Wish You Were Here Download Pink Floyd: How to Enjoy One of the Greatest Albums of All Time
If you are a fan of classic rock, progressive rock, or just good music in general, you have probably heard of Wish You Were Here, the ninth studio album by the legendary British band Pink Floyd. Released in 1975, Wish You Were Here is widely regarded as one of the best albums ever made, both by critics and fans alike. It features some of the most iconic songs in Pink Floyd's discography, such as Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Welcome to the Machine, Have a Cigar, and of course, Wish You Were Here. But how can you download Wish You Were Here and enjoy it on your preferred device or platform? In this article, we will show you how to do that legally and safely, as well as give you some background information and analysis on the songs of this amazing album.
Introduction
What is Wish You Were Here and why is it so popular?
Wish You Were Here is the follow-up to Pink Floyd's previous album, The Dark Side of the Moon, which was a huge commercial and critical success. However, instead of repeating the same formula, Pink Floyd decided to experiment with new sounds and concepts, creating a more complex and ambitious work. Wish You Were Here is a concept album that deals with themes such as alienation, disillusionment, nostalgia, and the loss of innocence. It is also a tribute to Syd Barrett, the former leader and founder of Pink Floyd, who left the band in 1968 due to mental health issues and drug abuse.
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Wish You Were Here consists of five songs, two of which are divided into nine parts. The album has a symmetrical structure, with Shine On You Crazy Diamond opening and closing the album, and three shorter songs in between. The album is also notable for its use of sound effects, such as radio broadcasts, wind, clocks, cash registers, and even a man coughing. These sounds create a contrast between the natural and the artificial, the organic and the mechanical, reflecting the themes of the album.
Wish You Were Here was an instant hit when it was released, reaching number one on both the UK and US charts. It has sold over 15 million copies worldwide and has been certified 6x platinum by the RIAA. It has also received numerous accolades from critics and publications, such as Rolling Stone, NME, Q, Mojo, Pitchfork, and more. It is considered one of the greatest albums of all time by many fans and musicians, such as David Bowie, Radiohead, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Muse, and more.
How to download Wish You Were Here legally and safely
If you want to download Wish You Were Here and enjoy it on your preferred device or platform, you have several options. However, not all of them are legal or safe. Some websites or apps may offer you free or cheap downloads of Wish You Were Here, but they may also contain viruses, malware, spyware, or other harmful software that can damage your device or compromise your privacy. Therefore, it is always advisable to download Wish You Were Here from official and reputable sources, such as: - Amazon Music: You can buy and download the MP3 version of Wish You Were Here for $9.49 from Amazon Music. You can also stream the album with an Amazon Music Unlimited subscription, which costs $9.99 per month or $7.99 per month for Prime members. - Apple Music: You can buy and download the AAC version of Wish You Were Here for $9.99 from Apple Music. You can also stream the album with an Apple Music subscription, which costs $9.99 per month or $14.99 per month for a family plan. - Spotify: You can stream Wish You Were Here with a Spotify subscription, which costs $9.99 per month or $14.99 per month for a family plan. You can also download the album for offline listening with a Spotify Premium subscription, which costs the same as a regular subscription. - YouTube Music: You can stream Wish You Were Here with a YouTube Music subscription, which costs $9.99 per month or $14.99 per month for a family plan. You can also download the album for offline listening with a YouTube Music Premium subscription, which costs the same as a regular subscription. These are some of the most popular and reliable ways to download Wish You Were Here legally and safely. However, there may be other options available depending on your location and preference. Just make sure to check the legitimacy and security of the source before downloading anything. The Songs of Wish You Were Here
Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Pts. 1-5
The tribute to Syd Barrett
The first song of Wish You Were Here is also the longest and most complex one. It is divided into five parts, each with its own musical style and mood. The song is dedicated to Syd Barrett, the original leader and founder of Pink Floyd, who left the band in 1968 due to mental health issues and drug abuse. The title of the song is a play on his nickname, "Crazy Diamond", and the lyrics are a homage to his genius and his tragedy.
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The song begins with a four-note motif played by David Gilmour on his guitar, which is repeated throughout the song as a leitmotif. The motif is based on the notes B, F#, G, and E, which spell out "Syd" in Morse code. The motif is followed by a long instrumental section that features various instruments and sound effects, such as keyboards, saxophone, synthesizers, wind, and radio broadcasts. The section builds up to a crescendo that leads to the first vocals by Roger Waters.
