They only do a yearly subscription if you carry on sfter 14 days, and won't let you stop until you've done a whole year. Far too expensive and don't give any information about anyone's date of birth or place of birth unless it's OVER 100 years ago, because it's illegal for identity fraud legal reasons.
Every so often, the art teacher in my elementary school would have us do our work to music. Looking back, I realize that she was pretty young; no teacher seems so when you're 8 or 9! I distinctly remember a class in which we were working with clay . When it was time for us to start, Ms. Smith took out a record she had just bought, and showed it us. We gasped collectively at the cover, and again at the record itself, with its distinct label design. "It's just come out, so I don't if any of you has heard this music yet, but I think you're going to like it. Feel the rhythm of the first song when you work the clay, and see what happens." I can hear still that, um, unique sound of that old Newcomb school stereo, and the sounds of the cash register coming through it. Our young selves delighted in that, of course, and then "Money" began. I became a fan that moment. 50-odd years later, that opening still conjures that distinct smell of an elementary school art classroom, clay, and the sound of 24 third graders pounding clay to that opening bass line.
Now thats a youtube post that made me smile. First time in ... A long time. God Bless Ms Smith and her way of teaching. Or she bought it and liked it sooooo damn much it was either bunk the day off work to heavy rotate it, or just take it in and let the kids build some clay shit to this puppy. Either way god love her. Thanks for the grin. Both of you.
“Us and them” is one of my favorite songs of all time. There is so much emotion and feeling in that song. When I heard that song, I said “this is as good as Music gets.”
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I love Us and Them but always struggled with how the choruses sound. To my ear they always seemed distorted, muffled and “overcrowded”. I think I remember Richard Wright saying something to that extent and how the SACD mix was the only one that managed to fix that issue. If anyone could point me to a great mix of Us and Them that addresses that issue I would be really grateful. I don’t think the 2023 mix fixes that at all.
"cut when the tapes were at their freshest" -- At some point in one of Mobile Fidelity's productions of their releases of DSOTM (their first half-speed mastered LP release was in June 1979, followed by other editions including UHQR, cassette, and CD), apparently they damaged the master tape. According to an interview with Gregg Schnitzer of MFSL, "Did you know that the Dark Side of the Moon master was ruined? Somebody put it on a recorder instead of a playback-only mastering deck, and a little piece of Supertramp got dubbed onto the outro of Breathe. Big secret, that. Stan (Ricker) had left the company so a redo wasn't gonna happen. Makes me seriously wonder where MFSL got the source for the Dark Side of the Moon CD. Hmmm. It would have had to have been a second generation safety or the digital master I made for the cassette run." The cassette release was said to be the best sounding release due to the editing MFSL did to remove many clicks that originated from the mixing console. Again, citing Gregg Schnitzer: "Back in the early 1980s, digital was a bit unpredictable and flaky which is why we used a very expensive 1" video deck (BVH 1000) instead of a U-Matic type 3/4". I'd get these random ticks and pops which we affectionately called zits. "One night I sat in the studio listening to the Dark Side of the Moon digital copy and was horrified when I heard lots of low level clicks and zit like sounds. So I called my wife to tell her I'd be working until sun-up as the approval copy had to go to Alan Parsons via counter-to-counter air as soon as possible. I turned the lights off so I wouldn't be distracted and sat there all night long with the first DAE-1100 editor and made a few hundred one-millisecond edits to get rid of those zits I was hearing. Then I made an approval copy cassette for Alan, sent it on its way, and went home to sleep for a day or two. "A couple of days later we got a heated call from Mr. Parsons wanting to know, "What the f*** did you do to the master?" I explained that I had done the best mastering job I could and that it compared very favorably to the vinyl and, in fact, I thought it sounded better than the vinyl. Was there some problem? He said that when he had mixed Dark Side of the Moon, the desk drove him nuts because every time he muted or unmuted a track, or switched an EQ in or out, there would be a resulting click or pop. There was no technology to remove these artifacts, so he and the band decided to just live with it. He said, "How the hell did you get rid of those pops. I love it!" He was left with a patient explanation that it was proprietary. Man, I almost soiled my pants only to find out that he was very impressed."
Personally, I`m holding out for the Dark Side of the Moon special 100th Anniversary edition, which will include an actual bone fragment from one of Roger Waters` fingers! Can`t wait! On the subject of EMI quality control, I clearly remember that every early or relatively early pressing of the White Album had a skip in Back in the USSR. I still listen to the original Made in Canada CD of DSOTM, and it sounds good to me! Always enjoy your videos Andrew.
I have heard that a small gadget will be included that can bring the four musicians into your home as holograms! We just have to wait another 50 years.
In 1973, I was a US soldier in Germany when one of the friends had a new album he had just bought with a prism of colored light on a black background. Imagine hearing this album for the first time, having never heard of it, and the group was new to me (an Iowa farm boy out of high school in 1971). It started slowly with what turned out to be a heartbeat, gaining volume. I had heard a lot of records by this time (Uriah Heep was the favorite). But this record was do damn special, and we all knew at that listening that this was far above anything we had EXPERIENCED before. We waited for a bit and then had an encore listening. That first experience turned me into a true audiophile and taught me HOW to properly listen to music. And that is no distractions, time set aside to specifically listen to a specific recording, turning lights down for mood helps, and shut up and LISTEN!!! Thanks, Pink Floyd, for your albums!
I've listened to "Dark Side Of The Moon" at least 100 times over the last 50 years. By comparison, I've listened to Pink Floyd's "Animals" at least 500 times since 1977.....and in all formats: 8-track, cassette, vinyl and CD. Today is my 60th birthday and I'm going to listen to it again. ANIMALS FOREVER 😃
I think Animals is Pink Floyd's most underrated album, I much prefer it to Wish You Were Here and their later albums. Dogs is one of my top five favourite PF tracks.
I have this and it was my favourite way to listen too, until the 50th Anniversary Bluray in 7.1.4 Atmos came out in 2023. I've heard it 1000 times but the first time listening to 'Great Gig in the Sky' in ATMOS and hearing the words "I never said I was frightened of dying" coming from overhead behind my right shoulder sent a shiver up my spine. The whole album is mixed beautifully and makes effective use of the height channels that naturally fits the albums narrative and isn't gimmicky. Whilst I would never tell anyone it's the definitive version as that's down to personal taste, I would recommend people listen to the ATMOS version on a capable system at least once, if they ever get the chance.
First time I heard this, when I was a kid, was at an older relative’s house who had a quadraphonic sound system and quad version of this LP! I was blown away by how immersive it sounded, even as a youngster.
@@mannye I have an SQ quad pressing - also Australian - in blue transparent vinyl... Also have the Mobile Fidelity version which I have listened to. I did have a quad system for a while though I don't think I ever listed to the SQ recording! I take it that there was a CD4 version as well?
@@-triumphgt667 I've never actually heard the "quad" part of the quad pressing as it would take a lot of effort and probably money to source all the tech needed. But maybe someday I'll find someone with a quad setup and give it a shot. How does the MoFi stack up against the SQ? Have you ever compared them?
This was one of the best in-video ads I've seen. It was a smooth seque into an item most people would be interested in. I normally skip past these, but I watched it and didn't feel offended this time :-)
It was my first CD I ever bought in 1984, my first vinyl when I got back into vinyls in 2017, and I have a 1974 harvest press from Harry Moss. I have three copies of this, one of my favorite albums of all time. I don't have a first pressing, but my 1974 copy that I won at auction for 10 pounds is the best sounding copy I have ever had, and there have been many. This was very informative Andrew. Well done.
Yes! Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs, who went back to ORIGINAL master tapes, used ultra high quality vinyl or CD substrate (?) and half-speed mastering are excellent! DSOTM was one of the first records they utilized their loving treatment on. Of course, the Beatles set is simply staggering...
Hey Andrew, love this edition of your show for a number of reasons. First of course is the music content, is there anyone on planet earth that doesn’t like DSOTM? Second for me is something that will less likely be of interest to many and that because I worked for a company in Nottingham England called HOWE RICHARDSON SCALE. We were a company designing and building the system that proportion raw materials for blending/mixing of said ingredients to make a product. In the case of this video, we were the company that designed and built the equipment which was installed at the EMI plants for proportioning the raw materials to make that magic vinyl. At that time I work in the electrical department we’re we built the control systems used to control the weighing and mixing of the raw materials used in the vinyl. I almost jumped out of my seat when I saw that the factory video showed the controls system I remember being built in Nottingham, boy a long time ago!
I have the 5th UK pressing, original of the 1973 year. Sounds very good too. Other great sounding for this classic, is the Japan original pressing CD, called Black Triangle!
