ROGER WATERS - Pros And Cons Of Hitchhiking 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Uncensored Gatefold Album Front Cover

High Resolution Photo roger waters pros cons hitchhiking uncensored

The photo model on the album front cover of "Roger Waters'" album "The Pro's and Con's of Hitchhiking" is "Linzi Drew" a former glamour model, producer, adult model and pornographic actress. She has her own wikipedia page.

Album Description:

Roger Waters is a name that is synonymous with Pink Floyd, one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time. However, in 1984, Waters decided to branch out and create a solo album, entitled "The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking." The album is a concept piece that follows the dreams of a man as he travels through his subconscious mind. It's a departure from the sound and style of Pink Floyd, but it still contains Waters' signature lyrical and musical style.

The album's central theme is the subconscious mind, and the journey that one takes when they delve into it. The protagonist of the album is a man who is dreaming and has hitchhiked into his own mind. The songs on the album deal with the man's experiences and the themes that emerge as he travels through his subconscious.

One of the primary themes of the album is relationships. Throughout the album, the man reflects on his past relationships and the mistakes he has made. He is haunted by the memories of his ex-wife and his affair with a younger woman. The song "Sexual Revolution" deals with the protagonist's fear of being alone and his desire to find love.

Another theme of the album is mortality. The man reflects on his own mortality and the inevitability of death. In the song "4:30 AM (Apparently They Were Traveling Abroad)," the man contemplates the fragility of life and the fear of dying alone.

The album features a range of musical styles, from hard rock to jazz. Waters' lyrics are poetic and insightful, and the music complements the themes of the album. The album features several guest musicians, including Eric Clapton on guitar and Michael Kamen on keyboards.

One of the standout tracks on the album is "5:06 AM (Every Stranger's Eyes)." The song features a catchy guitar riff and a driving rhythm that builds to a crescendo. The lyrics deal with the protagonist's fear of the unknown and his desire for connection.

Another standout track is "The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking." The song features a bluesy guitar riff and a hypnotic rhythm. The lyrics deal with the protagonist's fear of commitment and his desire for freedom.

"The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking" was a commercial and critical success, reaching number 31 on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album showcased Waters' lyrical and musical talents and solidified his reputation as a solo artist. The album was also a departure from Pink Floyd's sound and style, showing Waters' willingness to experiment and explore new musical territory.

The original album cover for Roger Waters' "The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking" features a photograph by French artist and photographer Thierry Le Gouès, which depicts a woman's bare back with a suitcase on it, along with a road sign and a hitchhiking thumb. The cover was considered sexually suggestive and controversial, leading to censorship in some countries.

t is believed that the censorship was due to concerns over nudity and sexual content, as well as fears that the original cover could be seen as promoting hitchhiking, which was considered dangerous at the time.

It's worth noting that the album was released during a time when there was increased concern about explicit or offensive content in music, with the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) leading a campaign to label albums with explicit lyrics. The controversy surrounding the album cover may have been a response to this larger cultural trend.

The Controversy:

The album cover of Roger Waters' "The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking" became a focal point of controversy, revolving around its sexually suggestive nature. The original cover, prominently featured on the "uncensored" version, displays a woman's bare back adorned with a suitcase, positioned alongside a road sign and a hitchhiking thumb.

This visual depiction stirred a wave of disapproval, leading to censorship in certain countries, primarily due to its perceived revealing and potentially exploitative elements. The concerns surrounding the album cover centered on two main issues.

Firstly, the nudity and sexual content portrayed in the exposed back were deemed inappropriate and potentially offensive to some segments of the audience. The mid-1980s marked a different cultural landscape, where societal norms were more conservative compared to contemporary standards.

Secondly, the image was criticized for potentially encouraging a hazardous activity – hitchhiking. The hitchhiking gesture in the artwork raised concerns about promoting a practice that was viewed as potentially dangerous during that period.

It is crucial to contextualize these concerns within the socio-cultural milieu of the mid-1980s. The prevailing attitudes towards nudity, sexuality, and societal safety were different than they are today. The controversy surrounding the album cover serves as a reflection of the evolving perceptions and sensitivities during that era.