The lyrics of the first part are a direct address to Syd Barrett, expressing admiration and sorrow for his fate. The singer asks him to "shine on" despite his troubles and recalls his past achievements and influence. The lyrics also reference some of Syd Barrett's songs, such as "See Emily Play" and "Remember a Day". The first part ends with a chorus that repeats the title of the song.
The musical structure and themes
The second part of the song is an instrumental interlude that features a keyboard solo by Richard Wright, accompanied by Gilmour's guitar and Nick Mason's drums. The solo is based on a blues scale and creates a contrast between the melancholic and the hopeful tones of the song.
The third part of the song is another vocal section that continues the tribute to Syd Barrett. The lyrics of this part are more abstract and poetic than the first one, using metaphors and imagery to describe Syd Barrett's personality and situation. The singer compares him to a star that has lost its shine, a candle that has burned out, and a steel rail that has gone off track. The lyrics also suggest that Syd Barrett was exploited and betrayed by the music industry and his former friends. The third part ends with another chorus that repeats the title of the song.
The fourth part of the song is an instrumental section that features a guitar solo by David Gilmour, accompanied by Wright's keyboards and Mason's drums. The solo is based on a pentatonic scale and creates a climax of the song, showcasing Gilmour's skills and emotions.
The fifth part of the song is a vocal section that concludes the tribute to Syd Barrett. The lyrics of this part are similar to the first one, but with some variations and additions. The singer asks Syd Barrett to "come on" and join him, implying that he misses him and wishes he were here. The lyrics also reference some of the events that led to Syd Barrett's departure from the band, such as his erratic behavior, his drug use, and his breakdown. The fifth part ends with a final chorus that repeats the title of the song, followed by a fade-out of the four-note motif.
Welcome to the Machine
The critique of the music industry
The second song of Wish You Were Here is a dark and cynical critique of the music industry and its exploitation of artists. The song is written from the perspective of a record executive who welcomes a new musician to the "machine", meaning the system that controls and manipulates him. The song is also a reflection of Pink Floyd's own experience with fame and success, and how they felt alienated and pressured by their label and their fans.
The song begins with a sound effect of a car door opening and closing, followed by a mechanical heartbeat that sets the rhythm of the song. The heartbeat is then joined by a synthesizer that plays a menacing chord progression, creating a dystopian atmosphere. The first vocals by Roger Waters are distorted and robotic, matching the tone of the song.
The lyrics of the song are sarcastic and ironic, as the record executive praises the musician for his talent and promises him fame and fortune, while also implying that he has no choice but to obey and conform. The record executive tells him that he has been "picked" and "expected" to perform, and that he has to "learn to cope" with his new life. He also tells him that he has to "play the game" and "follow orders", and that he will be rewarded with "toys" and "boys". The lyrics also suggest that the musician has lost his identity and his soul, as he is referred to as "my son" and "you". The song ends with a sound effect of a machine malfunctioning and exploding, implying that the system is unsustainable and destructive.
The sound effects and production
The song is notable for its use of sound effects and production techniques, which enhance its message and mood. The sound effects include various noises that resemble machines, such as engines, gears, pistons, drills, saws, etc. These sounds create a contrast between the natural and the artificial, the human and the inhuman, reflecting the themes of the song. The sound effects were created by using synthesizers, tape loops, household objects, and field recordings.
The production techniques include various methods that alter the sound quality and texture of the instruments and vocals, such as distortion, compression, flanging, phasing, etc. These techniques create a sense of dissonance and unease, as well as emphasize the mechanical nature of the song. The production was done by Pink Floyd themselves, along with their longtime engineer Alan Parsons.
Have a Cigar
The satire of the record executives
The third song of Wish You Were Here is a satire of the record executives who try to exploit and manipulate Pink Floyd for their own profit. The song is written from the perspective of a record executive who congratulates Pink Floyd for their success, while also revealing his ignorance and greed. The song is also a reflection of Pink Floyd's own frustration with their label and their fans, who did not understand or appreciate their artistic vision.
The song begins with a guitar riff by David Gilmour, followed by a bass line by Roger Waters and a drum beat by Nick Mason. The riff is based on a funk groove that creates a contrast between the upbeat music and the cynical lyrics. The first vocals are sung by Roy Harper, a friend and fellow musician who was recording in another studio at Abbey Road. Harper was asked by Pink Floyd to sing on this song because they were not satisfied with their own vocals.