The Piper at the Gates of Dawn is my favorite Pink Floyd album, but I have an incredible amount of affection for The Dark Side of the Moon. It was the first 1970s album I ever listened to, and it blew me away back then.
Hi Andrew. Great Video again, include the commercials. 😉 Its great to see, how good our German first press in your opinion is. Thanxxx 👍 I am very lucky to have one of the real UK solid blue first pressings in nm/nm with both posters and both stickers in my collection. And also a complete German first press. 🤩
I first heard this album in 73 on my pals older brothers home built stereo system in the garden shed. He was an electrical engineer and knew what he was doing. The system was top notch. It was stunning to a 13 year old boy just starting his musical journey. However, although being familiar with the album and knowing it really well, I have never actually owned a copy until last year, 2023 when I picked up a CD version on a whim in a charity shop on the Isle of Wight for £1.50! I don't know why I never bothered before. I think because I knew it so well I never felt the need. It is not exactly a pop easy listening record is it, despite it's utter brilliance! Anyway, despite now being in league with the devil in purchasing a cd copy, when I popped it into the cd player in my car, as the first strains of Speak to Me/Breath oozed through the 20 year old factory supplied system, my first thought was, this sounds amazing. Still. The upshot is, unless you are a musical nerd (I am to a point being a musician) I think that this album was so far ahead of it's time in EVERY respect, that it is just impossible to find a bad copy in whatever media version you prefer. Even a poorly looked after vinyl version full of scratches and dust would still sound amazingly good. Timeless in every regard.
My copy of “Revolver” was in a similar state. When I listen to the CD, it still sounds wrong as it lacks the pops and ticks of my old album. That’s what made it mine and unique.
I will never forget my cousin, who was an officer in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany in 1976, bringing back a German pressing of this album to his younger brother who was blown away by the way it sounded compared to his U.S. pressing. Sadly the younger brother passed away a few years ago but whenever we get together, since he retired from the Army, we often talk about that incredible German pressing of Dark Side of the Moon. Thanks for bringing back some fond memories.
This is my "desert island" album. My first copy, believe it or not, was on 8-track if you can imagine! I used to detach the speakers on my tape player, lay down between them (turning the speakers into basically headphones), and creep myself out listening to "On The Run." I now have it on MSFL Ultradisc, and still never tired of it. I've listened to it hundreds of times, and believe I've heard something new every time I've played it.
Great Album, that one! I was in my favorite record store when that was released. I’ve never heard the import (UK) pressing. I’ve had various pressings and CD versions. There are variances but what shines through for me is the performance…which saves all issues with pressing differences. A masterpiece. Alas, after all these years, I have to hear a first UK pressing. Wonderful episode Andrew!
Capital records shipped an early copy of DSOTM to the radio station I was working at (CKPG) and we featured it on our Saturday night special. This was known to nearly empty out the local pubs and clubs, with many listening to the music on their best sounding system installed in their car. Reflecting back to that era and knowing how big the album became with our audience, I still find it a total joy to hear each time. It never gets old.
I first heard this album in 1989 and it immediately became one of the best in my collection. I do not play it much as I want it to retain its impact when I do listen to it. I have never owned this on vinyl only CD and my go to is my SACD 5.1 disc and that is the only way I can hear it now. Thanks so much for this wonderful video Andrew!
Hi Andrew, another fab video. My preferred copies of dsotm are... 1986 USA Capotol XDR cassette which is smooth as butter. 30th anniversary vinyl and 3rd Japanese pressing from 1974 which is really balanced and an utter joy to listen to. It's not over blown in the top end.. just sounds right. Many thanks Ross
Well if can't afford a UK first, go for the UK first SQ quad. It plays back very well in stereo, with only occasional quad artifacts showing up while playing back in stereo. And it sounds amazing, the mix is slightly different because Alan Parsons couldn't find every little bit of tape used in the original mix. But it was planned from the beginning, so the original recording was made with an eye on the coming quad release. And Alan Parsons did a superb job! A fine example of clean electronics and very little implementation of compression, something Alan was not a fan of (3 cheers for Mr. Parsons!). And it was released shortly after the UK stereo release, so a quad press may be the closest you can affordably get to the master tapes.
Excellent video as always, Andrew! You are very fortunate to own a quality solid blue triangle copy: it is a unicorn pressing, for sure. I am lucky to have maybe the next best thing: the 2nd pressing with A3/B3 matrices, and all the posters and stickers! It sounds absolutely stellar, but it took a couple of tries to finally get a true NM copy. “Us and Them” and “Breathe in the Air” always seem to have surface noise, no matter how good the record looks. I’ve also heard great things about the all analog 30th anniversary edition, though I’ve never owned one.
I bought the album on cassette (Harvest logo, no Dolby NR, and had 97 99 printed on corner of side one) in 84, and played it until it snapped from a car stereo malfunction in the early 90's. However my parents had a 2nd issue UK print of the album. I was given that copy a little bit after my mom passed away, but in 2017 while recovering from a major surgery someone swiped it with my good stereo equipment. I was heartbroken & pissed off from it. I recently got the infamous 2011 reissue, but it was under false pretense that it was a mid 70's UK reissue. It has the production faults so while it sounds close to a 70's reissue it's a crackly mess like it's already worn out even though there are no visible flaws. I plan to try to get a UK issued release from the 2nd to late 70's, but there is no way I can afford the 1st issued. The copy I had was in VG+ grade with just a few crackles, but not in the quiet areas where it mattered.
I have a 2nd UK press A3/B2 and I can't imagine the 1st press being much better, maybe a fraction of a hair. This is the one to have without breaking the bank. My copy arrived looking great but played with a tremendous amount of surface noise. After a go in the ultrasonic cleaner, it played absolutely flawlessly. Many jaws have dropped when playing this for friends. Much better than the US 2xWally, Japanese Pro-Use, 1st run MoFi and 80's UK cuts in my collection.
I’ll probably get booed off of this comment thread, but besides the wonderful original stereo mixes, I really enjoy the 5.1 mix by James Guthrie. I never heard the original quad mix but Pink Floyd in general, and this record in particular, really lend themselves to surround mixes.
True,I was going to comment the same thinking I would be called a heretic,I have a few vinyl copies but at times love playing the 5.1 for a different feel
The quad is interesting, but the 5.1 mix is true to the original album's appearance and there are no obvious differences in balance, it just sounds richier and more fascinating than the original stereo.
While it might not be my personal favorite Pink Floyd record, I will say it is arguably their most complete album with pretty much no bad moments. And the production and playing is about as good as it gets. It is one that I play in its entirety, and am always super careful to never overplay it.
Hi there, Andrew. I’ve heard and compared the UK original to both the 1st and 2nd German pressings, and I personally prefer the 1st German. It just seems more balanced to me. I think they can still be picked up for a somewhat reasonable amount of money. We need to of course take into consideration that everyone’s system and room is going to produce different presentations. Thanks, Andrew. I appreciate you and your reviews and sharing of knowledge. Imagine what a hugely daunting task it’d be if you were even somewhat new to the hobby, which really is a lifestyle. It’s taken over 3 decades to fill my brain with a bunch of information on records and / or HiFi gear.
Back around 1990 I purchased from a company in England the Dark Side of the Moon Album that was CUT, not pressed directly from the Original Masters. Seems this was true, When I played that Album it was so dam intense I felt like I should never play it again to preserve it. Funny I did play it another time for a couple of guys I work with because we had a all day discussion about Vynle vs CD. So I asked them over and I played that Album from England. I did not mention anything about it, just started it up and we all hung around to listen. I had the Techniques Turntable,. Sure M55 Cartridge, Sansui preamp, Bose 1801 Power amp and my always trusty DCM TimeFrame TF-2000 Peakers. When the 1st side was ending, one guy got up to check the CD and when he seen no CD in the draw, he freaked wondering what were they listening to. They were new LP Lovers from then on. 🙂 I still have that Album. It was played maybe 4 times since the 90's. Love it everythime.
You got style! There is a REVOX G36 in the back. Of course there is a huge amount of different pressings in World since 1973. I own one of the very first available in Switzerland back in May 1973. She is in poor condition now because after playing back over 500 times since then it is understandable. I'm happy to got a originial root master copy in HiRes audio 192 KHz / 24bit. After so many years of listening to this masterpiece it is a revelation in sound quality. Finally with todays technologie it's possible to hear the outstanding sound quality of the mighty STUDER A80 24-track tape machine back then.It's the proof of the slogan: Nothing Sounds Like Tape! You'll might be stun if you ever could have the possibility to listen to it. Btw, do you know that there existis a early mix of this album ? It is different in many ways and sounds as good as the official version. At the other side there is a humm on MONEY if the guitar drops in. It was proabably a ground failure of one of the machines. I do restoring on old analog recordings and was able to cut this humm out , even a few minor issues also without loosing sound quality . I got thre versions on CD but all with the same issues. All in all it's a shame that every ten years there appear a new " remastered " version on the market sounding exactly like all others. But anyway, maybe I own now the best sounding version in the world.
