were by Ron Geesin, who also arranged some other musical "soundscapes" with Pink Floyd and with whom Roger Waters recorded the soundtrack to the movie "The Body".
Thanks for the great reaction, Justin. For me as a German there is a funny little section where the choir sings something that sounds like the German word "Wasserkrug"; they sing it four times. It means "water jar".
By the way: I share birthday with Nick Mason (and with Mozart and Lewis Carroll, who wrote the two "Alice" books): Jan 27th.
The choir certainly sounds as if the singers are doing some kind of magical incantation; perhaps some kind of summoning.
I love this and I enjoyed the in depth review too. I have a very strange documentary soundtrack LP by Roger Waters and Ron Geesin called Music from the Body. It was recorded up to and just after this was recorded, so Ron was already making music with Roger when Floyd started this. I'm glad that I've heard this again, thanks.
Hopefully not bodily noises only.
Think I’ve heard tell of that effort.
@@-davidolivares It's mostly strings and strange sounds. It was for a documentary about the body, probably the music matched the picture. It ends with a pretty good song "Give Birth To A Smile". Lick your Partner, Mrs; Throat Goes Walking and More Than 7 Dwarves in Penis Land are quite amusing too!
Great review Justin. So much to find in Floyd. But then 70s popular music is generally way ahead of later decades in terms of thought and depth. (Thete are exceptions obviously, but to a child of the 70s it just seems I was in the best days of popular music when all the progressive stuff was happening, not to mention the early days of metal. Birmingham in the 70s was a place to be, where I could see Floyd, Zeppelin, Steve Gibbons, Caravan, Roy Harper, Genesis, Yes, Sabbath ... the list is endless.)
Long time since I’ve heard this song. I’m a sucker for orchestras and rock and I guess that’s what I love about Prog. PF really were groundbreaking in their format, music and what their music said. Excellent analysis again and I always enjoy your perceptions and perspectives.
Groundbreaking indeed! Ty realbser!
About 50 years since i heard this album for the first time. It`s just brilliant. I love it. I read somewhere, that PF for their self, where`nt satisfied whit this album. Unbelivieable.
In my teenage years my cousin and I often when out deep into the forest at nights with his telescope on our bikes. We find a high point so we had the whole stary sky above us. Watching the stars talking about life and where we came from.....UFO.......incarnation.....wow man, that was my education and not in school. He brought a small tape recorder with him and this was one of the songs on the tape. Can you imagine....a dark night in the middle of the forest far away from everybody, only the sky (and this song).........I'm forever thankfull to my cousin that took me along.
That sneaky bass is probably Floyd's most underrated element - and yet so essential!
I see Pink Floyd, I click...and usually hit 'like' and with Atom Heart Mother, I instantly hit like!!
What a beautiful piece of music! It was the precursor to Echoes (which is my #1 PF track), it bore so many elements that became Floyd standards over the next number of albums, and some that were never revisited again!
Great reaction to a masterpiece of a creation!
Not sure if you're continuing on with others from this album, but the songs 'If', 'Summer '68' & 'Fat Old Sun' are must listens!! Cheers.
Ty Darren! Yup, ill be doing the rest as well
Hey JP, don't know if you noticed it in your research but the role of composer Ron Geesin is incredibly important to how this all turned out.(Edit:apparently you did your research properly)
I remember buying this album a few years after its release ! My initial thoughts as to the title, the picture of the cow and of course some of the sound effects made me think of the prospect of Atomic war which at that time early seventies was a major worry The cow feeding on the contaminated grass and therefore being in the food chain in terms of milk or meat
It´s my favorite Pink Floyd song for sure. Always loved it and always will do. You kept the brillance of that song wonderfully, as always.
I clicked this, knowing and loveing so well. Thought I would listen to the start and then skip to your reaction. Impossible. this is a journey you cannot jump off. Heard it 100s of times over 50 years but still hear something new. raw, compared to Echoes and I can understand why the band downplay it, but I think they do themselves a disservice.
Justin, just loved your interpretation of this song. You have great insight. Even though Pink Floyd never liked this album you can clearly see their progression in music and different sounds which start to appear in Meddle and DSOTM. So, I believe it is a very important album displaying their transition in music style. An album not to be dismissed. The other thing I immediately felt with the album was that Pink Floyd were not afraid to be experimental and there is a clear acknowledgement of the same experiments that the Beatles had with their music.
Thanks Martin!
@@JustJP Thank you Justin. Keep playing different music. The world's your oyster. I am just happy to have been able to see Pink Floyd 'live' to experience the visual and sound sensations that they brought to the music industry.
