Pink Floyd’s Overlooked Masterpiece
cover art for Meddle, Pink Floyd’s sixth studio album released in 1971.
by Laila Brustin ‘25
Pink Floyd’s Meddle is one of my all time favorite albums. It is an early release that is often overshadowed in the band’s discography, but makes major shifts towards the prog rock inspired and concept-driven works that were to come. The music is transfixing and each track is a world of its own.
The opener “One of These Days” and the closer “Echoes” show the band’s greatest potential. “One of These Days” hooks the listener in as it continuously builds up through the sound of rippling guitars. “Echoes” is the outlier within this album. The 23 minute long track develops a meditative soundscape with constant experimentation. This expansive piece weaves motifs of light dropping piano notes and wind throughout, remaining both cohesive and full of variety. Each listen there is something new to be discovered. It’s exciting, an essential Pink Floyd song, and a taste of what’s to come in future signature albums.
In between the intense beginning and end are songs that have become close to my heart. However, the album also contains one of the worst rated songs written by Pink Floyd: “Seamus.”
"A Pillow of Winds" is one of the only romantic songs Pink Floyd ever wrote. The poetic and visual nature of the lyrics alongside the gentle guitar and vocals makes it so sweet. “Fearless" is the first Pink Floyd song that clicked with me. For a first time listener who found many of their long instrumental works dull, this vocal piece helped me acclimate and enjoy their style. "San Tropez" is jazzy and breezy. It gives a feeling of no responsibility, that the singer is living confidently on his own terms. And then right before the culmination of “Echoes,” we get to “Seamus” (that’s the dog).
“Seamus,” named after a friend of the band’s dog, was made as an inside joke. Guitarist and vocalist David Gilmour sings in this pseudo-country blues song while the dog howls along. It’s a strange departure from the long, detailed, and thoughtfully made tracks that make up the rest of Meddle.
On my first listen I thought it was annoying. A throwaway and low point in an album I adore. But something about this extremely short, fairly silly song grew on me. Why does all art have to be serious and innovative? Why can’t Pink Floyd have this short song about a dog in the prelude to the band’s masterpieces? Seamus can be a dog.
The song has grown on me. I think it’s a nice break from the seriousness of the album. You can’t help but enjoy it knowing that Nobs is the name of the dog howling. Like “A Pillow of Winds”, “Fearless'', and “San Tropez,” it brings a separate flavor to the album. I can now say for myself that all of Meddle’s tracks are great. That being said, if you are not going to listen to the 23 minute long “Echoes,” then perhaps you should check out the 2 minute long “Seamus.”
