Discography

This album is probably my least favorite. There are some redeeming qualities but it ventures to far out into pure sound experiments with out achieving some kind of synthesis with the music that they achieved in their later albums. The albums title track was originally titled “The Amazing Pudding”. It was changed when the band read an article about a woman with an atomic pacemaker. Ronald 'Ron' Geesin orchestrated and organized the album. It's an averagely recorded album but a very interesting idea, working with Ron Geesin, an orchestra and the John Aldiss choir. Roger and I were quite friendly with Ron. I think I met him through Robert Wyatt. The thing that Ron taught us most about was recording techniques, and tricks done on the cheap. We learned how to get round the men-in-white-coats and do things at home, like editing. Ron taught us how to use two tape recorders to create an endless build up of echo. It was all very relevant to things we did later. Now I listen to it with acute embarrassment because the backing track was put down by Roger and me, beginning to end, in one pass. Consequently the tempo goes up and down. It was a 20-minute piece and we just staggered through it. On the other side, Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast was another great idea -- gas fires popping, kettles boiling, that didn't really work on record but was great fun live. I've never heard Roger lay claim to it, which makes me think it must have been a group idea. - Nick Mason

Atom Heart Mother

The title track to the album, it is a song that cover the entire first side of the album. The intro music is captivating and has an electric quality. It sounds almost like an anthem moving into it. There is a lot of backing by chorus voices. About halfway there are some good guitar solos that play well with the organ that comes in. The song near the end delves into a lot of experimental sound effect layering.

If

This is a nice soft folk love song. It deals with questioning oneself and self fulfilling prophecies. I like the line “if I were the moon I'd be cool”

Summer 68

Merry piano chords bring this song in. then it is broken by a powerful solo in the middle. The song is about having a one night stand. It brings elements from the title track into play also.

Fat old Sun

This is a well balanced folk song. The vocals are high and flow well with the music.

Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast

This song has the most sound effects, as in the beginning we hear a breakfast being cooked for the first minute. I will say that it is cool to have that be the intro to your song, you certainly don't see many bands today that would take that risk.