@@martintayler23 yes! I wish I was able to see and experience them live as well 😃
Originally the working title of the song was "Untitled Epic" later it changed to "The Amazing Pudding", but at the time they made the final cut of the song Waters saw an article about a pregnant woman who had been fitted with a heart pacemaker, and the headline was "Atom Heart Mother Named..." so that's where the title of the song came.
lots of different emotions . This piece was my first exposure to Pink Floyd. I loved it.
You should watch the live version from KQED SF. It’s a four piece version with David and Rick singing the vocal harmonies and has a great Farfisa organ solo. It’s a nice companion to the album version.
When I listened to this song for the first time, I didn't make it to the end, but then I was fresh when it comes to Pink Floyd's music, but after some time I played this song again, I fell in love with it, I will not hide that I was in a smoke so the reception of this song was multiplied. This psychedelic part of the song plays amazingly in the head, just like the whole song.
... a merman I shall turn to be.
@@-davidolivares Moon, Turn the Tides....Gently Gently Away
At this point of their career, it’s very impressive. The orchestration and choir so well use. Beautiful.
Love playing this on the cello. I was playing it in class the other day and my teacher asked me if I was playing George Frideric Handel and I said nope it's Pink Floyd
Haha nice!
I can't separate this from my early years. This was important to me then because it was a bridge for me, and led me to classical music. I still love it, and I find it very moving.
Atom Heart Mother is wonderful for it's use of horns and choirs. To me Echoes is a much better trip. Title is based on a news story about a woman that had an atomic powered pacemaker for her heart. The chanting reminds me of the band Magma (look that up).
echoes is definitely better
3 years later
First I like your backdrop.
It's kind of like sitting on the other side of the room Back in 1970.
Had to laugh when before you started you said it had no lyrics.
First heard Floyd in 68. Endless fortunate enough to go to five of their concerts. One of those was twice, a Encore concert the following night.
I do believe I have everything they have recorded on vinyl. And 8tracks as well.
Adam Hart was the first time they recorded in quadraphonics. At the time you need it either a special stylist or 8-track.
I have to say though it sounds even better on the surround.lol
This is my favorite of Pink Floyd.
It's my go-to when I want to relax.
It's probably been listening to about equally as much as Uma Guma.
And they both have all others beat.
Don't know if you I seen this performed yet?
There are two orchestras bet you can find doing this. What is directed by Gleason.
And there is Trinity Orchestra.
They both had the full choir as well.
Trinity is the one that sticks out in my head. Orchestra plays all parts and doesn't miss a note. Their electric guitar player matches Gilmore. I've seen other orchestras perform but I've never seen happier musicians then the ones performing this suite.
What I found most interesting was the piano player plucking her piano like guitar.
🚜🤠🐂
Atom Heart Mother absolutely blew me away when I first heard it many years ago. For a time it was probably my favorite PF piece but over time it began to grow stale. I will still give it a listen every now and then. Great to see someone's first time reaction to this one. Quite refreshing in fact.
Ty Jim!
I bloody adore this track and all of this album, to me it encapsulate Pink Floyd better than subsequent and most successful releases
This song is more of a symphony for me than an actual track.
I consider this and Procol Harum’s “In Held ‘Twas In I” to be the first Symph-Prog sidelong epics, even though neither one of them can be accurately classified as symphonic prog. More like proto-symph-prog lol. 1969 was a transitional year in so many ways, musically. So many genres officially began that year.
I love this album. It's my favorite of the pre DSOTM albums. The rest of the album is good too but becomes weaker with closing tune, "Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast". This album is great late night listening. "Fat Old Sun" sounds even better live. "If" is a good ballad. I especially like Wright's song, "Summer '68".
Saw them perform this live in front of 8k stoned hippies. Hard to see the stage for the fug. Awesome experience.
OH wow takes me back, back in my "college" days (30ish years ago) I used to go to bed listening to this on headphones. NICE!
Finally! I just love this song, even Knowing that the band thinks that it has little influence on their later work. It doesn't matter to me. I think it's great, epic and sutil as the same time. A masterpiece!
Ron Geesin paid a visit to the Art College I was at, about 1971 or 1972 I think. A very entertaining & memorable event in the lecture theatre where at one point he went around the place with a pair of drumsticks getting different sounds/rhythms by striking anything he could find. Particularly remember a ventilation grille inspiring him!
Knew of his involvement with the Floyd so made sure I went along.
I’m surprised to see how many positive comments there are here as it’s often rated as one of the band’s poorer albums. I have to say I love it and was lucky enough to see it performed live in Hyde Park in (I think) 1970. Over the years even the members of PF have criticised it, maybe because they ended up effectively as a backing band for the orchestra and chorus. Ron Geesin has written a book about his experience of making the recording.
