Obscured by Clouds (instrumental)

"Obscured By Clouds" is the opening and title track to Pink Floyd's 1972 album Obscured by Clouds.^[1][2]

Music

It is entirely instrumental. The song starts with the persistent key of an EMS VCS 3, then becomes accompanied by drums and David Gilmour on guitar until the end. "Obscured by Clouds" then segues into the next song on the album, "When You're In".

Live

These two songs were performed together live in late 1972 and usually opened shows on the 1973 Dark Side of the Moon tour. The live versions had a longer intro before the drums come in, with Gilmour's slide guitar and some bass playing by Roger Waters. At the appearance of "When You're In", an extended jam similar to "Echoes" occurs. This jam lasts until Gilmour plays a solo, which is followed by the return of the EMS VCS 3 drone that starts "Obscured by Clouds". The song ends with a reprise of the "When You're In" theme.

Personnel

• David Gilmour - slide guitar, EMS VCS 3 synthesizer
• Roger Waters - bass, EMS VCS 3 synthesizer
• Richard Wright - EMS VCS 3 synthesizer, Hammond organ
• Nick Mason - drums, electronic drums

References