The lyrics of the song are humorous and sarcastic, as the record executive compliments Pink Floyd for their work, while also making some absurd and insulting remarks. He asks them "which one's Pink?", implying that he does not know their names or their music. He also tells them that they are "just another brick in the wall", meaning that they are replaceable and insignificant. He also tells them that they can have "anything they like", as long as they sign the contract and make more money for him. He also tells them to "have a cigar", a symbol of wealth and power, but also of addiction and corruption. The song ends with a guitar solo by David Gilmour, followed by a sound effect of a radio being tuned to another station, implying that the record executive has lost interest and moved on to another artist.
The guest vocals by Roy Harper
The song is notable for its guest vocals by Roy Harper, a friend and fellow musician who was recording in another studio at Abbey Road. Harper was asked by Pink Floyd to sing on this song because they were not satisfied with their own vocals. Roger Waters felt that his voice was too smooth and gentle for the song, while David Gilmour felt that his voice was too harsh and angry for the song. They both agreed that Harper's voice had the right balance of sarcasm and irony for the song.
Harper agreed to sing on the song as a favor, but he later regretted it. He felt that he was not properly credited or compensated for his contribution, and that he was used as a pawn by Pink Floyd to express their discontent with their label. He also felt that his voice did not fit well with the music, and that he did not enjoy singing the song. He later said that he wished he had never sung on the song, and that he considered it one of his worst performances.
Wish You Were Here
The emotional core of the album
The fourth song of Wish You Were Here is also the title track and the most famous one. It is the emotional core of the album, expressing the feelings of nostalgia, longing, and regret that Pink Floyd had for Syd Barrett and their past. The song is also a reflection of Pink Floyd's own isolation and detachment from their fans and their fame, and how they wished they could reconnect with their roots and their true selves.
The song begins with a sound effect of a radio being tuned to various stations, until it settles on a station that plays an acoustic guitar intro by David Gilmour. The intro is then joined by another acoustic guitar played by Roger Waters, creating a harmony. The intro is followed by the first vocals by David Gilmour, who sings the first verse and chorus.
The lyrics of the song are simple and direct, but also poignant and powerful. They are addressed to Syd Barrett, but also to anyone who has ever felt lost or lonely. The singer asks Syd Barrett how he is doing, and if he can remember their old days together. He also tells him that he misses him, and that he wishes he were here with him. He also wonders if Syd Barrett feels the same way, or if he has found his peace. The chorus repeats the title of the song four times, emphasizing the longing and the sadness of the singer.
The acoustic guitar and synthesizer solos
The second verse and chorus of the song are sung by Roger Waters, who sings in a lower register than David Gilmour. The lyrics of this part are similar to the first one, but with some variations and additions. The singer tells Syd Barrett that they are both running over the same old ground, meaning that they are both stuck in their situations. He also tells him that they have both lost their way, meaning that they have both lost their direction and purpose. He also asks him if he thinks they can change, or if they are doomed to repeat their mistakes.
The second chorus is followed by an instrumental section that features an acoustic guitar solo by David Gilmour, accompanied by Richard Wright's synthesizer. The solo is based on a pentatonic scale and creates a contrast between the melancholic and the hopeful tones of the song. The solo is then followed by a synthesizer solo by Richard Wright, accompanied by David Gilmour's acoustic guitar. The solo is based on a chromatic scale and creates a sense of tension and uncertainty, as well as a futuristic sound.
The instrumental section is followed by a third chorus that repeats the title of the song four times, followed by a fade-out of the acoustic guitars.
Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Pts. 6-9
The reprise of the main theme
The fifth and final song of Wish You Were Here is a re prise of the main theme of the album, Shine On You Crazy Diamond. It is divided into four parts, each with its own musical style and mood. The song is a continuation of the tribute to Syd Barrett, as well as a conclusion of the album's concept and message.
The song begins with a sound effect of wind, followed by a keyboard intro by Richard Wright, which plays a variation of the four-note motif that opened the album. The intro is then joined by a guitar riff by David Gilmour, which plays another variation of the motif. The riff is followed by a long instrumental section that features various instruments and sound effects, such as saxophone, synthesizer, guitar, drums, and radio broadcasts. The section builds up to a crescendo that leads to the first vocals by Roger Waters.
