Radio Kaos

Radio K.A.O.S. first released in 1987: was the second solo studio album by Roger Waters,and the first since officially leaving Pink floyd in circa: late 1985.It is a concept album that tells the story of Billy who is regarded as a 'vegetable' (probably special needs in current day venacular) and is forced to live with his great uncle in the USA,after his brother Benny is jailed for venting his anger over the British tabloid press on a footbridge in his Welsh hometown.the same night as striking miners hurled a concrete slab from another similar motorway footbridge,at a passing taxi carrying a strike breaker,thus killing the driver,not the intended target (as I remember it).The whole story is pure fiction,but the taxi driver incident,miners strike period is very true.This is where the idea for this concept album - I find,creates a sense of uneasiness for me,the listener and leaves a bad taste in my mouth! - Roger Waters has never been one to shy away from controversy easily.The tale continues with Billy befriending a dj: Jim from (fictitious) LA radio station K.A.O.S. pronounced chaos.his dialogue and broadcasts' are central to the whole storyline.i find his American accent and style;so dry and acidic - an ironic dig at such a culture.Billy has special powers - he can receive 'radio waves' without the aid of a receiver.concluding with a US army soldier almost pressing the button of a nuclear bomb,causing the obliteration of the world as we know it.but Billy,with his special powers,drains the world of all its energy resources and saves the day,and planet earth at large - he becomes a hero - leading to celebrations across the world,were he is finally reunited with Benny and his family in his home town once again.I find it a convoluted and quite a daft storyline,and is used as a vehicle for Roger to showcase his left leaning (sic) politics and to have a dig at the then political world leaders - 'Thatcher and Reagan' crop up on a couple of occasions.Musically: I find it excellent and even upbeat,on brass laden tracks; who needs information and The powers that be.trademark female backing vocals on much of the record courtesy of; Madeline Bell,Katie kissoon and Vicki Brown - are all excellent and a welcome addition.Elsewhere: legendary sax player - Mel Collins is outstanding,as is Paul Carrack who does guest vocals on: Powers that be,and Clare Torry (know who she is?) On Home and Four minutes.The closing track on the album is: The tide is turning (after live aid) - both uplifting and moving,with its optimistic 'hope for the future' message.the Welsh male voice choir are outstanding on this track.And there you have it - a very good,if not quite excellent concept album by Roger Waters.his thought provoking lyrics blend in with his dark humour,and are central for Radio K.A.O.S.to work so well.P.S. the real life miners strike connection and reference is most unnecessary - far too insensitive,and stops it getting a five star rating!!

My main issue with this album is the pitch from too quiet to too loud. I know it's an album held in regard, and I am probably committing treason to some people. However that's how I find it.Secondly, some of the songs are quite screechy, in the female backing vocals.Overall it polarises when I can listen to it. I have to be completely in the mood for it, when I listen. If I casually listen to it, I get infuriated having to remote control the volume constantly. I mean you miss the start or voice or vocals at the start or quiet bits. Plus I switch of with the screechy vocals. (I guess Waters thinks he's deep with the volumes.)At least's it's not as bad as shrill, harsh, dissonant - Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking. K.A.O.S. not a total waste of money then. However to be honest I wish I had kept my money, as I won't listen to it much.

If your not familiar with Pink Floyd or the founding member Roger Waters then.you haven't lived so just buy it, form your own review,If your not familiar with this music start with the dark side of the moon 🌙 and play it loud with over the ear headphones for best effect, same applies to any Floyd, Waters or Gilmour Album.

This album is missing 75% of something......oh yes of course....it must be the other 3 members of Pink Floyd.

Roger waters was floyd lyrically and musically why this guys solo album s get slated I don’t know amused to death was a top album which did not get the credit it deserved this album musically not lyrically is not far behind plus because of his politics he is not liked to me he cares he’s looking for an answer