Just as a side note, the second album by The Electric Light Orchestra, ELO 2 was also an EMI/Harvest record issued at the same time as Dark Side Of The Moon. That record has excellent sound quality too.
I have a 1980's Yugoslavian stereo pressing with Jugoton stamped on the cover. Went on holiday there and came back with a suitcase full of records as they were so cheap!
Yes, I know of one example of the fabled "money" skipping pressing (I think). Back in the day our neighbour bought loads of albums, and I'd get to hear what he came home with every weekend after his payday. I first encountered Captain Beefheart this way. I remember him being severely pissed off that he had been waiting for this album only to get it home and it skipped. Given that our nearest town was a 45 minute bus ride back then, he had to wait at least another week. Now whether it was just luck or whether it was THE fabled pressing that skipped I can't say. As for the quality of pressings over the years I have no idea what it was like back then as I was a lot younger and this was obviously not the best equipment, but I had am early 1980s pressing that was my main one and was reasonble enough. As I got into CDs very early, it was one of the first CDs I got (when WH Smiths had a small shelf of available CDs) and I was quite disappointed. I quite the sparkle of the cash register and clock bells, but the background hiss was horrible - it was a poor transfer for some reason. I never bothered picking up another pressing until many years later when I got the 30th anniversary on CD and found it had the hiss treated and cleaned much better. The only other pressings I have (or had) are the 2009ish vinyl pressing (non-EMI) and this is my favourite though it took two returns before I got a copy that wasn't faulty. I did get a new 50th anniversary but I returned it as I found it harsh and not as good.
Fine work, Andrew! To be honest, I was expecting to have to tolerate this video more than enjoy it. I have never been a big Pink Floyd fan, and I've never totally embraced this album the way most have. But, as usual, you have found a way to not only weave a great narrative, but get me to appreciate the subject in a way that breaks with my own narrative. And, one thing you said really did resonate with me: I do understand this album a lot more than I did when I was younger. My only vinyl copies are a late 70's US pressing and the MFSL, which I will have to revisit. I've been digital with this one since the 80's.
I was 9 years old in 1973 when my hipster uncle, while visiting my mom. brought over a new album with prism and light beam and no title or band name (a Canadian pressing most likely) It was my very first introduction to Pink Floyd I was stunned by the electronic sounds of Brain Damage and the unforgettable guitar solos. Like SGT Pepper and Revolver, It was lifechanging. I almost had a chance of acquiring the new (UK contender) 1979 Mobil Fidelity version of Dark Side while at a record store in Victoria Canada as a teenager but I passed due to its high price compared to a standard regular pressing which I actually did acquire at a much cheaper price. which sadly like many vintage vinyl, got damaged, overly loved, overplayed spilled and piled on and poorly stored and I eventually retired it and made a painting of the moon surfaces on side 1 and 2 and hangs on my wall. At present I have the Bernie Grundman 2018 version which to me sounds great for its low noise compared to my older record. I do see the BG version getting poor to mediocre grades compared to UK, Mobil Fidelity and other variants. I myself, did become aware of much coveted UK 1st pressing a few years ago. I would love to acquire even a mediocre condition baby blue triangle UK disc for cheap price but I bet their super grails in my area of western Canada.
Hi Andrew- Thanks for a fantastic video and analysis of Pink Floyd . . . DSM. I was turned on to this album back into the late 70's. My vinyl copy is a department store copy. I loved the song "money" and the store clerk described the album as a "metal-sound effects" album . . . . well when I put it on my old Pioneer sound system . . . . . the whole thing was fantastic! I have since bought the studio CD/live concert edition combo. It gets better every time I play it with the lights off laying down in-bed. Like you, I also don't over-play it. The original posters (still have) that came with the vinyl are very cool and other-worldly! My Beatle fan in me wishes that the Beatles had done it as as a nod to the future! I'm so glad it does have a "Beatles connection" though! (Alan Parsons, Harry Moss, Abbey Road). Thanks again for your great videos of Beatles and other great groups! BeatlefanDan USA😊
Great video, Andrew! I also enjoyed how records were pressed at the EMI factory. I bought my vinyl copy of Dark Side in 1974 and I was impressed with how good it sounded.
The Replacements "Pleased to meet me" album from 1987 appears to have possibly had an early pressing with mastering errors- I had the cassette for years but found 3 separate 12" US vinyl copies- if you've seen the sleeve, it's usually a yellow background with the handshake in front. That's the case on the CD and tape. But 2 of my LP copies had the yellow background and skipped throughout side 1- if I remember correctly it's in the same spots. Maybe because it was an early digital master and the eq wasn't right. My 3rd copy, with a GREEN background, plays perfectly.
So a defect detector is basically a Garrard 301 idler driver deck on a custom plinth with a custom device that manipulates that Ortofon RMG (?) series 12” arm mounted with an Ortofon SPU cart.. Sweet.
This is another of your finer videos. Enjoyed the educational details you introduce. It is like DNA analysis of things we overlooked or did not truly understand. Thank you, Andrew.
Perhaps one day I’ll be able to own a UK original, but until then I do enjoy my 30th anniversary edition. I even bought a sealed backup copy of the 30th as well :). Not long ago I sold my German pressing, but you’re correct, it sounds great.
30 years ago I was recovering from a serious illness and had bought a second hand first pressing just before I’d got ill but had not yet played it. Perhaps it was my state of mind, and not being able to do anything else except sit and listen - I too found I was listening to the greatest sounds I’d ever heard on any record. Thinking about it now, and listening to it again today, I can recall that sense of hope and calm I felt back then.
Bought this, warped, from Robin's Records' (Norwich) bargain bin in 1981. 'Hi-Fi Answers' magazine had an article that recommended un-warping vinyl by subjecting it to a lengthy spell in the airing cupboard between two sheets of glass. Sadly, it didn't work but it was entertaining to watch the pick up valiantly dancing up and down to the opening heartbeats. I bought the SACD about ten years ago. I would urge anyone who loves this album and/or great sound to experience it with the multichannel surround and extended dynamic range this format offers: it is quite wonderful.
I have a 1973 2nd pressing with matrix A3/B2 with the revised triangle design label. These were pressed around April 73, weeks after the A2/B2 pressings due to EMI executives complaining that it was difficult to read the silver text on the solid pale blue label. My copy sounds superb as the masters were still very new. It's in stunning condition and it sounds absolutely amazing. I also have 3rd pressing from late 73 to early 74 with matrix A3/B3 which again sounds superb and is probably the best bang for buck copy out there. I have the 30th/40th and 50th. 30th is excellent but it sells for more than the 3rd pressing. I do know of a UK first solid triangle with the skip on Money. It's a NM/NM but the owner won't sell it to me for less than £1700 lol.
I first heard DSOTM as 10 year old in 1974 and loved it then and love it now. Still have my original US pressing from then. Another informative video, good job.
Great story as usual Andrew! Dark Side was a huge hit in 1973 and i heard it everywhere, indeed it was the album that launched a million hifi systems. I bought a copy in late 1973 which has the outline non solid blue label but still sounds exceptionally good.
When I worked in radio, our "classic rock" station needed to combine their digital copy of "Money" with the US promo single version that dips the vocal at the "bulls#!t" lyric (at that time, there was no such edit available on digital media and we no longer had turntables in the control room). This was in the '90s and computer recording/editing was just making inroads into radio facilities. We edited the "offensive" word using very primitive 2-track software and it came out ok; I will always think of Money with the censored vocal dip and picture the vinyl skipping--didn't know until your video that there was a version that skipped. Thanks as always for excellent background--especially the footage and facts about EMI's facilities.
I discovered this record about 20 years ago when I was a teenager, in my dad's record collection and was immediately transfixed. I'm not audiophile and I don't even own a turntable today, but it was one of the most beautiful albums I've ever listened to, from start to finish. I don't know if it was just a better mix or what, but the digital versions I've heard just didn't have quite as much depth. There's something lacking, especially comparing vinyl to digital on the intro tracks Speak to Me and Breathe. Unfortunately, I no longer have that record. After my dad passed away, my mom sold most of his record collection when she was selling the house. So, I can't say which pressing it was. Probably not the same one as you're talking about, as it was sold in America, but it still sounded amazing and I wish I could listen to it again.
I have a 2nd pressing A3/B2 which I bought new in 1973. To my ears it is outstanding. I’ve looked after it and probably only played it a dozen times (I stopped playing vinyls in 1988 and migrated to CDs). However, I dug out my collection in 2018 and now have a renewed hobby. I’ll clean this record and give it a new spin.
