The Later Years 1987-2019 [Box Set]

The generosity of the endeavour can’t be faulted: hours on end of largely unheard/unseen audio-visual content relating to the era encompassing A Momentary Lapse Of Reason, The Division Bell, Pulse and The Endless River, new 5.1 mixes, a 60-page photo book, replica tour programmes, two 7” singles featuring a Pulse tour rehearsal version of Lost For Words and the 2007 Syd Barrett tribute concert version of Arnold Layne… and, ye gods, even more.

As the avid completists and longstanding fans decide whether they need the whole of The Later Years 1987-2019 for the sake of the books and peripherals the mammoth compendium contains, more than one music lover who aspires to maintain a grasp of contemporary rock history may find this Pink Floyd title is more than just a sampler album. Its instantly-recognizable cover imagery and the kinetic photo array in the enclosed booklet are more than just cosmetic inclusions, but a reflection of the music inside.

here aren’t many behind-the-scenes outtakes, only a few demos and jams from around The Division Bell, including a stripped-down more dour-sounding “High Hopes.” ... The box set attempts to make up for this with odds and ends like interviews, standalone reels of the projections they cast on the circular screen, replica tour programs and a lyric book. The accouterments are all well considered and, like the concert films and albums, feel very “Pink Floyd” (it’s always nice to see the band’s trippy, Hipgnosis art printed well). But it only makes you want more