This album was the first release by Pink Floyd where they had both written and toured the material before going into the studio; the original title for the album was "Eclipse".
The album sleeve states that the recording process started in June 72 and finished in January 73 at the Abbey ... Read review
its first 25 years of release. It continues to be a favourite, with 20 per cent of those sales occurring in the period since it first came out on CD, a medium to w...
masterpiece. The Dark Side Of The Moon is the album that dramatically transformed Pink Floyd from art house favourites to global stadium superstars.Prior to 1973, Pink Fl...
floyd uses the floating colours used on the original album cover to create a sound wave across the page whic passes through the pyramid. Centred on white to give a border.
possibly their best known album; one of the best selling albums of all time, staying in the American charts for around fourteen years; Post Live 8, sales of this album rocketed by 1400%.
pink floyd uses the floating colours used on the original album cover to create a sound wave across the page whic passes through the pyramid. Centred on white to give a border.
the best known album by the English band Pink Floyd; one of the best selling albums of all time and stayed in the American charts for some fourteen years.
A review by Miles13 on Dark Side Of The Moon - Pink Floyd March 7th, 2005
Author's product rating:
Originality
Groundbreaking
Lyrics
Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks
Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Outstanding
Value for Money
Excellent
Advantages:
The best version yet
Disadvantages:
None
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
This album was the first release by Pink Floyd where they had both written and toured the material before going into the studio; the original title for the album was "Eclipse".
The album sleeve states that the recording process started in June 72 and finished in January 73 at the Abbey Road Studios, it didn't take six months to record. The reality was 38 days of recording was squeezed in around tours of Britain, Japan, and North America as well as a soundtrack for the Barbet Schroeder film "La Vallée (Obscured by Clouds) and work on a French ballet with input from the film director Roman Polanski and the late Rudolph Nureyev.
This album began life in a West Hampstead rehearsal studio in the November of 1971, the band had come back from America and where sick of playing touring. The keyboard player Rick Wright was ever more worried about the possibility of a plane or train crash. The album "Meddle" had just come out and the epic "head-music" the band had defined on the second side of that album called "Echoes" excited everyone.
Over the next 7 weeks in the Rehearsal studio the band wrote feverously, with the Bass layer Rodger Waters paying particular attention to morality and the mental collapse of original band member Syd Barrett. (See the book "Crazy Diamond" by Mike Watkinson & Pete Anderson ISN number 0 - 7119 - 8835 - 8 for further reading on Syd Barrett)
The sound engineer Alan Parsons, who had become famous for his work on the Beatles album "Abbey Road", engineered this album working both night and day using not one but two 16 track decks. In an interview Parsons recalled using all the tape machines at Abbey Road to create the effects that had him trailing tape in the corridors, each first generation recording was non- Dolby but the then new process of Dolby A was added to the second generation 16 track with all the effects added and what effects the band used everything they could think of.
The track "On the Run" contains a benchmark use of the VCS3 synthesiser, a suitcase model known as the EMS Synthi AKS, which had an on board sequencer. Using this keyboard David Gilmour had come up with an eight note sequence which Waters changed to a seven note sequence sep up to give the familiar burbling effect Although some of the sounds on the track are library sound effects, the train sound is guitar feedback and Parsons in Abbey Road and on London underground recorded the sound of footsteps. On the track "Time" David Gilmour's guitar is full of distortion and phasing, and is automatically double tracked. The album is full of slide guitar pieces these Gilmour played with his Fender Stratocaster on his lap. On the piece called "Money" Gilmour plays two guitars with different effects, the seven note Bass here is accompanied by paper/money/cash register sounds cut into the take by Waters from tape lengths recorded on a Revox tape machine in his wife's potting shed. The echoes on the track "Us and Them" came from tape running at 7.5 ips (inches per second) vari-speeded by 1.5 seconds. The section of the album called "Any Colour You Like contains an amazing Hendrix-like guitar solo by David Gilmour, shimmering organ and VCS3 keyboard solos by Wright and a stunning echo repeat tone from the VCS3 synth. David Gilmour got the weird guitar sounds on "Breathe", "Brain Damage" and "Eclipse" by playing through the revolving Leslie cone on Wright's Hammond organ, a trick borrowed from Eric Clapton. Throughout this album Wright Hammond playing is superb along