Reply #78: Again, I agree almost entirely...

[southpaw]

Gilmour has acknowledged his inability to write lyrics on par with Waters... sadly, the guest writers he turns to for help aren't able to close the gap by much.

As far as Mason and Wright's contributions on the post-Waters albums, my point was that neither of them had contributed to the last couple of albums beyond playing their instruments. That was the norm for Mason, in any case. Sure, Wright contributed a bit to TDB, but I found the songs among the weakest on the album.

Where I differ with you, at least to a degree, is when you see 'On An Island' as an extension of the two Watersless Floyd albums. True, Gilmour maintains that new-agey feel, but he seems to be free of any need to prove himself. He seems totally relaxed and at peace with who he is and what he is doing.
If you go back to 'About Face', it feels like Gilmour is attempting both to demonstrate that there is more to him than what he shows as a member of Pink Floyd, and to prove just how much of the band's sound he is responsible for.

I like Gilmour as a musician, and accept that he is handily outmatched by Waters in all ways except instrumental virtuosity. I would contend that Gilmour is the better vocalist of the two, but that is truly a matter of taste... besides, I love Waters' voice despite its limitations. It was a little sad to hear the decline in his voice that was evidenced at Live 8. Maybe he was having a bad night. Maybe he shouldn't even TRY to sing "Wish You Were Here." That song is so not suited to his singing style.

As to a long term reunion, I don't hold out much hope. Gilmour would not want to give up control of Pink Floyd, nor do I think Waters would be interested in returning without being handed the reigns to a large degree. I would like for them to be able to get along enough for Waters to write and record some new songs featuring Gilmour on guitar! That seems possible.