One last thought on Roger Waters. (For more see last two posts.) I like that he has an "axe to grind." Both a selfish reason for saying and doing something, and also having a very strong opinion. And his work holds together as an all-encompassing, and completely cohesive world-view. All those Waters' led records have something to say. I like that he has the vision and the dedication to create "concept" records. They are big, and sometimes clunky. Grand, operatic, but well-thought out, and meticulously recorded.
I think the best of his stuff was when he collaborated with David Gilmour, one of the best, most distinctive guitar players to ever pick up the instrument. Gilmour lent his great guitar playing, and sometimes his voice to some of Waters best songs. The work stands. A great body of work with depth and meaning. I marvel at Roger Waters ambition. He made lots of money early on in the Floyd career, but nothing dampened his creative spark. Whatever drives that man, it has resulted in some very stirring, intelligent music.
And more and more that vision seems prophetic to me. Yes, we have all been betrayed at every turn, by every institution, we can't trust those who wield power, they will only abuse it. We need to keep our eyes open and rage against the machine!