with his playing of Wurlitzer electric piano, acoustic piano and backing vocals, some of the style used by him come from the jazz masterpiece by Miles Davis called "Kind of Blue". (Another personal favourite of mine) Nick Mason the drummer in the band was strong on all the extraneous noises and is supposed to have retuned his Roto-Toms for every key change on "Time". The voice parts of the album the most famous being "I don't know I was really drunk at the time" and "I've always been mad" come parts recorded by Waters the first voice is wings guitarist "Henry McCullough" and the second is the doorman at Abbey Road studios called Jerry Driscoll. Clare Torry's screams on "Great Gig in the sky" were done in one take on a Sunday night in January 1973. To finish the album the group created a sound collage called "Speak to Me" this track contains elements from "Time", "Money" and "Great Gig in the sky" the oscillating machine sound is from the VCS3 synth Round about the middle of January 73 the producer Chris Thomas was brought in as a neutral pair of ears for three weeks to oversee the mix of the album, Waters wanted the sound dry and Gilmour wanted it wet, in the end Thomas added a echo-laden wet mix which was his contribution to the album and this mix would benefit all subsequent format mixers. The production of this album sounds basic compared today's standards, but some how does not sound primitive indeed there are some later Floyd album which sound more dated, this probably due to luck than design. I think this album must be listened too complete and not in parts like singles the track "Money" was released in the U.S. and got to number 13 in the billboard charts and the album itself was on the billboard album chart for 14 years.
Originally released on March 24th 1973 catalogue number SHVL 804 this album has gone through various changes over the years from the first version released on vinyl to the 21st centuary version which is a hybrid disc with dual layers of data, one with a new 5.1 surround mix and the other layer of data which has a clearer stereo version. In between the release of these there have been other incarnations ranging from a quadraphonic mix released in December 1973 with a slightly different cover design (blue outline prism) with the catalogue number Q4 SHVL 804, to a Mini disc version in 1992 catalogue number EMI 8 29752 8, I found there in all there have been 13 versions released in the U.K (I am sure someone will tell me different.) I found that in America there where 19 versions which include a picture disc in 1978 catalogue number Capitol SEAX - 11902 to a the first of two Gold versions first of these has the catalogue number MFSL UDCD 517 which came out in 1988 the second came out in 1993 catalogue number MFSL UDCD 517 9 the difference between those two is one the year and the process of ultra disc 2 on the more up to date pressing. (Again I am sure someone out there will know of more) A real nightmare if you are a collector of this band, I personally have the 20th Anniversary version in a box with 6 postcards and the bang up to date 30th anniversary SACD issue, which is a real dream to listen too compared to the boxed version it sounds warmer and creates a real sound landscape to relish, catalogue number for this issue is EMI 7243 and the vinyl issue the number EMI 7243582136 1 for all the purists out here.
Just sit back press play and let this new pressing wash over you, I haven't heard the SACD mix of this album but can't help but feel curious about what it sounds like.
In closing I think the future of this particular album is assured as every generation discovers this masterwork it's re-invented for their consumption.
Advantages: A musical watershed; Your CD player will biodegrade before these tracks become yesterday's noise... Disadvantages: Hazardous to listen to if you're prone to contemplating suicide...
...B. The Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon Lunar Phase: On a microcosmic level, Pink Floyd itself had been forced to face its own dark, "New Moon" phase and potential mortality after booting Syd Barrett and taking on David Gilmour in 1968. Syd, who had been the heart and soul of the early ethereal, psychedelic PF, had become their dysfunctional waning moon due to latent insanity triggered by the pressures of success. Though many believe Barrett's rapid ... ...agree that Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon" is the quintessential progressive rock "concept album" of the 1970's. A concept or "theme album" is simply an album whose musical tracks are linked together by a concept or theme. In some cases, as here, the concept is represented by a symbol that incorporates the salient characteristics and recurrent themes common to the album's component songs, and unify them into a cohesive whole. For this reason, ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: A timeless classic in Rock Disadvantages: Acid rock may not appeal to all
...The Wizard Of Oz, start Dark Side Of The Moon, after the Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer lion roars for the last time(I believe it roars 3 times, but I could be wrong.). Turn off the volume and you be the judge!