Very good, Andrew! I'm more of a Beatles nut (and have been sine 1964), but a diversion like this is very welcome. And congratulations! You managed to sell ad time for two products, PLUS got a plug in for your shirt in an 18 minute video! I'm jealous, brother.
Around 1981, I bought a Half Speed Master, pressed onto 100% Pure Virgin Vinyl. It cost about $30 at a time when normal albums were about $7. There were 0 pops and ticks. Complete silence between tracks, even at full volume. This was before CD's were a thing!!! Wish I still had it!
Finding out Alan Parsons was involved with the creation of this album. I can hear his touches on this album from his albums. I have a 74 pressing I don’t know which it would be but listening to it is just bliss and takes me back to my childhood. I got a 180 gram version of this also and I felt the 74 blew it out the water. To put it to the test I had my son listen to both with his back turned and couldn’t see which album was playing. He also picked the 74 version. Maybe one day I’ll be lucky to find the grail version.
I live in the US and have only Capital pressings which are 'OK'. A couple of years back I picked up the Dolby ATMOS 5.1 Mix and the SACD releases of Dark Side of the Moon and couldn't be happier. Well done Andrew!
Thanks for making this video. For as long as I have owned a copy of this LP I have viewed it as a masterpiece. I first listened to it at a former friend of mines house, his father had three copies of it in his extensive record collection. I eventually got myself a nice US pressing of it from the mid 70's and have enjoyed listening to it now and then ever since.
The 50th Anniversary Bluray in 7.1.4 ATMOS is an experience! I'd highly recommend everyone to hear that for yourselves at least once if you have (or know someone with) an appropriate setup. I wouldn't argue it's the best overall, but it's the most immersive experience I've had outside of a good pair of headphones.
I am pretty happy with my Japanese Toshiba Pro-Use copy. I'd be hard pressed to think of a better sounding release of DSOTM. I must admit though, that I have never heard to solid blue triangle UK pressing, but its price goes beyond my love for this title. I had to go through 5 copies of the Toshiba Pro-Use until I found one that is perfectly (and incredibly) quiet, and it is now my go to version. Congratulations on your channel, Andrew. It has given me many hours of informative entertainment.
Hi Andrew, thanks again for this very informative video. I like this album very much as a great fan, but prefer the follow-up album Wish You Were Here as their best. Enjoy your weekend. Cheers Fred.
I recently bought a German pressing from 1976 for little money and am extremely satisfied. No comparison with the rather dubious 2016 remaster. However, it may be that the bass on the '76 is not quite as dominant as it perhaps should be. But despite everything: I'm absolutely happy with this copy.
Very informative video. Even after all these years, this album is still the benchmark for me in terms of recording quality. And like many I have a number of versions, including the SACD, Japanese CD, '90's Remaster, 2011 Remaster, UK 70's vinyl (not the solid blue triangle, sadly) and the Quadrophonic vinyl pressing. The latter is of course an interesting alternate mix but I don't play it too often, partly because I believe those original Quad vinyl pressings are a bit fragile.
I picked up a copy of the Harvest label SMAS-11163 pressing.a few years ago for $2. The vinyl is in pristine condition, and the two posters and the pyramid stickers were included, all in mint condition. And yes it’s a headphone listening album. I’ve done it recently on my Koss KD-727B headphones. Almost brought me back to the first time I ever listened to the whole album on headphones in 1977. I was in a slightly altered state of consciousness, and actually fell asleep for a few seconds only to be awakened by the alarm bells at the beginning of Time. The album is truly a whole experience. It’s a modern symphony.
Thanks for this! I had to go pull out my copy, probably purchased in 1974, but unsure. It is on the Harvest label, and clearly stamped on both sides "MASTERED BY CAPITOL" with "(P) 1973 The Gramophone Company Ltd." and "MFD. BY CAPITOL RECORDS, INC." on the label. It is engraved A-side "SMAS-1-11163-F22 #5" and B-side "SMAS-2-11163-F32 #4". I only recently got a good turntable (yo replace my original Pioneer PL-518 that got sick 20 years ago) and was a little disappointed to discover the bass seems muffled. I also have DSOM on CD, and even though I have played it through a different stereo system, it has the same muffled bass response. Otherwise, it is still the same wonderful album I remember when I first listened to it!
Hi Andrew whilst you were immersing yourself in The Beatles back catalogue in the early 80's I used to travel local to my home town on foot quite a lot, listening on my walkman to DSOTM on one side of a recorded tape and 'Tubular Bells' on the other side. Later I came to prefer live version of DSOTM for the relative lack of compression. I did listen to other music but with hindsight 'DSOTM' was the nearest I could get to therapy. I don't mean music therapy either, even though the music is solidly and expertly played and recorded. .
Early 1980'ies (I was 20+ with almost 100% hearing tested) with some friends, we did a blind test of different vinyl editions of DSOTM. System was a prototype Electrocompaniet pre/power, Michell Gyrodec/SAEC/VanDenHul MC, Quad ESL63, Stax Zigma(connected to poweamp) and a sub. I can not recollect the different 70'ies pressings, but the Mobile Fidelity pressing was easily the winner on that system.
The fact that a skip can be pressed is shocking to me. I remember a copy of Madman Across the Water that I had with a skip. I bought another copy and it had the same skip. It never occurred to me that this could happen. Recording music is as much of an art as performing music itself. It doesn't really dawn on you until you are presented with the task. How did I ever think it would be easy to put an invisible medium into a physical form? Great video, once again, Andrew.
Thanks Andrew for another informative Video. I bought an original EMI Australia pressing in 1973 . Its was in my collection for many years but somewhere along the way went missing 🤔. After your Video I plan to correct this situation immediately and have just ordered on line a 2016 CD remaster. Yes I know it’s not as good as getting a proper analogue vinyl copy but I am hoping I’ll still enjoy it 😊
Hi Andrew, thanks for a great video! Dark Side of the Moon sounds great on record. Just use your ears is absolutely right. It was a year ago when my local record store was going to all new vinyl and getting rid of most second hand stuff and had a massive sale!!!I bought a copy for £3! We use to have the cd in the 1990s, but I didn't really like it! I think it sounds dynamic on vinyl! I love how the album flows with the songs and the synthesiser sketches. I also agree I like to play it all the way through! Cheers 🍻
Bought my LP in Vancouver's A & B Sound in March of 1973 when it first came out. Dark Side was my first CD purchase in 1986. I bought the 20th Anniversary in '93 and then the 'Experience Edition' in 2011. It's still one of my favourite albums, but I passed on the 50th Anniversary 'Bloated Box'.
Great video Andrew! I own this original UK 1st pressing with the solid triangle in VG+ condition, in addition, I own a 3rd generation reel-to-reel copy of the master tape (don’t ask where I got this!😁). Both sound absolutely amazing and are practically identical except for the few pops on the LP and the higher dynamic range of the tape. I have many other versions of DSOTM, including a Quadrophonic version and multiple reissues, but nothing comes even close to the first pressing LP or the master tape copy.
I just listened to the 50th anniversary UV Print this morning it sounds amazing one of my favourite Pink Floyd facts is that DSOTM shared the top 3 position in the charts with Elvis Presley's Elvis Live from Hawaii via satellite album. Lots of cool stuff in 1973
Another great video Andrew, thank you. As for a preferred pressing, I have a 1973 Singapore / Malaysia copy (cover made in Singapore but the vinyl is UK), a 1974 Japanese copy, the 1981 MFSL half speed master and the 2016 remaster. The Japanese and the MFSL are my go-to copies but I think the MFSL is the better of the two.
I don't happen to own a vinyl copy of DSOTM but I do own countless digital versions, those include the 20th anniversary CD, the 30th anniversary SACD and the new Atmos Blu-ray that includes a new Atmos Mix, 5.1 mix off of the SACD and the new 2023 remaster in 192khz 24 Bit. If I had to pick between any of those, I'd go with the SACD or the Atmos Mix. The SACD has a lovely level of brightness and definition that I haven't heard on any other version, an example is Wright's keyboard on any colour you like. Usually it comes across very muddy but shines on the SACD. I equally like the Atmos Mix as it just brings everything out to have that little bit of edge. I reccomend giving the atmos mix a listen, even just mixed down into stereo. The SACD will probably be a bit too bright for your liking but is my definitive.
I think Alan Parsons did a lot more than just "engineer" the album. He may be credited that way, but I think he was the de facto producer of the album. His distinct production style is all over the album. His first album, The Alan Parsons Project's "Tales Of Mystery And Imagination" almost sounds like an unofficial sequel to "Dark Side Of The Moon." Of course, Parsons worked on The Beatles "Abbey Road" and "Let It Be", and can be seen in the "Get Back" documentary.