Music Genre:

  Acid Psych Prog Rock Music

Album Production Information:

  • Produced by Roger Waters and Michael kamen
  • Engineered by Andy Jackson and Laura Boison
  • SFX Boffin Michael King
  • Holophonics by Zuccarelli Labs Ltd
  • Recorded in England at Olympic, Eel Pie and The Billiard Room between Feb and Dec 1983
  • Mastered by Doug Sax and Mike Reese at the Mastering Lab, Los Angeles
  • Sleeve Design by Roger Waters and Gerald Scarfe
  • Illustrations and Lettering by Gerald Scarfe
  • Photography by Alex Henderson
  • Co-ordination by The Artful Dodgers

Record Label & Catalognr:

Harvest 1C 064-2401051

Media Format:

  12" Full-Length Vinyl LP  Gramophone Record
Album weight: 280 gram  

Year & Country:

  1984 Made in Germany  (EEC)
Band Members and Musicians on: ROGER WATERS - The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking Uncensored Gatefold
    Band/Musicians
  • Roger Waters - Bass Guitar, Guitars, Vocals

    Roger Waters Journey into the mind of Roger Waters! Explore the complexities of Pink Floyd's creative powerhouse. Uncover his profound lyrics and the stories behind his iconic albums .

  • Andy Bown - Keyboards

    Andy Bown (Full-name: Andrew Steven Bown ) an English musician, singer, and songwriter who has been active in the music industry since the 1960s. He is known for his work as a keyboardist and rhythm guitarist for the band Status Quo, as well as for his solo work and collaborations with other artists. He has also written songs for other musicians and worked as a producer.

  • Ray Cooper - Percussion

    Ray Cooper (Full-name: Raymond Cooper) an English percussionist and drummer who has worked with a wide range of artists in various genres of music. He is known for his work with Elton John, having played percussion on many of his albums and tours, as well as for his collaborations with other musicians such as George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and The Rolling Stones. Cooper has also released several solo albums and is known for his unique style of percussion, which often incorporates unconventional instruments and sounds.

  • Eric Clapton -Lead Guitar

    Eric Clapton: The 1970s saw Eric Clapton battle heroin addiction, yet produce iconic work like "Layla." He resurfaced with successful albums like "461 Ocean Boulevard" and "Slowhand." His music matured, showcasing vulnerability with hits like "Wonderful Tonight." While the 1980s brought sobriety, his output remained commercially popular. Albums like "Behind the Sun" and collaborations with Phil Collins kept Clapton in the spotlight throughout the decade. Learn more about him

  • Michael Kamen - Piano

    Michael Kamen a name synonymous with epic film scores and soaring orchestral arrangements, also left an undeniable mark on the world of rock music. While his career spanned various genres, his collaborations with rock legends like Pink Floyd, Metallica, and Aerosmith remain a testament to his unique ability to bridge the gap between the raw energy of rock and the grandeur of classical music.

    more...

    Kamen's foray into rock began in the early 1970s with his own band, The New York Rock & Roll Ensemble. This outfit experimented with blending classical influences into their rock sound, foreshadowing the collaborative spirit that would define his career. His talents soon caught the attention of established artists, leading to his first major rock project: arranging Pink Floyd's "The Wall" for its live performances. This collaboration showcased Kamen's ability to seamlessly integrate orchestral elements into the band's progressive rock tapestry, adding a layer of depth and emotional resonance.

    Throughout the 80s and 90s, Kamen became a sought-after collaborator for rock heavyweights. He crafted the iconic orchestral arrangement for Aerosmith's power ballad "Dream On," transforming it from a rock anthem into a timeless classic. His work with Metallica on their groundbreaking "S&M" live album , featuring the band performing with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, remains a landmark achievement in the history of rock and metal. "S&M" not only pushed the boundaries of genre but also introduced a wider audience to the power and beauty of orchestral arrangements within rock music.

    Beyond specific collaborations, Kamen's influence on rock extends to his broader approach to music. He challenged the traditional boundaries between rock and classical, demonstrating how orchestral elements could enhance the emotional impact and sonic richness of rock music without compromising its raw energy. His work opened doors for future artists and producers to explore the potential of orchestral arrangements within the rock genre.

    Michael Kamen's legacy in rock music lies not just in his individual contributions but also in the way he redefined the sonic possibilities of the genre. He showed that rock music could embrace the power and sophistication of classical music, creating a unique and emotionally resonant sound that continues to inspire and captivate audiences today. His work serves as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and the boundless potential of music when different genres and styles converge.

  • Andy Newman - Drums

    Andy Newman (Full-name: Paul Humphrey ) was an English musician who was best known as the pianist and a founding member of the band Thunderclap Newman. The band was active in the late 1960s and is best known for its hit single "Something in the Air." Newman played piano and organ on the song and also wrote its distinctive piano riff. After the band's breakup, Newman continued to work in the music industry as a session musician and producer. He passed away in 2016. It's worth noting that Andy Newman did not contribute to "The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking" album.

  • David Sanborn - Saxophone

    David Sanborn an American saxophonist, composer, and band leader who has been active in the music industry since the 1960s. He is known for his distinctive sound and style of playing, which incorporates elements of jazz, funk, and R&B. Sanborn has worked with a wide range of artists in various genres of music, including Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, and Roger Waters. He played saxophone on "The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking" album, contributing to its unique sound and style. Sanborn has also released many solo albums and is regarded as one of the most influential saxophonists of his generation.