The lyrics of the first part are a direct address to Syd Barrett, expressing admiration and sorrow for his fate. The singer asks him to "shine on" despite his troubles and recalls his past achievements and influence. The lyrics also reference some of Syd Barrett's songs, such as "Astronomy Domine" and "Bike". The first part ends with a chorus that repeats the title of the song.
The saxophone and guitar solos
The second part of the song is an instrumental interlude that features a saxophone solo by Dick Parry, accompanied by Gilmour's guitar and Wright's keyboards. The solo is based on a blues scale and creates a contrast between the melancholic and the hopeful tones of the song.
The third part of the song is another vocal section that continues the tribute to Syd Barrett. The lyrics of this part are more abstract and poetic than the first one, using metaphors and imagery to describe Syd Barrett's personality and situation. The singer compares him to a diamond that has lost its shine, a fire that has gone out, and a vision that has faded away. The lyrics also suggest that Syd Barrett was misunderstood and mistreated by the world, and that he was alone and unhappy. The third part ends with another chorus that repeats the title of the song.
The fourth part of the song is an instrumental section that features a guitar solo by David Gilmour, accompanied by Wright's keyboards and Mason's drums. The solo is based on a pentatonic scale and creates a climax of the song, showcasing Gilmour's skills and emotions.
The song ends with a fade-out of the four-note motif, followed by a sound effect of wind, creating a circular structure that mirrors the album's opening.
Conclusion
Why Wish You Were Here is a timeless masterpiece
Wish You Were Here is more than just an album. It is a musical journey that explores the themes of alienation, disillusionment, nostalgia, and loss. It is also a personal statement that expresses Pink Floyd's feelings for their friend and mentor, Syd Barrett, who inspired them to create some of the most innovative and influential music in history. Wish You Were Here is a timeless masterpiece because it speaks to anyone who has ever felt lonely or misunderstood, who has ever longed for someone or something that is gone, who has ever questioned their place in the world or their purpose in life. Wish You Were Here is an album that touches your heart and your mind, that makes you think and feel, that makes you wish you were here.
How to listen to Wish You Were Here on different devices and platforms
If you want to listen to Wish You Were Here on different devices and platforms, you have several options. However, not all of them are equal or optimal. Some devices or platforms may offer you better sound quality or user experience than others. Therefore, it is always advisable to listen to Wish You Were Here on the best device or platform available for you, such as: - Vinyl record: If you have a vinyl record player and a good pair of speakers or headphones, listening to Wish You Were Here on vinyl is probably the best way to enjoy it. Vinyl records have a warm and rich sound quality that digital formats cannot replicate. They also have a physical presence and an aesthetic appeal that digital formats lack. Listening to Wish You Were Here on vinyl is like listening to it as it was originally intended by Pink Floyd. - CD: If you have a CD player and a good pair of speakers or headphones, listening to Wish You Were Here on CD is another good way to enjoy it. CDs have a clear and crisp sound quality that digital formats can sometimes lose. They also have a physical presence and an aesthetic appeal that digital formats lack. Listening to Wish You Were Here on CD is like listening to it as it was remastered by Pink Floyd. - Streaming service: If you have a streaming service subscription and a good internet connection, listening to Wish You Were Here on a streaming service is another good way to enjoy it. Streaming services offer you convenience and accessibility, as you can listen to Wish You Were Here anytime and anywhere, on any device. However, streaming services may also have some drawbacks, such as lower sound quality, ads, or limited availability. Listening to Wish You Were Here on a streaming service is like listening to it as it is distributed by the music industry. - Download: If you have a download option and a good device or platform, listening to Wish You Were Here on a download is another good way to enjoy it. Downloading Wish You Were Here offers you flexibility and control, as you can listen to Wish You Were Here offline and on any device or platform. However, downloading Wish You Were Here may also have some drawbacks, such as legal or safety issues, storage space, or compatibility. Listening to Wish You Were Here on a download is like listening to it as it is customized by you. These are some of the most popular and reliable ways to listen to Wish You Were Here on different devices and platforms. However, there may be other options available depending on your location and preference. Just make sure to check the legitimacy and security of the source before downloading or streaming anything. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of the album cover of Wish You Were Here?