I can't believe you did not even mention Alan Parsons ...a true genius .... If you listen to the Alan Parsons project albums you will realize how well they are done the mixing the production everything but no mention of Allen Parsons shame on you
Very nice presentation! One of my first experiences with this album was when I was a teenager. I put the record on the turntable. As I was laying on my bed, in the dark, listening to the album, I fell asleep. Imagine my response when all those alarm clocks went off…😂 - Roger
Agreed with your overview and experience - similar feelings - earliest Canada pressings are absolutely fabulous especially with the 'Wally" etching in the runout groove. (Wally Traugott Canadian Mastering Engineer)... I always wanted that version you speak of but it's only sky-rocketed in price in the last 10 years so I have to find what's 'close to home' :) And the whole first pressing aspect from the UK.. , freshest tapes.. first stampers ect.. plus the experienced professional Harry Moss seems like a no brainer! :)
Sign up for a 14-day free trial and enjoy all the amazing features MyHeritage has to offer here:
bit.ly/Parlogram
They only do a yearly subscription if you carry on sfter 14 days, and won't let you stop until you've done a whole year. Far too expensive and don't give any information about anyone's date of birth or place of birth unless it's OVER 100 years ago, because it's illegal for identity fraud legal reasons.
Every so often, the art teacher in my elementary school would have us do our work to music.
Looking back, I realize that she was pretty young; no teacher seems so when you're 8 or 9!
I distinctly remember a class in which we were working with clay .
When it was time for us to start, Ms. Smith took out a record she had just bought, and showed it us.
We gasped collectively at the cover, and again at the record itself, with its distinct label design.
"It's just come out, so I don't if any of you has heard this music yet, but I think you're going to like it. Feel the rhythm of the first song when you work the clay, and see what happens."
I can hear still that, um, unique sound of that old Newcomb school stereo, and the sounds of the cash register coming through it.
Our young selves delighted in that, of course, and then "Money" began.
I became a fan that moment.
50-odd years later, that opening still conjures that distinct smell of an elementary school art classroom, clay, and the sound of 24 third graders pounding clay to that opening bass line.
Great story! Thanks for sharing it.
Did you youngsters notice the word "sh*t" ? LOL
@@josephblue4135 I think we were too busy pounding our clay.😂
Now thats a youtube post that made me smile. First time in ... A long time. God Bless Ms Smith and her way of teaching. Or she bought it and liked it sooooo damn much it was either bunk the day off work to heavy rotate it, or just take it in and let the kids build some clay shit to this puppy. Either way god love her. Thanks for the grin. Both of you.
No doubt an amazing experience and unforgettable memory. Thanks for sharing!
“Us and them” is one of my favorite songs of all time. There is so much emotion and feeling in that song. When I heard that song, I said “this is as good as Music gets.”
I love Us and Them but always struggled with how the choruses sound. To my ear they always seemed distorted, muffled and “overcrowded”. I think I remember Richard Wright saying something to that extent and how the SACD mix was the only one that managed to fix that issue. If anyone could point me to a great mix of Us and Them that addresses that issue I would be really grateful. I don’t think the 2023 mix fixes that at all.
i use too setup my system on a timer to play this track on my LP record in order to wake me up each morning
You should hear Mozart.
"cut when the tapes were at their freshest" -- At some point in one of Mobile Fidelity's productions of their releases of DSOTM (their first half-speed mastered LP release was in June 1979, followed by other editions including UHQR, cassette, and CD), apparently they damaged the master tape. According to an interview with Gregg Schnitzer of MFSL, "Did you know that the Dark Side of the Moon master was ruined? Somebody put it on a recorder instead of a playback-only mastering deck, and a little piece of Supertramp got dubbed onto the outro of Breathe. Big secret, that. Stan (Ricker) had left the company so a redo wasn't gonna happen. Makes me seriously wonder where MFSL got the source for the Dark Side of the Moon CD. Hmmm. It would have had to have been a second generation safety or the digital master I made for the cassette run."
The cassette release was said to be the best sounding release due to the editing MFSL did to remove many clicks that originated from the mixing console. Again, citing Gregg Schnitzer:
"Back in the early 1980s, digital was a bit unpredictable and flaky which is why we used a very expensive 1" video deck (BVH 1000) instead of a U-Matic type 3/4". I'd get these random ticks and pops which we affectionately called zits.
"One night I sat in the studio listening to the Dark Side of the Moon digital copy and was horrified when I heard lots of low level clicks and zit like sounds. So I called my wife to tell her I'd be working until sun-up as the approval copy had to go to Alan Parsons via counter-to-counter air as soon as possible. I turned the lights off so I wouldn't be distracted and sat there all night long with the first DAE-1100 editor and made a few hundred one-millisecond edits to get rid of those zits I was hearing. Then I made an approval copy cassette for Alan, sent it on its way, and went home to sleep for a day or two.
"A couple of days later we got a heated call from Mr. Parsons wanting to know, "What the f*** did you do to the master?" I explained that I had done the best mastering job I could and that it compared very favorably to the vinyl and, in fact, I thought it sounded better than the vinyl. Was there some problem? He said that when he had mixed Dark Side of the Moon, the desk drove him nuts because every time he muted or unmuted a track, or switched an EQ in or out, there would be a resulting click or pop. There was no technology to remove these artifacts, so he and the band decided to just live with it. He said, "How the hell did you get rid of those pops. I love it!" He was left with a patient explanation that it was proprietary. Man, I almost soiled my pants only to find out that he was very impressed."
Personally, I`m holding out for the Dark Side of the Moon special 100th Anniversary edition, which will include an actual bone fragment from one of Roger Waters` fingers!
Can`t wait!
On the subject of EMI quality control, I clearly remember that every early or relatively early pressing of the White Album had a skip in Back in the USSR.
I still listen to the original Made in Canada CD of DSOTM, and it sounds good to me!
Always enjoy your videos Andrew.
Thanks Robert!
why not David's?)
Roger will give the middle finger to "them" 🤣
I have heard that a small gadget will be included that can bring the four musicians into your home as holograms! We just have to wait another 50 years.
@@RAFchurchlawford4469 🤣
Your attention to detail is second to none. Wonderful video of a truly classic album.
Thanks Steve!
In 1973, I was a US soldier in Germany when one of the friends had a new album he had just bought with a prism of colored light on a black background. Imagine hearing this album for the first time, having never heard of it, and the group was new to me (an Iowa farm boy out of high school in 1971). It started slowly with what turned out to be a heartbeat, gaining volume. I had heard a lot of records by this time (Uriah Heep was the favorite). But this record was do damn special, and we all knew at that listening that this was far above anything we had EXPERIENCED before. We waited for a bit and then had an encore listening. That first experience turned me into a true audiophile and taught me HOW to properly listen to music. And that is no distractions, time set aside to specifically listen to a specific recording, turning lights down for mood helps, and shut up and LISTEN!!! Thanks, Pink Floyd, for your albums!
I've listened to "Dark Side Of The Moon" at least 100 times over the last 50 years. By comparison, I've listened to Pink Floyd's "Animals" at least 500 times since 1977.....and in all formats: 8-track, cassette, vinyl and CD. Today is my 60th birthday and I'm going to listen to it again. ANIMALS FOREVER 😃
I think Animals is Pink Floyd's most underrated album, I much prefer it to Wish You Were Here and their later albums. Dogs is one of my top five favourite PF tracks.
@@KevinRudd-w8s You're not the Kevin Rudd I went to Carlisle High School/Class of 1982 with, are you?!?
They're both brilliant
I agree with you DrVonChilla.
@@DrVonChilla Sorry no, I'm not, and I'm not the former Australian prime minister either.
Thanks Andrew!! My go to is not on vinyl, but the 5.1 surround SACD from the early 2000s. On my 7.1 home theatre system this sounds amazing!!
Pretty much the best
The Blu-ray is close
I have the EMI SACD released in 2003. The 5.1 mix knocks my sox off every time & for me the best way to experience DSOTM.
I have this and it was my favourite way to listen too, until the 50th Anniversary Bluray in 7.1.4 Atmos came out in 2023. I've heard it 1000 times but the first time listening to 'Great Gig in the Sky' in ATMOS and hearing the words "I never said I was frightened of dying" coming from overhead behind my right shoulder sent a shiver up my spine. The whole album is mixed beautifully and makes effective use of the height channels that naturally fits the albums narrative and isn't gimmicky. Whilst I would never tell anyone it's the definitive version as that's down to personal taste, I would recommend people listen to the ATMOS version on a capable system at least once, if they ever get the chance.
