The Grand Vizier's Garden Party

Album: Ummagumma (1969)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is Nick Mason's addition to Pink Floyd's ambitious album Ummagumma, one disc of which featured live performances and the other a song written by each member of the group.
  • This song is split up into three parts: Entrance, Entertainment, and Exit.
  • Except for "Speak To Me" from Dark Side of the Moon, this is the only Pink Floyd song were Nick Mason received sole writing credit.
  • The Grand Vizier was the title of the Pharaoh's second hand man in ancient Egypt. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bill - Erie, PA, for all above

Comments: 5

  • Azagthoth from OhioI really like Ummagumma and would give it no less than a 7/10 . some of the music from the solo parts think it was grand visors garden party was used in a 90s Era ancient Egyptian documentary. I caught the last 30 min of it and never have seen it again. if anyone knows the name of the documentary please let me know. I have been looking for a long time,with no luck.
  • Ray from Baltimore Good assessment Mike; however, "more and obscured by clouds " should be 10's. The final cut should be a 2
  • Sam from Hipsville, CaMichael--------ahhh, if you could only drop a potent dose of whatever, Ummagumma would suddenly transform into a wonderful experience...i agree it's very experimental, still; there are some cool moments on it.
  • Madalyn from Greensburg, Pai think relics should be on that list for 10/10....mike you are a true floyd fan and i have to agree with most of your ratings...all though i think that they are all 10's compared to the garbage out today
  • Michael from OxfordUmmagumma is a load of failed experimental hogwash. It is in my opinion the only truly bad Pink Floyd album. Here's my assessment of the band's full output:

    THE PIPER AT THE GATES OF DAWN - 10/10

    A SAUCERFUL OF SECRETS - 8/10

    MUSIC FROM THE FILM MORE - 7/10

    UMMAGUMMA - 3/10

    ATOM HEART MOTHER - 7/10

    MEDDLE - 10/10

    OBSCURED BY CLOUDS - 8/10

    THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON - 10/10

    WISH YOU WERE HERE - 10/10

    ANIMALS - 10/10

    THE WALL - 10/10

    THE FINAL CUT - 10/10

    A MOMENTARY LAPSE OF REASON - 9/10

    THE DIVISION BELL - 9/10

    Anyone else agree with me here?
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.

Jonathan Cain of Journey

Jonathan Cain of JourneySongwriter Interviews

Cain talks about the divine inspirations for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully."

Gentle Giant

Gentle GiantSongwriter Interviews

An interview with Ray and Derek Shulman of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant to discuss counterpoint, polyrhythms, and... Bon Jovi.

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors Examined

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors ExaminedSong Writing

Doors expert Jim Cherry, author of The Doors Examined, talks about some of their defining songs and exposes some Jim Morrison myths.

Album Cover Inspirations

Album Cover InspirationsSong Writing

Some album art was at least "inspired" by others. A look at some very similar covers.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?