DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

"Dark Side Of The Moon" is an EP of Dream Theater and was released in 2006. It's a cover album made by Dream Theater about the original album, "Dark Side Of The Moon" by Pink Floyd that was released in 1973. As with many Dream Theater's releases, some extras have been packed into this album to add value to it. So, a selection of bonus live performances has been added to it. All are Pink Floyd's covers that the band has performed in several live shows.

As we know it's usual Dream Theater perform on their live shows many songs from many of their favourite prog rock bands. As a way of providing something different and special to their fans, Dream Theater began a series of live covers shows in 2002. Usually, the band performed two nights in the same city, and dedicated part of their second show to cover entirely classic albums. With the advent of their official bootleg label, some of these live performances have been immortalized on albums, like "The Number Of The Beast" of Iron Maiden, "Master Of Puppets" of Metallica, "Dark Side Of The Moon" of Pink Floyd, "Made In Japan" of Deep Purple and "Larks Tongues In Aspic, Pt. 2" of King Crimson.

The EP "Dark Side Of The Moon" is divided into CD 1 and CD 2. CD 1 has the entire live version of the original album. It showcases the band's 25 October 2005 Pink Floyd's "Dark Side Of The Moon" album, performed in its entirety at the Hammersmith Apollo in London, England. CD 2 has seven tracks: "Echoes Pt. 1", "One Of These Days", "Sheep", "In The Flesh", "Rune Like Hell", "Hey You" and "Comfortably Numb". "Echoes Pt. 1" is from "Meddle". It was recorded at the Tower Theater in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 2 April 2004. "One Of These Days" is also from "Meddle". It was recorded in Rotterdam, Nederlands on 18 January 2004. "Sheep" is from "Animals". It was recorded in Los Angeles, California on 9 March 2006. "In The Flesh" is from "The Wall". It was recorded in Berlin on 26 February 1995. "Rune Like Hell" is also from "The Wall". It was recorded in Poughkeepsie, New York on 30 December 1998. "Hey You" is also from "The Wall". It was recorded in Paris, France on 25 June 1998. "Comfortably Numb" is also from "The Wall". It's a special version because it was performed with Queensryche. In 2003 Dream Theater worked with Queensryche on a lengthy summer tour. So, this is a version with two singers, three guitarists, a keyboardist, two bass players and two drummers.

Not much needs to be said about "Dark Side Of The Moon". It's a landmark album of Pink Floyd and a landmark of the progressive rock music too. It's one of the best prog selling releases of all time and it's also one of the most influential albums of one of the most influential progressive rock bands in the world. It belongs to the famous trilogy of Pink Floyd albums with "Dark Side Of The Moon", "Wish You Were Here" and "Animals" which are generally recognised as some of the best progressive albums ever made. It's also because Pink Floyd is one of the most famous and respected progressive rock bands in the world beyond the universe of the progressive rock music. Everybody has heard of them.

This is probably the best album of their official bootleg cover series. The band seamlessly and almost effortlessly transitioned from track to track as if they had written the album themselves, and no less, in a real live setting. It truly showcases the band's appreciation and admiration for such a classic album of one of the best prog classic bands ever. They do not foist the solos, tempos, or intricacies that made this album what it really is. The band restrains and plays the album virtually note by note, fill for fill, tempo for tempo. Labrie does a surprisingly stellar job. The vocal lines seem to be perfect for his range. However, Labrie's performance ultimately is what keeps this from being a perfect cover, although it's more than enough, as his overall performance is one of his best I've ever heard. The slide guitar parts in "Speak To Me/Breathe" are provided by Jordan Rudess on his keyboards, maintaining their original luster. His solos in "Any Colour You Like" are also phenomenal. The vocal solo for "The Great Gig In The Sky", as well as backing vocal parts for other songs, was perfectly done by Theresa Thomason. Her stunning replication of this powerful aria sends shivers down my spine, as will the crowd's response to her. She received, literally, the loudest ovation on the entire show. On "Money" and in other parts, the saxophone of Norbert Stachel adds a bit of nostalgia to the final mix.

Conclusion: This Dream Theater's version of "Dark Side Of The Moon" is amazing. The band is faithful to Pink Floyd's original vision, holding back from the kind of instrumental virtuosity that typifies their original material. The band is joined by the guest vocalist Theresa Thomason on "The Great Gig In The Sky" and the saxophone of Norbert Stachel on "Money" and "Us And Them", who substituted Clare Torry and Dick Parry on the original version. Additionally, the extra live performances on CD 2 are also excellent and complete this album. Dream Theater can't be accused of never giving their fans as much as possible. As an official bootleg, the sound quality is excellent and proves that Dream Theater has ensured that their fans are able to witness some of the most unique performances the band had to offer. So, this is an enjoyable release that should be interesting to Pink Floyd's fans and as well Dream Theater's fan base.

Prog is my Ferrari. Jem Godfrey (Frost*)

Social review comments

Review related links

• Send comments to VianaProghead
• Report this review (#3187593)
• Buy DREAM THEATER music online with PA partners
• Show all DREAM THEATER MP3/Stream
• Go to DREAM THEATER page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Dark Side of the Moon page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for DREAM THEATER related discussions