First time I heard this, when I was a kid, was at an older relative’s house who had a quadraphonic sound system and quad version of this LP! I was blown away by how immersive it sounded, even as a youngster.
That must have been an incredible experience!
My best sounding pressing in stereo is actually a quad version I got from Australia. It blows away all the other copies I have.
@@mannye I have an SQ quad pressing - also Australian - in blue transparent vinyl... Also have the Mobile Fidelity version which I have listened to. I did have a quad system for a while though I don't think I ever listed to the SQ recording! I take it that there was a CD4 version as well?
@@-triumphgt667 I've never actually heard the "quad" part of the quad pressing as it would take a lot of effort and probably money to source all the tech needed. But maybe someday I'll find someone with a quad setup and give it a shot. How does the MoFi stack up against the SQ? Have you ever compared them?
@@mannyeThe quad is on the blu ray in the Immersion boxset. Much easier than trying to decode SQ from an LP and far better sounding too.
Too many plugs here, Andrew. The video was great, but probably 5 of the 18 minutes was essentially a commercial. That ratio is a little off, I think…
There would be no videos without the sponsors. This isn't a hobby.
@@ParlogramHeaven forbid you should eat.
@@ParlogramHis comment was regarding the high quantity (~30%) of the ad content, not ads themselves. But press on! (Pun intended.)
This was one of the best in-video ads I've seen. It was a smooth seque into an item most people would be interested in. I normally skip past these, but I watched it and didn't feel offended this time :-)
Just skip them
it sounds good because of Alan Parsons a.k.a the sound magician
I got the most recent pressings, and I’m happy with that. My digital collection has something like 10 different mixes, and they all sound great to me.
It was my first CD I ever bought in 1984, my first vinyl when I got back into vinyls in 2017, and I have a 1974 harvest press from Harry Moss. I have three copies of this, one of my favorite albums of all time. I don't have a first pressing, but my 1974 copy that I won at auction for 10 pounds is the best sounding copy I have ever had, and there have been many. This was very informative Andrew. Well done.
Thanks for sharing your selection, Michael! Glad you enjoyed the video.
@@Parlogram my IDs are 1c and b9
My favorite sounding copy is MFSL pressing. It is so crisp and clean. It sounds like they are in the room playing
That is certainly my most listened to version too.
Then it must sound better than the MFSL gold CD Dark Side Of The Moon. That sounded horrible.
My MFSL pressing is one of the first pressed by them. Never heard a better quality LP. And that compares to many direct cut albums too!
Yes! Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs, who went back to ORIGINAL master tapes, used ultra high quality vinyl or CD substrate (?) and half-speed mastering are excellent! DSOTM was one of the first records they utilized their loving treatment on. Of course, the Beatles set is simply staggering...
Hey Andrew, love this edition of your show for a number of reasons. First of course is the music content, is there anyone on planet earth that doesn’t like DSOTM? Second for me is something that will less likely be of interest to many and that because I worked for a company in Nottingham England called HOWE RICHARDSON SCALE. We were a company designing and building the system that proportion raw materials for blending/mixing of said ingredients to make a product. In the case of this video, we were the company that designed and built the equipment which was installed at the EMI plants for proportioning the raw materials to make that magic vinyl. At that time I work in the electrical department we’re we built the control systems used to control the weighing and mixing of the raw materials used in the vinyl. I almost jumped out of my seat when I saw that the factory video showed the controls system I remember being built in Nottingham, boy a long time ago!
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for posting!
Incredible research went into this. Thanks again for an amazing presentation!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I have the 5th UK pressing, original of the 1973 year. Sounds very good too. Other great sounding for this classic, is the Japan original pressing CD, called Black Triangle!
My favorite version of DSOM is the mobile fidelity sound labs pressing. Truly phenomenal!
Mofi=lofi
@KCNYC not with all of their releases.
@@klaatubob 90%+ suck, the other 10% are adequate but nothing special. No deep low end, exaggerated highs
The Piper at the Gates of Dawn is my favorite Pink Floyd album, but I have an incredible amount of affection for The Dark Side of the Moon. It was the first 1970s album I ever listened to, and it blew me away back then.
Hi Andrew. Great Video again, include the commercials. 😉
Its great to see, how good our German first press in your opinion is. Thanxxx 👍
I am very lucky to have one of the real UK solid blue first pressings in nm/nm with both posters and both stickers in my collection. And also a complete German first press. 🤩
Glad you enjoyed it
I first heard this album in 73 on my pals older brothers home built stereo system in the garden shed. He was an electrical engineer and knew what he was doing. The system was top notch. It was stunning to a 13 year old boy just starting his musical journey. However, although being familiar with the album and knowing it really well, I have never actually owned a copy until last year, 2023 when I picked up a CD version on a whim in a charity shop on the Isle of Wight for £1.50! I don't know why I never bothered before. I think because I knew it so well I never felt the need. It is not exactly a pop easy listening record is it, despite it's utter brilliance! Anyway, despite now being in league with the devil in purchasing a cd copy, when I popped it into the cd player in my car, as the first strains of Speak to Me/Breath oozed through the 20 year old factory supplied system, my first thought was, this sounds amazing. Still. The upshot is, unless you are a musical nerd (I am to a point being a musician) I think that this album was so far ahead of it's time in EVERY respect, that it is just impossible to find a bad copy in whatever media version you prefer. Even a poorly looked after vinyl version full of scratches and dust would still sound amazingly good. Timeless in every regard.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and memories!
I have the ‘73 version 11163 it’s all scratched up with pops and clicks but still sounds amazing to me…
My copy of “Revolver” was in a similar state.
When I listen to the CD, it still sounds wrong as it lacks the pops and ticks of my old album.
That’s what made it mine and unique.
I will never forget my cousin, who was an officer in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany in 1976, bringing back a German pressing of this album to his younger brother who was blown away by the way it sounded compared to his U.S. pressing. Sadly the younger brother passed away a few years ago but whenever we get together, since he retired from the Army, we often talk about that incredible German pressing of Dark Side of the Moon. Thanks for bringing back some fond memories.
Thank you for watching and for sharing your precious memories.
I have the 30th anniversary pressing, and I agree with you Andrew, it sounds incredible. Sublime on every level.
This is my "desert island" album.
My first copy, believe it or not, was on 8-track if you can imagine! I used to detach the speakers on my tape player, lay down between them (turning the speakers into basically headphones), and creep myself out listening to "On The Run."
I now have it on MSFL Ultradisc, and still never tired of it. I've listened to it hundreds of times, and believe I've heard something new every time I've played it.
Yeah, my first copy of Dark Side was on 8-track tape. What can I say? I was 16 then and wanted it for my car stereo.
Great Album, that one! I was in my favorite record store when that was released. I’ve never heard the import (UK) pressing. I’ve had various pressings and CD versions.
There are variances but what shines through for me is the performance…which saves all issues with pressing differences.
A masterpiece.
Alas, after all these years, I have to hear a first UK pressing.
Wonderful episode Andrew!
Glad you enjoyed it, Brian. I recommend finding a UK pressing for your collection.
I need to applaud you for the production of these videos! Great work!
Much appreciated!
Capital records shipped an early copy of DSOTM to the radio station I was working at (CKPG) and we featured it on our Saturday night special. This was known to nearly empty out the local pubs and clubs, with many listening to the music on their best sounding system installed in their car. Reflecting back to that era and knowing how big the album became with our audience, I still find it a total joy to hear each time. It never gets old.
I first heard this album in 1989 and it immediately became one of the best in my collection. I do not play it much as I want it to retain its impact when I do listen to it. I have never owned this on vinyl only CD and my go to is my SACD 5.1 disc and that is the only way I can hear it now. Thanks so much for this wonderful video Andrew!
Thnks for sharing your thoughts, Bill. Glad you enjoyed the video.
@@billleary5779 True, the SACD is excellent 👍
I have the uk A2/B2, the Japanese first press and the eu made 30th anniversary. The uk is the best
Hi Andrew, another fab video. My preferred copies of dsotm are... 1986 USA Capotol XDR cassette which is smooth as butter. 30th anniversary vinyl and 3rd Japanese pressing from 1974 which is really balanced and an utter joy to listen to. It's not over blown in the top end.. just sounds right. Many thanks Ross
Thanks for sharing your picks, Ross!
Well if can't afford a UK first, go for the UK first SQ quad. It plays back very well in stereo, with only occasional quad artifacts showing up while playing back in stereo. And it sounds amazing, the mix is slightly different because Alan Parsons couldn't find every little bit of tape used in the original mix. But it was planned from the beginning, so the original recording was made with an eye on the coming quad release. And Alan Parsons did a superb job! A fine example of clean electronics and very little implementation of compression, something Alan was not a fan of (3 cheers for Mr. Parsons!). And it was released shortly after the UK stereo release, so a quad press may be the closest you can affordably get to the master tapes.