The members at the time were David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Nick Mason, and Rick Wright. I think people will have to read for themselves about the missing member behind Floyd. See http://pinkfloydhyperbase.dk/who/b.htm. Syd Barrett(Roger Keith Barrett) ... ...This album was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in 1973. Actually beween June 1972 and January 1973. It was produced by Pink Floyd, which may not mean much to some today, but is significant as far as Roger Waters is concerned. This ensures that Roger gets a cut whenever songs are used in concerts, or by other artists. Currently Guns and Roses and VanHalen are seeing it's effect!
Storm Thorgerson who designed the original prism in a black background, ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: A classic, for all the reasons listed below Disadvantages: Is more popualarist than earlier material
Dark Side of the Moon was released nearly 30 years ago, in 1973, but as the state of music has rapidly evolved, this masterpiece still sounds fresh, relevant and groundbreaking to this day. This is one of the most talked about classics, which makes it something of a challenge to review, as so much has been written about dark side!
By 1973, Pink Floyd already had a lot of superb material under their belt. The playful Syd Barret Psychedelic material ... ...more progressive than anything on Dark Side.
So, what gives Dark Side of the Moon its classic status? The songs on it were shorter, more digestible chunks of music with more standard song structures. However, what they do with the concept of the ‘pop song’ is what is truly breathtaking. Pink Floyd on this album have managed to fuse their psychedelic sensibilities with sophisticated song writing and taken in more musical influences. The songs on ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Originality
Lyrics
Quality and consistency...
How does it compare to ...
Value for Money
very helpful
27.03.2002
Ghost Is Born Review ofDark Side Of The Moon - Pink Floydby
Seresecros
Advantages: Dark, deep, immersive, beautiful and haunting Disadvantages: The Lengthy-And-Yet-Dull 'Us and Them'
...You need to think about dark spaces and about doormats, about the heart and the mind and the soul, the brain, and how it can deceive you. The decimation of your hopes and dreams, the corruption of your family and the essence of Hampton Court’s hedgemaze. Pink Floyd are a band who can seriously mess you up, dude! At the time of Dark Side, the band members were David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Nick Mason and Richard Wright. They’d had some reasonable success, ... ...boy, did they find it! Dark Side of the Moon deals with insanity, mainly, in all its forms: greed, phobias, warfare and obsession. It’s a stunning record, and so immersive I won’t be able to write a review of it, only a record of what happens. Bit of a cop-out, but I’m sure you won’t hold it against me. Er… will you?
My dad, he likes Pink Floyd. This used to be a sign that they weren’t worth listening to, just like the solo career of John Fogerty ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
If there is one album you had to chose to represent what 70's rock was all about (up to Punk at least) 'Dark Side of the Moon' (DSOTM) would be that album. It propelled Pink Floyd from popular art-house kings of English psychedelia to be one the best known and most successful rock bands in the world. BACKGROUND (or Psychedelia, drugs and a bloke called Syd)
Pink Floyd had been one of the major influences of the drug inspired Psychedelic rock of ... ...enormously talented Syd Barrett. With the album 'The Piper at the Gates of Dawn' and their extraordinary live shows that used film projections and light effects at key underground venues, like the UFO club in London, Pink Floyd had become one of the most innovative and critically acclaimed British bands. Just as the band was expanding it's fan base Barrett's increasing use of LSD finally caught up with him, becoming more withdrawn and increasingly ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Cool new cover, sounds great, pure class, Disadvantages: none
...What can you say about DarkSide of the Moon that hasn't been said before?
