Who is the strongest, who is the best

The Top Ten non-Pink Floyd David Gilmour Moments

by Bob Cooney

As I thought about a top ten list with David Gilmour as the theme, I considered first a list of David's best guest appearances. There is certainly a massive number of such appearances to choose from. That, however, became a problem because I simply have not heard all of them. I couldn't possibly make a top ten list and leave so many songs out that may be as good or better than what I've heard. It just wouldn't be a good representation of all of David Gilmour's guest appearances. Having come to that conclusion, I decided what would be better would be to come up with my top ten non-Pink Floyd David Gilmour moments. Of course, a Top Ten list will always leave out some good songs. These, however, are moments outside the band in David Gilmour's career that have stuck in my mind as something particularly special.

10. "Gigolo Aunt" from Syd Barrett - Barrett

One of the best bass lines with a great beat, and what a surprise to see it credited to David Gilmour. We all know the story: Syd leaves Pink Floyd and David Gilmour is brought in to help out his friend with his solo album. Gilmour plays bass throughout the album, but it's the groove in "Gigolo Aunt" that stands out. There's plenty of conjecture about just how much bass David Gilmour actually played on the Floyd records. This one however, is credited to him and it's what makes the album. Syd jamming to Gilmour's bass... with Rick Wright on keyboards. Great stuff!

9. "Stone" from Paul Rodgers - The Law

Though lead guitar on this song is shared between David Gilmour and Chris Rea, David's part is instantly recognizable. In fact, the first time I heard this one I was in my car listening to Howard Stern on the radio. His special guest in the studio was Paul Rodgers. When they played a cut from the CD, I thought to myself, "Wow. That sounds an awful lot like David Gilmour. I wouldn't be surprised if it were him." Sure enough. I guess that happens a lot with the number of guest appearances Gilmour has made over the years. This one stands out because of Paul Rodgers' vocals. In my opinion, he is one of the all time great rock vocalists, if not the greatest. Only David Gilmour comes close.

8. "Near The End" from David Gilmour - About Face

This one has made my Top Ten lists in the past. What can I say? It's a great song, and the transition from acoustic guitar to electric guitar is seamless and hair-raising. Where did that electric guitar come from? He was playing acoustic! Who cares? Just wail away, David! And another thing... it fades out way too early.

7. "After The Fire" from Pete Townshend's Deep End Live!

Guesting with another rock legend, the song is a perfect fit for David's style. This version is far superior to the Daltrey version. Or maybe I'm biased. The fact is, Pete and David work great together. Hey... I wonder how they would have gotten along had they spent their entire careers working together instead of with their other famous sidekicks?

6. "Love, Pain & Sorrow" from Snowy White - Highway To The Sun"

He's not quite the rock icon that Paul Rodgers and Pete Townshend are, but Snowy White is an accomplished blues performer in his own right. More known in the Floyd community for his work with the band on the Animals and The Wall tours and with Roger Waters, this CD showcases Snowy's enormous talent as a blues guitarist and singer. Relive the magic Snowy and David made trading licks on the Animals tour with this great blues song.

5. "Mihalis" from David Gilmour David Gilmour

I'm listening to this one right now as I type these words. Mesmerizing. The first David Gilmour solo song I ever heard. I can remember walking into a Sam Goody back in the spring of 1978 and looking in a freshly opened box to find a David Gilmour solo album. There was no hint or clue that this was coming. It was just dropped in my lap one fine day. And what a treat this was! That distinctive Floydian sound can be heard right off the bat with this first cut. A great opener and a great introduction to David Gilmour's solo career.

4. "No More Lonely Nights" from Paul McCartney Give My Regards To Broad Street

Is there any rock icon bigger than a Beatle? David's played a lot with Paul over the years, including concerts at the famous Cavern Club, and he's also played on Ringo Starr's most recent CD. But this song is easily David's finest moment with any Beatle anywhere anytime. The lead guitar is remeniscent of "Young Lust" and is just as jaw-dropping.

3. "I Put a Spell On You from Pete Townshend's Deep End Live!

From CCR to Bryan Ferry to The Crazy World of Arthur Brown and even Marilyn Manson, this classic has been covered again and again. And I'll tell you right now, David Gilmour on lead blows away any other version. Proof that Mr. Gilmour is simply The Best.

2. "Fat Old Sun" from David Gilmour In Concert

This song has also made a previous Top Ten list. But to hear David sing it again in concert these many years later is just fantastic, and one of his finest moments ever. Talk about great rock vocalists! He's still got it.

1. "Murder" from David Gilmour About Face

Probably David Gilmour's finest solo moment. Great vocals, and great guitar throughout. But the solo is what ranks this moment Number One. It has been said that David's second solo effort, About Face, is a bit too much on the "pop" side. Yeah, right. Well, okay, there probably is a "poppy" song or two on the album, but certainly not this one! A great song, much in the Floydian vein, as dark and foreboding as anything written by any other Floyd member. Out of the voluminous number of songs to choose from for this top ten, in my opinion the number one slot was a given. It had to be "Murder". David Gilmour's finest non-Floydian moment.