Excellent video as always, Andrew! You are very fortunate to own a quality solid blue triangle copy: it is a unicorn pressing, for sure.
I am lucky to have maybe the next best thing: the 2nd pressing with A3/B3 matrices, and all the posters and stickers! It sounds absolutely stellar, but it took a couple of tries to finally get a true NM copy. “Us and Them” and “Breathe in the Air” always seem to have surface noise, no matter how good the record looks. I’ve also heard great things about the all analog 30th anniversary edition, though I’ve never owned one.
Glad to hear you're enjoying your A3/B3. That's a keeper!
I bought the album on cassette (Harvest logo, no Dolby NR, and had 97 99 printed on corner of side one) in 84, and played it until it snapped from a car stereo malfunction in the early 90's. However my parents had a 2nd issue UK print of the album. I was given that copy a little bit after my mom passed away, but in 2017 while recovering from a major surgery someone swiped it with my good stereo equipment. I was heartbroken & pissed off from it. I recently got the infamous 2011 reissue, but it was under false pretense that it was a mid 70's UK reissue. It has the production faults so while it sounds close to a 70's reissue it's a crackly mess like it's already worn out even though there are no visible flaws. I plan to try to get a UK issued release from the 2nd to late 70's, but there is no way I can afford the 1st issued. The copy I had was in VG+ grade with just a few crackles, but not in the quiet areas where it mattered.
I have a 2nd UK press A3/B2 and I can't imagine the 1st press being much better, maybe a fraction of a hair. This is the one to have without breaking the bank. My copy arrived looking great but played with a tremendous amount of surface noise. After a go in the ultrasonic cleaner, it played absolutely flawlessly. Many jaws have dropped when playing this for friends. Much better than the US 2xWally, Japanese Pro-Use, 1st run MoFi and 80's UK cuts in my collection.
I’ll probably get booed off of this comment thread, but besides the wonderful original stereo mixes, I really enjoy the 5.1 mix by James Guthrie. I never heard the original quad mix but Pink Floyd in general, and this record in particular, really lend themselves to surround mixes.
The quad mix by Alan Parsons may be the best out of all of them. A very tasteful use of the format, as far as that goes....
Agreed, my good friend! I like Vinyl and digital formats.
The SACD/Blu-Ray mixes are fantastic!
True,I was going to comment the same thinking I would be called a heretic,I have a few vinyl copies but at times love playing the 5.1 for a different feel
The quad is interesting, but the 5.1 mix is true to the original album's appearance and there are no obvious differences in balance, it just sounds richier and more fascinating than the original stereo.
While it might not be my personal favorite Pink Floyd record, I will say it is arguably their most complete album with pretty much no bad moments. And the production and playing is about as good as it gets. It is one that I play in its entirety, and am always super careful to never overplay it.
Hi there, Andrew. I’ve heard and compared the UK original to both the 1st and 2nd German pressings, and I personally prefer the 1st German. It just seems more balanced to me. I think they can still be picked up for a somewhat reasonable amount of money. We need to of course take into consideration that everyone’s system and room is going to produce different presentations.
Thanks, Andrew. I appreciate you and your reviews and sharing of knowledge. Imagine what a hugely daunting task it’d be if you were even somewhat new to the hobby, which really is a lifestyle. It’s taken over 3 decades to fill my brain with a bunch of information on records and / or HiFi gear.
Thank you for your take. Much appreciated.
My favorite pressing is the quad version of the album.
Back around 1990 I purchased from a company in England the Dark Side of the Moon Album that was CUT, not pressed directly from the Original Masters.
Seems this was true, When I played that Album it was so dam intense I felt like I should never play it again to preserve it.
Funny I did play it another time for a couple of guys I work with because we had a all day discussion about Vynle vs CD. So I asked them over and I played that Album from England. I did not mention anything about it, just started it up and we all hung around to listen.
I had the Techniques Turntable,. Sure M55 Cartridge, Sansui preamp, Bose 1801 Power amp and my always trusty DCM TimeFrame TF-2000 Peakers.
When the 1st side was ending, one guy got up to check the CD and when he seen no CD in the draw, he freaked wondering what were they listening to.
They were new LP Lovers from then on. 🙂
I still have that Album. It was played maybe 4 times since the 90's.
Love it everythime.
You got style! There is a REVOX G36 in the back. Of course there is a huge amount of different pressings in World since 1973. I own one of the very first available in Switzerland back in May 1973. She is in poor condition now because after playing back over 500 times since then it is understandable.
I'm happy to got a originial root master copy in HiRes audio 192 KHz / 24bit. After so many years of listening to this masterpiece it is a revelation in sound quality. Finally with todays technologie it's possible to hear the outstanding sound quality of the mighty STUDER A80 24-track tape machine back then.It's the proof of the slogan: Nothing Sounds Like Tape!
You'll might be stun if you ever could have the possibility to listen to it. Btw, do you know that there existis a early mix of this album ? It is different in many ways and sounds as good as the official version.
At the other side there is a humm on MONEY if the guitar drops in. It was proabably a ground failure of one of the machines. I do restoring on old analog recordings and was able to cut this humm out , even a few minor issues also without loosing sound quality . I got thre versions on CD but all with the same issues. All in all it's a shame that every ten years there appear a new " remastered " version on the market sounding exactly like all others.
But anyway, maybe I own now the best sounding version in the world.
Just as a side note, the second album by The Electric Light Orchestra, ELO 2 was also an EMI/Harvest record issued at the same time as Dark Side Of The Moon. That record has excellent sound quality too.
I already had several original and reissue pressings, but last month I scored a Japanese Pro-Use. It’s stunningly good.
I have a 1980's Yugoslavian stereo pressing with Jugoton stamped on the cover. Went on holiday there and came back with a suitcase full of records as they were so cheap!
Yes, I know of one example of the fabled "money" skipping pressing (I think). Back in the day our neighbour bought loads of albums, and I'd get to hear what he came home with every weekend after his payday. I first encountered Captain Beefheart this way.
I remember him being severely pissed off that he had been waiting for this album only to get it home and it skipped. Given that our nearest town was a 45 minute bus ride back then, he had to wait at least another week.
Now whether it was just luck or whether it was THE fabled pressing that skipped I can't say.
As for the quality of pressings over the years I have no idea what it was like back then as I was a lot younger and this was obviously not the best equipment, but I had am early 1980s pressing that was my main one and was reasonble enough. As I got into CDs very early, it was one of the first CDs I got (when WH Smiths had a small shelf of available CDs) and I was quite disappointed. I quite the sparkle of the cash register and clock bells, but the background hiss was horrible - it was a poor transfer for some reason.
I never bothered picking up another pressing until many years later when I got the 30th anniversary on CD and found it had the hiss treated and cleaned much better. The only other pressings I have (or had) are the 2009ish vinyl pressing (non-EMI) and this is my favourite though it took two returns before I got a copy that wasn't faulty. I did get a new 50th anniversary but I returned it as I found it harsh and not as good.
Great story! Thanks for sharing it.
Fine work, Andrew! To be honest, I was expecting to have to tolerate this video more than enjoy it. I have never been a big Pink Floyd fan, and I've never totally embraced this album the way most have. But, as usual, you have found a way to not only weave a great narrative, but get me to appreciate the subject in a way that breaks with my own narrative. And, one thing you said really did resonate with me: I do understand this album a lot more than I did when I was younger. My only vinyl copies are a late 70's US pressing and the MFSL, which I will have to revisit. I've been digital with this one since the 80's.
Glad you enjoyed it, Pete!
I was 9 years old in 1973 when my hipster uncle, while visiting my mom. brought over a new album with prism and light beam and no title or band name (a Canadian pressing most likely) It was my very first introduction to Pink Floyd I was stunned by the electronic sounds of Brain Damage and the unforgettable guitar solos. Like SGT Pepper and Revolver, It was lifechanging. I almost had a chance of acquiring the new (UK contender) 1979 Mobil Fidelity version of Dark Side while at a record store in Victoria Canada as a teenager but I passed due to its high price compared to a standard regular pressing which I actually did acquire at a much cheaper price. which sadly like many vintage vinyl, got damaged, overly loved, overplayed spilled and piled on and poorly stored and I eventually retired it and made a painting of the moon surfaces on side 1 and 2 and hangs on my wall. At present I have the Bernie Grundman 2018 version which to me sounds great for its low noise compared to my older record. I do see the BG version getting poor to mediocre grades compared to UK, Mobil Fidelity and other variants. I myself, did become aware of much coveted UK 1st pressing a few years ago. I would love to acquire even a mediocre condition baby blue triangle UK disc for cheap price but I bet their super grails in my area of western Canada.