The album cover of Wish You Were Here features a photograph of two men shaking hands in front of a burning man. The photograph was taken by Storm Thorgerson, a friend and collaborator of Pink Floyd, who also designed the covers of their other albums. The photograph represents the theme of alienation and deception that runs through the album, as well as the tribute to Syd Barrett. The two men shaking hands are supposed to be record executives who are making a deal at the expense of the artist, who is represented by the burning man. The burning man is also a reference to Syd Barrett, who was "burned out" by his mental illness and drug abuse.
What happened to Syd Barrett after he left Pink Floyd?
Syd Barrett left Pink Floyd in 1968 due to his mental health issues and drug abuse. He then pursued a solo career, releasing two albums in 1970: The Madcap Laughs and Barrett. However, his solo career was short-lived and unsuccessful, as he struggled with his creativity and stability. He then withdrew from the public eye and lived a reclusive life in his hometown of Cambridge. He suffered from schizophrenia and diabetes, and died in 2006 at the age of 60.
What are some of the influences and inspirations for Wish You Were Here?
Wish You Were Here was influenced and inspired by various sources, such as: - Syd Barrett's music: Pink Floyd drew inspiration from Syd Barrett's music, both from his time with the band and from his solo albums. They incorporated some of his musical styles and themes, such as psychedelic rock, space rock, folk rock, whimsy, surrealism, etc. - The Wizard of Oz: Pink Floyd were fans of the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, which they saw as a metaphor for their own situation. They used some of the film's imagery and symbolism in their album, such as the wind, the radio broadcasts, the machine, the fire, etc. - Groucho Marx: Pink Floyd were also fans of Groucho Marx, the comedian and actor who was known for his witty and sarcastic humor. They used some of his quotes and jokes in their album, such as "We're just knocked out", "By the way, which one's Pink?", "The band is just fantastic", etc.
What are some of the musical innovations and techniques used in Wish You Were Here?
Wish You Were Here was innovative and experimental in its musical approach and technique, such as: - Synthesizers: Pink Floyd used various synthesizers in their album, such as the VCS 3, the ARP Solina String Ensemble, the Minimoog, and the EMS Synthi AKS. They used these synthesizers to create various sounds and effects, such as the heartbeat, the machine, the wind, the radio broadcasts, etc. They also used these synthesizers to create musical textures and melodies, such as the chord progression of Welcome to the Machine, the solo of Wish You Were Here, etc. - Sound effects: Pink Floyd used various sound effects in their album, both natural and artificial, to create a contrast and a connection between the themes of the album. They used sound effects such as wind, clocks, cash registers, engines, gears, pistons, drills, saws, coughing, etc. They created these sound effects by using synthesizers, tape loops, household objects, and field recordings. - Tape loops: Pink Floyd used tape loops in their album, which are segments of magnetic tape that are spliced together and played repeatedly. They used tape loops to create rhythmic patterns and musical motifs, such as the four-note motif of Shine On You Crazy Diamond, the radio broadcasts of Wish You Were Here, etc. They also used tape loops to create sound effects and transitions, such as the wind, the machine malfunctioning, the radio tuning, etc. - Cross-fading: Pink Floyd used cross-fading in their album, which is a technique that gradually transitions from one sound source to another. They used cross-fading to create smooth and seamless transitions between the songs of the album, as well as between the different parts of the same song. They also used cross-fading to create contrast and connection between the different sounds and themes of the album.
What are some of the cultural and social impacts of Wish You Were Here?
Wish You Were Here has had a significant cultural and social impact since its release in 1975. It has influenced and inspired many artists and musicians from different genres and generations, such as David Bowie, Radiohead, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Muse, etc. It has also been covered and sampled by many artists and musicians, such as Avenged Sevenfold, Wyclef Jean, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Gorillaz, etc. It has also been referenced and parodied by many media and entertainment outlets, such as The Simpsons, Family Guy, South Park, Robot Chicken, etc.
Wish You Were Here has also resonated with many fans and listeners from different backgrounds and cultures. It has become a symbol of friendship and solidarity for many people who have experienced loss or loneliness. It has also become a source of inspiration and motivation for many people who have faced challenges or difficulties in their lives. It has also become a statement of identity and expression for many people who have felt alienated or misunderstood by society.
Wish You Were Here is an album that transcends time and space. It is an album that speaks to everyone who has ever wished they were here. 44f88ac181
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