Darkside of the moon is an amazing album! The progressive drumming of the heart beat throught the album makes it dark and surreal. My favourite track is Time, the sudden out burst of guitars, drums, vocals and just sound sends shivers down my spine. PinkFloyd are the most popular and spectacular band of all time dsotm is a bit like one of those hollywood blockbuster movies. It's beautifully put together. Track listings are as followed
1) Speak To Me
2) Breathe
3) On The Run
4)Time
5) The Great Gig In The Sky
6) Money
7) Us And Them
8) Any Colour You Like
9) Brain Damage
10) . Eclipse
The total time off the album is about 43 minutes long its the best 43 minutes every song is songs you can really tap your feet too the front...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: All the benefits of the quadrophonic recording without the crackle Disadvantages: the vinal still sounds warmer
...What can I add after that title? I have my original pressing first release vinal album which still sounds superb although getting a quadrophonic amp that still works is a bitch! This SACD presentation brings back much of the original feel and nearly the depth of the original which the cd lacked particuarily if used via naff kit. This is Floyd at their peak in my humble opinion and one of the defining albums of the twentieth century. If you don't already own it buy it now forget Seargent Pepper and th White Album this is the must buy album of all time. Ok you need a sacd player and a decent 5.1 amp to appreciate this album at its best having said that if you have the kit sit back and enjoy. It's hard to believe this album was recorded so long ago considering the multi level nature of the tracks that are so far ahead of their time....
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Advantages: Some easy listening music Disadvantages: Dull, disappointing
...This album is the London Philharmonic Orchestra playing the music of PinkFloyd, featuring instrumental versions of tracks from The Wall & DarkSide of the Moon. I bought this being a big fan of PinkFloyd, but was disappointed with it. Although some of the pieces work well, overall it is rather dull & the tracks loose a lot of their impact without the original & imaginative lyrics. Although the haunting melodies still sound nice enough, I personally think this album is a waste of money & would recommend that any fans of PinkFloyd stick with buying the original albums....
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Album Notes: Pink Floyd: David Gilmour (vocals, guitar, VCS3 synthesizer); Roger Waters (vocals, VCS3 synthesizer, bass, sound effects); Richard Wright (keyboards, VCS3 synthesizer, background vocals); Nick Mason (drums, percussion, sound effects). Additional personnel: Clare Torry (vocals); Dick Parry (saxophone); Doris Troy, Leslie Duncan, Liza Strike, Barry St. John (background vocals). Recorded at Abbey Road Studios, London, England between June 1972 & January 1973. DARK SIDE OF THE MOON was a benchmark record. It turned the musical world on its ear with a hitherto unseen combination of sounds, and changed things considerably for Pink Floyd. For this project, Pink Floyd resurrected older and unfinished numbers, some of which came from the multitude of soundtracks the band members had previously worked on. The film "Zabriskie Point," a study of American materialism from a foreigner's perspective, provided "Us And Them" (originally titled "The Violence Sequence"). Waters rewrote "Breathe" after its appearance on his and avant-garde composer Ron Geesin's score for "The Body," a surreal medical documentary. Floyd and their long-time engineer, Alan Parsons, used a multitude of sound effects--from stereophonically-projected footsteps and planes flying overhead ("On The Run") to a roomful of ringing clocks ("Time"). Further adding to the record's mystique, barely audible spoken passages were sprinkled throughout--a result of hours interviewing random Abbey Road occupants about their views on insanity, violence and death. Floyd must have struck a nerve; DARK SIDE OF THE MOON remained on Billboard's albums chart for an astounding fourteen years. It made Pink Floyd a household name, elevating them to the level of the Rolling Stones and The Who in the rock pantheon.
Album Reviews: Q (6/00, p.80) - Ranked #11 in Q's "100 Greatest British Albums" - "...The first art rock LP since SGT PEPPER to go properly overground....[this] was an unmistakably English LP..." Rolling Stone (5/24/73, pg.57) - "...The sound is lush and multi-layered while remaining clear and well-structured....a fine album with a textural and conceptual richness that not only invites, but demands involvement....the excellence of a superb performance..." Q (10/94, p.137) - 4 Stars - Excellent NME (3/20/93, p.33) - 8 - Excellent - "...although everything your punk rock elder brother said was undeniably true, it doesn't take a great mental leap to achieve the mind-set of the pot-smoking philosophy student and pronounce this album a super-sensory classic..." Uncut (5/03, p.112) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...The subdued, darkly muttering, sombrely somnolent music of DARK SIDE OF THE MOON startles....An achievement of considerable merit..." Classic Rock (04/06, p.73) - "Pink Floyd's masterpiece..."
Titles on disc 1
1.: Speak To Me
2.: Breathe
3.: On The Run
4.: Time
5.: Great Gig In The Sky
6.: Money
7.: Us And Them
8.: Any Colour You Like
9.: Brain Damage
10.: Eclipse
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