Luck and Strange is the upcoming fifth studio album by English guitarist and songwriter David Gilmour, scheduled for release on September 6, 2024, under Sony Music. The album was co-produced by Gilmour and Charlie Andrew. Gilmour praised Andrew for challenging him musically and for not being intimidated by his legacy with Pink Floyd.
The lyrics were largely penned by Gilmour’s wife, novelist Polly Samson, who said they explore themes of mortality and aging. Their children also contributed vocals and lyrics. Additionally, the album includes keyboard parts recorded in 2007 by the late Richard Wright, Pink Floyd’s keyboardist, who passed away in 2008.
The singles “The Piper’s Call,” “Between Two Points,” and “Dark and Velvet Nights” have been released ahead of the album. Gilmour is set to embark on a tour in September to promote the album.
Recording
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Gilmour and his family performed live-streamed music sessions, which inspired him to let go of some of his past constraints and explore new musical directions. Gilmour has expressed that he believes Luck and Strange is his best work since Pink Floyd’s iconic 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon.
The album was recorded over five months at Gilmour’s Medina Studio in Hove and Mark Knopfler’s British Grove Studios in London, with Charlie Andrew producing. Gilmour appreciated how Andrew’s fresh perspective and lack of reverence for his past work pushed him to approach his music in new ways.
The album features a variety of musicians, including bassists Guy Pratt and Tom Herbert, drummers Adam Betts, Steve Gadd, and Steve DiStanislao, and keyboardists Rob Gentry and Roger Eno, with string and choral arrangements by Will Gardner. Notably, it includes keyboard recordings from Richard Wright, captured during a 2007 jam session at Gilmour’s barn.
One of the tracks, a cover of the 1999 song “Between Two Points” by the British band The Montgolfier Brothers, has been a longtime favorite of Gilmour’s. Mark Tranmer of The Montgolfier Brothers praised Gilmour’s version, noting that it diverged from the original while maintaining its essence.
Polly Samson, who wrote most of the album’s lyrics, said they reflect themes of mortality and aging. The lyrics for “Dark and Velvet Nights” were adapted from a poem she wrote for their wedding anniversary. The Gilmour children also contributed: their daughter Romany played harp and sang on “Between Two Points,” son Gabriel provided backing vocals, and son Charlie contributed some lyrics to the song “Scattered.” The album cover was created by Anton Corbijn.
Release and Promotion
Gilmour announced Luck and Strange on April 24, 2024, with the album set for release on September 6. The first single, “The Piper’s Call,” was released on April 25, followed by “Between Two Points” on June 17, and “Dark and Velvet Nights” on August 9. Gilmour will kick off a tour in support of the album in September 2024.
For this tour, Gilmour has decided to refresh his touring band, opting for musicians he feels bring more creativity to the table. He has also expressed plans to record another album with this lineup after the tour concludes.
David Gilmour. CREDIT: Anton Corbijn
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