A Father-Daughter Harmony: David Gilmour's "Between Two Points" and the Magic of Musical Covers

David Gilmour, the legendary guitarist of Pink Floyd, has just the second single from his upcoming album, *Luck and Strange*, slated for release on September 6th. The single, "Between Two Points," is a mesmerizing piece featuring Gilmour’s daughter, Romany Gilmour, on vocals. While there are numerous videos of the father-daughter duo performing on YouTube, this track serves as my first introduction to their collaborative magic.

The song is somber and hauntingly beautiful, perfectly complementing Gilmour's signature style. Romany’s vocals add an ethereal charm that elevates the track to a new level. But what really intrigued me about "Between Two Points" is that it led to a couple of personal "firsts." Not only was it my first time hearing Romany Gilmour’s captivating voice, but I also discovered that the song is a cover of a track by the Montgolfier Brothers from their 1999 debut album, *Seventeen Stars*.

Now, before you start thinking of hot air balloons and the pioneering Montgolfier brothers of the 18th century, let me clarify. The Montgolfier Brothers I’m referring to were a British indie pop-dream pop duo, consisting of gnac's Mark Tranmer and Lovewood drummer Roger Quigley. Formed in 1999, the duo released several recordings before Quigley's passing on August 18, 2020. This revelation brought to light the magical relationship between artists and their audiences, a bond often strengthened through the act of covering another artist's work.

Before Gilmour’s rendition, I had never listened to the Montgolfier Brothers' music. In fact, I hadn’t even heard of them. But upon hearing the original version of "Between Two Points," I was struck by its humble charm and familiar yet distinct sound. It’s fascinating how Gilmour’s cover led me to discover and appreciate the original track, highlighting the powerful role that covers can play in the musical landscape.

Often, music consumers dismiss the idea of a "cover" or a "cover band" as inferior, believing that songs written, arranged, and recorded by the original artist are the only legitimate offerings. I've even heard someone claim that covering a song is "lazy" and simply profits off the original artist's work. What this perspective fails to acknowledge is that the majority of songs are often written by someone other than the recording artist. More importantly, covers keep the legacy and spirit of the original music alive, introducing it to new audiences and ensuring its longevity.

Had David Gilmour never covered "Between Two Points," it’s quite possible that I would never have discovered the Montgolfier Brothers' music. Now, I can proudly call myself a fan. This experience underscores the invaluable role that covers play in the music world, not just as tributes, but as bridges that connect generations of listeners to the rich tapestry of musical history.

So, here’s to David Gilmour for reminding us of the beauty in covers and for continuing to enchant us with his timeless artistry. And here’s to the Montgolfier Brothers, whose music has found a new audience thanks to Gilmour’s hauntingly beautiful rendition of "Between Two Points."