THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

"Dark side of the moon" effectively introduced prog rock to the masses. It is all too easy 30+ years later to forget the impact this album had at the time of its release.

My own recollections are that I first heard side two of the album late at night on BBC radio one. While at the time, I enjoyed "Meddle", I found "Ummagumma" and "Atom heart mother" a bit too challenging for my teenage ears. I was however optimistic that I would find something to enjoy on "DSOTM".

I, along with the rest of the population, was not however prepared for the masterpiece Pink Floyd had created. The first thing I heard was the opening jingle of the cash register on "Money", probably the most commercial (sic) track on the album. This was not Pink Floyd as I knew them, this was wonderful. Somehow, the album got even better as it went on through "Us and them", "Any colour you like" and "Brain damage" to the sensational "Eclipse" finale. I had never heard music like this before, and I was just amazed.

The music on "Dark side of the moon" is the most accessible Pink Floyd have ever created. There are strong beats, sing-a-long songs, and wonderful synthesiser soundscapes. There are sound effects, a virtuoso female vocal performance, and beautiful sax.

"Dark side of the moon" created a template which many others have used since to create there own Magnus opuses (opi?). It stands as a turning point in the history of prog, and in fact music in general.

The "Classic albums" series DVD on the making of this album is essential viewing too, there are many interesting stories about how the sounds and music came into being. The "Director's cut" of the "Live at Pompeii" film also has some early recordings of tracks from DSOTM.

Share this PINK FLOYD review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Easy Livin
• Report this review (#8574)
• Buy PINK FLOYD music online with PA partners
• Show all PINK FLOYD MP3/Stream
• Go to PINK FLOYD page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to The Dark Side of the Moon page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for PINK FLOYD related discussions