The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking

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: 2816

Tracks

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

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The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking 4 out of 5 based on 0 ratings. 6 reviews.
Guest More than 1 year ago
Although this album is a decade old, Roger Waters paints both blissful and melancholy scenes with vocals and riffs which had been until now inconceivable. The story is scintillating as it is riveting. I am amazed by the number of people who continue their menial lives without the benefit of his prolific and beautiful message. You won't hear this on the radio. Get it!
Guest More than 1 year ago
This record wasn't quite as good as I expected it to be. It just goes to show that Roger wasn't half as good without Pink Floyd, even with Eric Clapton on lead guitar. I still don't fully understand the concept behind the album, but the lyrics are excellent. The background vocals get kind of annoying after awhile and I would rather hear Roger's sweet voice all by itself. I mean, who doesn't think his voice is the coolest voice in rock history?!! The bottom line is, if you're a Roger Waters fan, you should pick this one up. If you're a strict Pink Floyd fan, think it over a little and make sure you wouldn't rather buy "Ummagumma," which, by the way, is a great Pink Floyd double album. Check it out!!!
Guest More than 1 year ago
Like the swallows that come back to Capistrano,Roger Waters proves that it's only natural for a brilliant song writer to return to the roots of his genius in order to remind us that our instincts are the force that makes us what we inevitably become.
Guest More than 1 year ago
Even if this is a personal randition form Waters own heart, there are many concepts and flaws within ourselves that we, as humans, should be able to relate to.(within the lyrics) The music is fantastic and Eric Clapton lays a golden hand on the music as well.
Guest More than 1 year ago
Overshadowed by the tremendous success of The Wall, The Pros and Cons of Hitch-hiking, Roger Water's first solo album, is a gem that many forgot but many more never heard. Not a single song stands alone as a radio-worthy pop cut, but that is one reason why it is much more than a
AlwaysTrue More than 1 year ago
BOYCOTT ANYTHING BY ROGER WATERS. HE'S AN ANTI-SEMITE WHO IS BOYCOTTING ISRAEL. FIGHT BIGOTRY. Anyone who sides with Waters should go live in a Muslim country like Afghanistan or even the Palestinian territories - the darling of Waters' - where Christians are being murdered and churches burned. And Mr. Waters should lead the way. Join the Boyles in Afghanistan, prisoners since they were arrested for the crime of hiking in Afghanistan. But the main reason to boycott any music projects by Waters is that his music sucks. It was David Gilmour who was the musical genius of Pink Floyd.