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. ~ Mike DeGagne

Product Details

Release Date:	02/01/2008
Label:	Columbia / Sbme Special Mkts.
UPC:	0886972296128
Rank:	7220

Tracks

1. 4:30 Am (Apparently They Were Travelling Abroad)
2. 4:33 Am (Running Shoes)
3. 4:37 Am (Arabs With Knive and West German Skies)
4. 4:39 Am (For the First Time Today, Part 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, Part 1)
9. 4:58 Am (Dunroamin, Duncarin, Dunlivin)
10. 5:01 Am (The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking Part 10)
11. 5:06 Am (Every Strangers Eyes)
12. 5:11 Am (The Moment of Clarity)

Album Credits

Performance Credits

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

Technical Credits

Madeline Bell   Actress
Doug Sax   Mastering
Roger Waters   Actor,Design,Composer,Producer,Cover Design
Alex Henderson   Photography
Jack Palance   Actor
Cherry Vanilla   Actress
Mike Reese   Mastering
Artfull Dodgers   Coordination
Michael Kamen   Arranger,Producer
Beth Porter   Actress
Andy Jackson   Engineer
National Philharmonic Orchestra   Group
Gerald Scarfe   Design,Lettering,Cover Design,Illustrations
Artful Dodger   Coordination
Ed Bishop   Actor
Andy Quigley   Actor
Manning Redwood   Actor