Album Info
| Artist: | Pink Floyd |
| Album: | The Dark Side Of The Moon |
| Gatefold: | Yes |
| Released: | USA & Canada, 4 Nov 2016 |
Tracklist:
| A1a | Speak To Me | 1:30 |
| A1b | Breathe (In The Air) | 2:43 |
| A2 | On The Run | 3:30 |
| A3 | Time | 6:53 |
| A4 | The Great Gig In The Sky | 4:15 |
| B1 | Money | 6:30 |
| B2 | Us And Them | 7:51 |
| B3 | Any Colour You Like | 3:24 |
| B4 | Brain Damage | 3:50 |
| B5 | Eclipse | 1:45 |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne, Australia (North of Northcote, between Thornbury & Reservoir)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $150 and over.
- You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout.
- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
- We ship vinyls in thick, rigid carboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records.
- In stock vinyl is usally shipped next business day, please check the availability field at the top of the product page to see whether the record is currently in stock or if it is available from the supplier as well as estimated shipping times.
- If you order an in stock item together with a pre order or back order (listed as available from supplier rather than in stock) then the order will be shipped together when all items arrive. If you would like the in stock items shipped first please place two separate orders or contact us to arrange shipping items separately.
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
- If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store.
- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
Released on March 1, 1973, Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon" stands as one of the most iconic and influential albums in the history of music. This progressive rock masterpiece, the band's eighth studio album, was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London and produced by the band members themselves along with engineer Alan Parsons. The album's innovative use of studio effects, philosophical lyrics, and cohesive musical themes have cemented its place in the annals of rock history.
**Concept and Themes**
"The Dark Side of the Moon" is a concept album that explores a range of complex themes, including conflict, greed, the passage of time, mental illness, and the human condition. The album's title and much of its lyrical content were inspired by the pressures and stresses that the band members, particularly Syd Barrett, experienced. Barrett, a founding member of Pink Floyd, had left the band in 1968 due to mental health issues, and his struggles deeply influenced the band's subsequent work.
**Musical Composition**
The album is renowned for its seamless flow from one track to the next, creating a continuous piece of music rather than a collection of individual songs. This was achieved through the use of various sound effects, spoken word passages, and innovative recording techniques. The opening track, "Speak to Me," sets the tone with a collage of sound effects, including a heartbeat, ticking clocks, and snippets of laughter and speech, which then transitions into "Breathe."
"Time" is one of the standout tracks, featuring the iconic sound of ticking clocks and alarm bells, followed by a powerful guitar solo by David Gilmour. The song's lyrics reflect on the fleeting nature of time and the inevitability of aging. Another highlight is "The Great Gig in the Sky," which features a haunting vocal performance by Clare Torry, whose improvised singing adds an emotional depth to the instrumental track.
"Money," with its distinctive 7/4 time signature and the sound of cash registers, critiques the corrupting influence of wealth. The song's bassline, played by Roger Waters, and Gilmour's guitar solo are particularly memorable. "Us and Them" addresses themes of conflict and division, both personal and political, with Richard Wright's piano and saxophone contributions by Dick Parry adding to the song's melancholic atmosphere.
**Production and Innovation**
The production quality of "The Dark Side of the Moon" was groundbreaking for its time. Alan Parsons' engineering expertise played a crucial role in the album's sound. The use of multitrack recording, tape loops, and analog synthesizers, such as the EMS VCS 3 and the Synthi A, were innovative techniques that contributed to the album's distinctive sound. The band also employed quadraphonic sound, an early form of surround sound, to enhance the listening experience.
**Commercial and Critical Success**
"The Dark Side of the Moon" was both a commercial and critical success. It topped the Billboard 200 chart for one week and remained on the chart for an unprecedented 741 weeks from 1973 to 1988. The album has sold over 45 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time. It received critical acclaim for its ambitious concept, cohesive structure, and innovative production.
**Legacy**
The legacy of "The Dark Side of the Moon" is immense. It has influenced countless artists across various genres and continues to be celebrated for its artistic and technical achievements. The album's cover, designed by Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey Powell of Hipgnosis, featuring a prism dispersing light into a spectrum of colors, has become one of the most recognizable images in music history.
In conclusion, "The Dark Side of the Moon" is a timeless work of art that transcends the era in which it was created. Its exploration of universal themes, combined with its musical innovation and production excellence, ensures that it remains a landmark album that continues to resonate with listeners around the world.
