One of the greatest music milestones is celebrated in March 2013 as Pink Floyd’s”The Dark Side of the Moon” celebrates the 40th Anniversary of it’s release. Pink Floyd’s”The Dark Side of the Moon” went on to become one of the best-selling albums of all time. It was one of the earliest “concept albums” in the purest sense of the definition and certainly the first concept album that the author embraced, having discovered it in 1977. For me, it is quite simply the greatest album ever produced!!

Pink Floyd’s”The Dark Side of the Moon” was recorded at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios, in two sessions between May 1972 and January 1973. The band were assisted by staff engineer Alan Parsons, who had worked as assistant tape operator on Atom Heart Mother, and who had also gained experience as a recording engineer on The Beatles’ Abbey Road and Let It Be.

“The Dark Side of the Moon” was the culmination of Pink Floyd’s experimentation in live shows and recordings in previous years, without the self indulgence of the extended instrumentals that were typical of Pink Floyd in the wake of founder member Syd Barrett departure in 1968. Bass guitarist Roger Waters is on record as stating that the earlier album “Meddle” was a defining moment and a watershed in terms of what could be achieved on the album.

“The Dark Side of the Moon”‘s lyrical themes covered a wide spectrum of the human condition including conflict, greed, the passage of time, death, and insanity, the latter inspired in part by Syd Barrett’s deteriorating mental state. I wouldn’t normally pontificate about and analyse individual tracks on an album, but in the case of Pink Floyd’s”The Dark Side of the Moon” , I believe it is warranted as the greatest concept album ever released!!

In the traditions of 1970s Prog Rock, both sides of “Dark Side of the Moon” is one continuous piece of music. The five tracks on each side reflect various facets of human life, beginning and ending with a heartbeat, exploring the nature of the human experience and human condition. “Speak to Me” and “Breathe” explore the mundane and futile aspects of life. “On the Run” captures the stress and anxiety of modern travel, in particular keyboardist Richard Wright’s fear of flying. The author’s favourite track “Time” examines how time can control our lives, with a salutary warning to those who remain focused on mundane aspects – “Ticking away the moments that make up the dull day”. The morose mood of the track “Time” is lifted by the inspiring Dave Gilmour solo guitar break, which is surely one of his best!! The first side of Pink Floyd’s”The Dark Side of the Moon” ends with Richard Wright and vocalist Clare Torry’s soulful metaphor for death, “The Great Gig in the Sky”, which is very haunting.

Side Two of Pink Floyd’s”The Dark Side of the Moon” opens with the now iconic sound of cash registers and loose change, introducing “Money” which mocks greed and avarice and the wanton consumerism and shallow materialism to be found in modern day society. Then comes “Us and Them” which addresses the isolation of the depressed with the symbolism of the conflict and hopelessness to be found in the trenches of the First World War. “Any Colour You Like” parodies the band’s perception of the lack of choice and options in society. “Brain Damage” explores mental illness resulting from fame and success eroding the needs of the self. The line “and if the band you’re in starts playing different tunes” is clearly a reference and homage to the mental breakdown of former band-mate Syd Barrett, the theme of which re-surfaces on Pink Floyd’s next album, where it is examined more thoroughly on the title track “Wish You Were Here” and “Shine On You Crazy Diamond”. Returning to “The Dark Side of the Moon”, the album concludes with “Eclipse”, which champions freedom and individuality whilst recognizing the common traits shared by all of humanity.

Simply this is the best album ever produced and if you haven’t heard it in the last forty years, you must have been stranded on the Dark Side Of The Moon!!…….

Which are your favourite Pink Floyd albums, singles and songs? Let us know us know what they are and why in the Reply Box below.

Celebrate your favourite Pink Floyd single or album in your home or office, by ordering your favourite Pink Floyd recording in a vinyl or CD format; single, album or album cover; framed and mounted as a picture disc souvenir. You can also personalise it with an inscribed / engraved plaque…… 

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Also available – the DVD of your favourite film or TV programme framed with a personalised engraved plaque  ORDER NOW… www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/

Framed vinyl records, framed CDs and framed DVDs with a personalised plaque, make unique presents or original gifts for a special celebration  / special occasion ie a Wedding ( Wedding First Dance Song ), an Engagement Party ( Our Song ), a House Warming Party ( New Home ), a 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th Birthday ( How about the No1 song on the day of birth? ), a Silver, Ruby or Golden Wedding Anniversary, Father’s or Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day!!  THE PERFECT PERSONALISED PRESENT!!