My favorite floyd is the ones i have not heard in ages , i love them as much today as i did in 1977 and the wall came out
I saw the Atom Heart Mother tour in 1971. They played this to start then played the whole Umma Gumma album. The place only held around 2000 people, perfect acoustics. It was the equivalent of going from class A to the major leagues as far as concerts went!
I love the chord progression of this song so much. I remember how happy I was when I figured out what chords were being played. They are unique to say the least. I did notice that there are only 2 repeated over and over. Gm to C. Frank Zappa wrote a tune about them called Variations On The Carlos Santana Secret Chord Progression soloing over Gm and C.
I have mixed feelings about this one. I mean, I respect it for being released before both "Echoes" and "Supper's Ready", and I think the main theme (or the cello melody)
is wonderfully evocative and weirdly catchy. Not to mention that the choral section is pleasingly dissonant.
But as a complete piece, it definitely feels a bit patchy. It's like they had a few pieces that had nowhere else to go,
and so they hammered and glued them all together as best they could. But then it got so long that they thought they might as well extend the thing into a full side of an LP.
So they just jammed and experimented "stuff" and threw that into the mix as well. And hey presto! The result was 5 minutes of greatness and 18 minutes of "get on with it...".
And I also hate the mix. The drums sound as if they were recorded in a tiny box...
Thats why the members dont like it that much.
@@rondegroot1508 Yeah. I heard Gilmour say in an interview that he thinks it's a mishmash.
I still like it, though. It's just not as cohesive as their later stuff.
Shame, since it has some of the best drum work of Nick Mason. Man, in this early years he was really good
Again, an artist friend pretty much had all the PF albums and this one looked cool but, was heard very little, maybe once, twice over the years I hung out. I’d forgotten how strange it was, I get it now. Very neato. I just woke up, no coffee yet, the music of my dreams is what it felt like. Now, you...
I think you loved it, it blew you away cuz, it did me.
Ok, I paused and went to make coffee and got distracted by my new breakfast bars... went back to sit down and listen, then you say get some snacks or coffee, so I got back up, made some brew and returned. Ok, proceed maestro...
My initial thoughts on the song was a weird dreamy symphonic piece that melded with my dream state I just woke from. Where it stands next to the other PF masterpieces, it has risen to be an equal facet of the PF crazy diamond, shine on...
As far as the noise section: What I think you thought or think? At the time... this is interesting. Now, probably you think it’s a nice almost random paint stroke that you didn’t know it needed. I agree.
Yes, the ending, the weed pushes it’s way through the pavement...Tull...
Yes, it’s epic.
Great choice,
Won’t ask for you know who yet but I want to,
Oh, and congrats on the electric dulcimer. Pretty sweet. Perhaps a three or four string cigar box guitar next? Which would take slide also, dulcimer slide?
Peace and dream state Music
David... you can say it... Sancious... there... I said it for you. ;-)
@@maruad7577
Ahhh, I feel better now. TY!
I love this song and totally agree and appreciate your critique.
One of my favorite moments in all of Rock *** "Silence in the Studio!" *** It is like the climax of that weed growing through the sidewalk.
There are several versions of this live, if you are interested. Both with full orchestra, (conducted by Ron Geeson, no less), and stripped down version by excellent cover bands. Certainly worthwhile.
Thank you for another deep dive into the music that changed my life.
Again thanks JP. I have the album but havent listened it for 20 years. I didn't like it (I'm not a Pink Floyd fan), but your explanations put another light on this. And now I must admit this is a great piece of music.
Appreciate that Chris!
Back in high school (just pre-Wall), I often cited this as my favorite Floyd piece. Partially it's because it's difficult listening music, and I was a bit of a snob (sad truth), but also because I thought it was worth it. It both asks a lot of attention from you as a listener, and really rewards that attention when given. But as someone else said, this wasn't date music or casual music, and wasn't something I'd actually recommend to unprepared listeners.
You, on the other hand, I hoped would get it. And since I really hadn't sat down and listened to it more than half a dozen times in the last 30 years, I'm glad I did take time to rediscover it here with you.
Fryslan, a region in The Netherlands have a cow in the capitol. Called ‘ ús mem’ : our mother. Great music and reaction
Great song! Thnx for reacting to this one.
the period of Pink Floyd that I like the best is from the first album to Meddle. I haven't heard this album very often but I always liked this piece.
Justin.I have been asking you this for a longtime.What an open mind and intelligent review.Maybe the best to this point.This piece was my introduction to Pink Floyd almost 50 years ago,and probably still my favourite from P.F. even so, being an unconditional P.F. fan,It is hard to choose.Now picture this: A young men,open to classical,Opera,blues,Jazz ,contemporary and rock music,but trapped only with the habitual rock because that was what friends liked.And one night ,from nowhere in a cozy relaxing room and music listening session,someone put this piece.A Revelation!.It had everything and more than I was expecting from music.I thank you kindly Justin.You are the best.
