The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking

by Roger Waters

Overview

When dissected carefully, The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking becomes a fascinating conceptual voyage into the workings of the human psyche. As an abstract peering into the intricate functions of the subconscious, Waters' first solo album involves numerous dream sequences that both figuratively and symbolically unravel his struggle with marriage, fidelity, commitment, and age at the height of a midlife crisis. While the songs (titled by the times in which Waters experiences each dream) seem to lack in musical fluidity at certain points, they make up for it with ingenious symbolism and his brilliant use of stream of consciousness within a subconscious realm. Outside from the deep but sometimes patchy narrative framework, the music slightly lacks in rhythm or hooks, except for the title track that includes some attractive guitar playing via Eric Clapton. David Sanborn's saxophone is another attribute, adding some life to "Go Fishing" and "The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking." But it's truly the imagery and the visual design of the album that is front and center, since the importance lies in what Waters is trying to get across to the audience, decorated somewhat casually by his singing and the music. With Pink Floyd, the marriage of Waters' concepts and ideas with the talented musicianship of the rest of the band presented a complete masterpiece in both thought and music, while his solo efforts lean more toward the conceptual aspects of his work. With this in mind, The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking continues to showcase Waters' unprecedented knack of addressing his darkest thoughts and conceptions in a most extraordinary fashion.

Product Details

Release Date:	02/01/2008
Label:	Sbme Special Mkts.
UPC:	0886972296128
catalogNumber:	722961
Rank:	1992

Tracks

1. 4.30 Am (Apparently They Were Travelling Abroad)
2. 4.33 Am (Running Shoes)
3. 4.37 Am (Arabs with Knives and West German Skies)
4. 4.39 Am (For the First Time Today, Pt. 2)
5. 4.41 Am (Sexual Revolution)
6. 4.47 Am (The Remains of Our Love)
7. 4.50 Am (Go Fishing)
8. 4.56 Am (For the First Time Today, Pt. 1)
9. 4.58 Am (Dunroamin, Duncarin, Dunlivin)
10. 5.01 Am (The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking, Pt. 10)
11. 5.06 AM (Every Stranger's Eyes)
12. 5.11 Am (The Moment of Clarity)

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Roger Waters   Primary Artist,Bass,Guitar,Bass Guitar,Rhythm Guitar,Vocals,Actor
Michael Kamen   Piano,Conductor,Drums
David Sanborn   Saxophone
Madeline Bell   Vocals,Background Vocals,Actress
Andy Bown   Organ,Guitar,Hammond Organ,12-string Guitar
Cherry Vanilla   Vocals,Actress
Jack Palance   Vocals,Actor
National Philharmonic Orchestra   Performing Ensemble,Group
Ed Bishop   Vocals,Actor
Doreen Chanter   Vocals,Background Vocals
Eric Clapton   Guitar
Ray Cooper   Percussion
Kevin Flanagan   Horn
Katie Kissoon   Vocals,Background Vocals
Andy Newmark   Drums
Beth Porter   Vocals,Actress
Andy Quigley   Vocals,Actor
Raphael Ravenscroft   Horn
Manning Redwood   Vocals,Actor
Vic Sullivan   Horn

Technical Credits

Roger Waters   Composer,Producer,Cover Design
Michael Kamen   Arranger,Producer
Andy Jackson   Engineer
Gerald Scarfe   Illustrations,Cover Design
Michael King   Sound Effects