Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

There is always a proof that a fan or follower of a band will eventually succumb to the temptation of owning everything that is released just to feel the thrill of being seen as a completist; even if it means holding in their hands yet another compilation album that is released, and which aside from the sound never forgotten, offers insufficient observation in the way of reveal, and is instead is an obvious repackage to draw in new listeners.

This is the case in which fans of Pink Floyd will no doubt gather their reasonings as 8-Tracks finds its way into collections and hearts, a sense of Time’s arrow not just hitting the target during selected cuts of the 70s, but obliterating bullseyes in a row, a noble feat of marksmanship that outflanks Odysseus in his attempt to prove himself to Penelope.

The album is in no doubt a harking back to another time, an invitation to dig deeper into Time itself, but in terms of pervading memory one that captures the sheer highs from Meddle to The Wall, 8 songs, five classics, one almost forgotten relic, and two that seem to have found themselves inserted into the proceedings and relishing the opportunity to stand out in the sun instead of other more established masterpieces by the foursome who made up the landmark line-up. This is always the point, offer the established fan a sleek new look and remind them that Time has ticked on, that they have been at the centre of it all.

With the album’s two sides covering the tracks One Of These Days, Wot’s…Uh The Deal, Money, Another Brick In The Wall, Part 2, Wish You Were Here, Time, Comfortably Numb, and the 8-track version of Pigs On The Wing from Animals, bringing that song’s two bitter halves together in a seamless move, the listener will know that it stands alongside A Collection Of Great Dance Songs, Relics, A Nice Pair, and Echoes: The Best of Pink Floyd as a teaser, a compilation, a reminder for the masses; and in the end it’s sound will carry it through.

A pull on the purse and heart strings no doubt, but one still that will be enjoyed by the multitude.

Ian D. Hall