Thanks Elaine!!!!
@@JustJP I am sorry Justin but this time was Arthur,Elaine's husband who commented,but in the music world me and Elaine ,agree on everything.Both of us ,together ,we have been followed your work with a great pleasure.It was rude of my part not having introduced myself and for that ,I apologize.
@@cartelguitar no problem, think nothing of it! Hope youre both having a great evening
By the way Justin.Having been a Classical Piano player and teacher for many years but retired now,(I only play for my plaisir and my husband ),I have become intrigued by Dulcimers.In the last couple weeks I was searching to acquire one (if télépathie exist,this is a good example ).May I ask you where did you purchase yours?I will understand if you prefer keeping that for you.Not a problem at all.Thank you kindly.
What a master piece. Even after so many years have passed since listening to it for the first time. Great stuff. I remember, it left (and still leaves) me emptied and in the same time filled up with emotions, strange mixture.
For a long time, I treated this as a minor work by Pink Floyd of no interest, if compared to their major albums such as Meddle. Now hearing it as if for the first time, I can better appreciate the clever and skillful writing and arrangement. "Atom Heart Mother" to me presents itself as a long and sustained Prelude. And with horns, chorus and strings, no less. A beautiful Prelude by itself.
Phenomenal stuff from the Great Floyd as always ❤️💫☝️
Thanks and congratulations for your excellent analysis. This is by far the best reaction video I’ve seen to date. It’s refreshing to come across someone who not only engages with a piece of music, but takes the trouble to explore it in depth. And let’s face it, Floyd’s music deserves that kind of attention.
I particularly enjoyed your analysis of the title, suggesting that the track is a kind of ‘travelogue of life’. This may not have been entirely intentional on Floyd’s part, but it reflects the breadth of vision and depth of intelligence that they brought to their work and the creative level at which they were working.
I’ve been listening to AHM since the early 70s and I still enjoy it immensely, for all the reasons you mention and more. I was once walking past a record shop in downtown Sydney, appropriately called Warped Records, and AHM was wafting out in the street. It’s moments like that that enhance a life. For me, the track is full of passages and moments that get my juices going and take me to worlds both strange and familiar. It’s essentially a medley, as is Echoes (hence the title ‘Meddle’, presumably), but the tracks coalesce into a coherent whole despite the huge range of styles.
I read somewhere that the ‘main theme’ of AHM was originally written as the soundtrack for a Western, but the soundtrack didn’t happen for some reason. In a way that’s a pity, because it’s a brilliant Western theme. Also, I’ve always thought that the first soprano voices were boy sopranos rather than women, but I may be wrong about this.
I do have some reservations about the track. As others have pointed out, the production quality is shaky in places, which may be partly why the band themselves were never happy with it. And while it’s a great ‘ride’, I don’t find it as emotionally moving as later works like Echoes and Shine On. While Floyd experimented with and drew inspiration from a huge range of musical styles, one thing that never seems to get mentioned is that there’s a spiritual component to some of their best music; there are passages and moments that evoke sacredness. I’m inclined to feel that much of this was largely due to Wright. But Gilmour and Wright shared a deep understanding, and it comes out in Gilmour’s playing as well, and infuses the whole music. There are fragments of this sacredness in AHM (not least the choir passage), but they lack the clarity and beauty and force of some of their later work.
Like you, I think the ‘Remergence’ section is brilliant. ‘Mind your throats please’ reminds me of a nightmare I once had under bad anaesthetic; Remergence brings us back to the light and to a triumphant ending.
Thanks again, and I look forward to watching your reaction to Echoes.
Atom Heart Mother Suite has always been my favorite tunes.
Great analysis, and great way to bring me new perspectives on a piece I've listened to thousands of times. I'm a bit surprised by how much you like it, though. Comparing it to Echoes is unavoidable. On this, the band needed help and got it right. On Echoes, they found their own ways and did it by themselves. Echoes would never have existed without this. This was the real breakthrough.
"SILENCE IN THE STUDIO!" (21:20) was Geesin just about to lose patience with the brass ensemble (he says they're a very "unique" kind). I'm glad they kept it on tape!
What a great way to start a Saturday. Thanks for this!
P.S. Here's a stunning live cover: ruclips.net/video/gFzQmz3SK6I/видео.html
Listened to this quite a long time ago. But now listening to it again I hear so much more. So many themes and variations that I did not fully appreciate in my younger years. A fantastic song.