  • Madeline Bell - Vocals

    Madeleine Bell

    Madeleine Bell is a British soul and jazz singer who has made significant contributions to the music industry. Born 1940, in Newark, Nottinghamshire, England, Bell's career spans several decades, and she has gained recognition for her versatile vocal abilities.

    Bell began her musical journey as a session and backup singer in the 1960s, collaborating with various artists and contributing her vocals to numerous recordings. Her soulful and powerful voice caught the attention of industry professionals, leading to her involvement in a wide range of projects.

    more...

    One notable collaboration was her work with Blue Mink, a British band with a fusion of pop, rock, and soul elements. Bell was the lead vocalist for the band, and together they achieved success with hits like "Melting Pot" and "Good Morning Freedom" in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

    Apart from her work with Blue Mink, Madeleine Bell continued to be in demand as a session singer, lending her voice to recordings by artists across various genres. Her vocal prowess, characterized by a soulful and dynamic style, made her a sought-after collaborator.

    Throughout her career, Madeleine Bell has showcased her talent on stage and in the studio, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. Her contributions as a vocalist, particularly in the soul and jazz genres, have earned her respect and admiration among both fellow musicians and audiences alike.

  • Katie Kissoon - Vocals

    Katie Kissoon, born in Trinidad, rose to fame in the 70s alongside her brother Mac as pop duo "Mac & Katie Kissoon." Hits like "Love Will Keep Us Together" solidified their success. After the duo's decline, Katie became a sought-after backing vocalist, working with legends like Eric Clapton, Roger Waters, and George Michael.

  • Doreen Chanter - Vocals
  • Raphael Ravenscroft - Horns
  • Kevin Flanagan - Horns
  • Vic Sullivan - Horns
  • The National Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted and Arranged by Michael Kamen
Complete Track Listing of: ROGER WATERS - The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking Uncensored Gatefold
    Side One:
  1. 4:30 AM (Apparently They Were)
  2. Travelling Abroad
  3. 4:33 AM (Running Shoes)
  4. 4:37 AM (Arabs with Knives and West German Skies
  5. 4:39 AM (For the first time today, Part II)
  6. 4:41 AM (Sexual Revolution)
  7. 4:47 AM (The Remains of Our Love)
    Side Two:
  1. 4:50 AM (Go Fishing)
  2. 4:56 AM (For the first time today, Part 1)
  3. 4:58 AM (Dunroamin, Duncarin, Dunlivin)
  4. 5:01 AM (The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking Part 10)
  5. 5:06 AM (Every Strangers Eyes)
  6. 5:11 AM (The Moment of Clarity
Album Cover Photo Gallery of: ROGER WATERS - The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking Uncensored Gatefold
 

High Resolution Photo roger waters pros cons hitchhiking uncensored

High Resolution Photo roger waters pros cons hitchhiking uncensored

High Resolution Photo roger waters pros cons hitchhiking uncensored

High Resolution Photo roger waters pros cons hitchhiking uncensored

High Resolution Photo roger waters pros cons hitchhiking uncensored

 Note: the pictures on this page are actual photos of the album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

Explore the Ultimate Collection of Roger Waters' Vinyl Records: Rare Album Covers and Insider Information

 Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking ( Uncensored )

 Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking ( Uncensored ) 12" LP

Harvest 1C 064-2401051 , 1984 , Germany / EEC

This is the uncensored release of "The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking" is a concept album by Roger Waters that explores the themes of relationships, mortality, and the subconscious mind. It features a range of musical styles and was a commercial and critical success, solidifying Waters' reputation as a solo artist.

Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking ( Uncensored ) 12" Vinyl LP

 Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking (Censored)

 Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking 12" LP

CBS C39290, Imported by Sound-Express , 1984 , USA

This is the censored release of "The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking" is a concept album by Roger Waters that explores the themes of relationships, mortality, and the subconscious mind. It features a range of musical styles and was a commercial and critical success, solidifying Waters' reputation as a solo artist.

Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking (Censored) 12" Vinyl LP

 Radio K.A.O.s

 Radio K.A.O.s 12" LP

EMI 2407831 , 1987 , EEC

Radio K.A.O.S is the second solo album by Roger Waters and was released in 1987

Radio K.A.O.s 12" Vinyl LP

 When The Wind Blows

 When The Wind Blows 12" LP

Virgin Records DM 208 042 , 1986 , Germany

This hard to find sound-track with the film sound score written by Roger Waters

When The Wind Blows 12" Vinyl LP
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