Hi Andrew-
Thanks for a fantastic video and analysis of Pink Floyd . . . DSM. I was turned on to this album back into the late 70's. My vinyl copy is a department store copy. I loved the song "money" and the store clerk described the album as a "metal-sound effects" album . . . . well when I put it on my old Pioneer sound system . . . . . the whole thing was fantastic! I have since bought the studio CD/live concert edition combo.
It gets better every time I play it with the lights off laying down in-bed. Like you, I also don't over-play it. The original posters (still have) that came with the vinyl are very cool and other-worldly! My Beatle fan in me wishes that the Beatles had done it as as a nod to the future! I'm so glad it does have a "Beatles connection" though! (Alan Parsons, Harry Moss, Abbey Road).
Thanks again for your great videos of Beatles and other great groups!
BeatlefanDan USA😊
Great video, Andrew! I also enjoyed how records were pressed at the EMI factory. I bought my vinyl copy of Dark Side in 1974 and I was impressed with how good it sounded.
Glad you enjoyed it, Nick!
The Replacements "Pleased to meet me" album from 1987 appears to have possibly had an early pressing with mastering errors- I had the cassette for years but found 3 separate 12" US vinyl copies- if you've seen the sleeve, it's usually a yellow background with the handshake in front. That's the case on the CD and tape. But 2 of my LP copies had the yellow background and skipped throughout side 1- if I remember correctly it's in the same spots. Maybe because it was an early digital master and the eq wasn't right. My 3rd copy, with a GREEN background, plays perfectly.
So a defect detector is basically a Garrard 301 idler driver deck on a custom plinth with a custom device that manipulates that Ortofon RMG (?) series 12” arm mounted with an Ortofon SPU cart.. Sweet.
Being born in '83, my first copy was on CD. I really don't know which pressing it uses (if at all), but this album is one of my all-time favorites.
This is another of your finer videos. Enjoyed the educational details you introduce. It is like DNA analysis of things we overlooked or did not truly understand. Thank you, Andrew.
Glad you enjoyed it, Antionio!
Perhaps one day I’ll be able to own a UK original, but until then I do enjoy my 30th anniversary edition. I even bought a sealed backup copy of the 30th as well :). Not long ago I sold my German pressing, but you’re correct, it sounds great.
30 years ago I was recovering from a serious illness and had bought a second hand first pressing just before I’d got ill but had not yet played it. Perhaps it was my state of mind, and not being able to do anything else except sit and listen - I too found I was listening to the greatest sounds I’d ever heard on any record. Thinking about it now, and listening to it again today, I can recall that sense of hope and calm I felt back then.
Bought this, warped, from Robin's Records' (Norwich) bargain bin in 1981. 'Hi-Fi Answers' magazine had an article that recommended un-warping vinyl by subjecting it to a lengthy spell in the airing cupboard between two sheets of glass. Sadly, it didn't work but it was entertaining to watch the pick up valiantly dancing up and down to the opening heartbeats. I bought the SACD about ten years ago. I would urge anyone who loves this album and/or great sound to experience it with the multichannel surround and extended dynamic range this format offers: it is quite wonderful.
I have a 1973 2nd pressing with matrix A3/B2 with the revised triangle design label. These were pressed around April 73, weeks after the A2/B2 pressings due to EMI executives complaining that it was difficult to read the silver text on the solid pale blue label. My copy sounds superb as the masters were still very new. It's in stunning condition and it sounds absolutely amazing. I also have 3rd pressing from late 73 to early 74 with matrix A3/B3 which again sounds superb and is probably the best bang for buck copy out there. I have the 30th/40th and 50th. 30th is excellent but it sells for more than the 3rd pressing.
I do know of a UK first solid triangle with the skip on Money. It's a NM/NM but the owner won't sell it to me for less than £1700 lol.
I first heard DSOTM as 10 year old in 1974 and loved it then and love it now. Still have my original US pressing from then. Another informative video, good job.
Great story as usual Andrew! Dark Side was a huge hit in 1973 and i heard it everywhere, indeed it was the album that launched a million hifi systems. I bought a copy in late 1973 which has the outline non solid blue label but still sounds exceptionally good.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
Many thanks as always Andrew ✌️🤘👊 very interesting video
Cheers Dave! 👍
My best vinyl - DSoTM on MFSL 1/2 speed mastered vinyl. Of any album.
And I loved the SACD most - Blu-ray close, maybe better on some tracks
Thank You. Happy to hear your expertise applied to one of my favorites.
When I worked in radio, our "classic rock" station needed to combine their digital copy of "Money" with the US promo single version that dips the vocal at the "bulls#!t" lyric (at that time, there was no such edit available on digital media and we no longer had turntables in the control room). This was in the '90s and computer recording/editing was just making inroads into radio facilities. We edited the "offensive" word using very primitive 2-track software and it came out ok; I will always think of Money with the censored vocal dip and picture the vinyl skipping--didn't know until your video that there was a version that skipped. Thanks as always for excellent background--especially the footage and facts about EMI's facilities.
Great story!
I was just listening to it recently on Apple Music streaming and it sound great. Another wonderful episode, amazing research, thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I discovered this record about 20 years ago when I was a teenager, in my dad's record collection and was immediately transfixed. I'm not audiophile and I don't even own a turntable today, but it was one of the most beautiful albums I've ever listened to, from start to finish. I don't know if it was just a better mix or what, but the digital versions I've heard just didn't have quite as much depth. There's something lacking, especially comparing vinyl to digital on the intro tracks Speak to Me and Breathe.
Unfortunately, I no longer have that record. After my dad passed away, my mom sold most of his record collection when she was selling the house. So, I can't say which pressing it was. Probably not the same one as you're talking about, as it was sold in America, but it still sounded amazing and I wish I could listen to it again.
Thanks for sharing your story. I hope you get it hear it again soon.
I have a 2nd pressing A3/B2 which I bought new in 1973. To my ears it is outstanding. I’ve looked after it and probably only played it a dozen times (I stopped playing vinyls in 1988 and migrated to CDs). However, I dug out my collection in 2018 and now have a renewed hobby. I’ll clean this record and give it a new spin.
Very good, Andrew! I'm more of a Beatles nut (and have been sine 1964), but a diversion like this is very welcome. And congratulations! You managed to sell ad time for two products, PLUS got a plug in for your shirt in an 18 minute video! I'm jealous, brother.
Around 1981, I bought a Half Speed Master, pressed onto 100% Pure Virgin Vinyl. It cost about $30 at a time when normal albums were about $7. There were 0 pops and ticks. Complete silence between tracks, even at full volume. This was before CD's were a thing!!! Wish I still had it!
I would like a UK original blue prism first but I have never seen one in VG+ or better at a sensible price.
I bought a couple A2/B2s recently. It was in mint condition.
Finding out Alan Parsons was involved with the creation of this album. I can hear his touches on this album from his albums. I have a 74 pressing I don’t know which it would be but listening to it is just bliss and takes me back to my childhood. I got a 180 gram version of this also and I felt the 74 blew it out the water. To put it to the test I had my son listen to both with his back turned and couldn’t see which album was playing. He also picked the 74 version. Maybe one day I’ll be lucky to find the grail version.
I live in the US and have only Capital pressings which are 'OK'. A couple of years back I picked up the Dolby ATMOS 5.1 Mix and the SACD releases of Dark Side of the Moon and couldn't be happier. Well done Andrew!
Thanks for making this video. For as long as I have owned a copy of this LP I have viewed it as a masterpiece.
I first listened to it at a former friend of mines house, his father had three copies of it in his extensive record collection. I eventually got myself a nice US pressing of it from the mid 70's and have enjoyed listening to it now and then ever since.
Thanks for watching and for sharing your story.
The 50th Anniversary Bluray in 7.1.4 ATMOS is an experience! I'd highly recommend everyone to hear that for yourselves at least once if you have (or know someone with) an appropriate setup. I wouldn't argue it's the best overall, but it's the most immersive experience I've had outside of a good pair of headphones.
I am pretty happy with my Japanese Toshiba Pro-Use copy. I'd be hard pressed to think of a better sounding release of DSOTM. I must admit though, that I have never heard to solid blue triangle UK pressing, but its price goes beyond my love for this title. I had to go through 5 copies of the Toshiba Pro-Use until I found one that is perfectly (and incredibly) quiet, and it is now my go to version. Congratulations on your channel, Andrew. It has given me many hours of informative entertainment.
Thanks for sharing your experiences and for your kind words.
Hi Andrew, thanks again for this very informative video. I like this album very much as a great fan, but prefer the follow-up album Wish You Were Here as their best. Enjoy your weekend. Cheers Fred.
I recently bought a German pressing from 1976 for little money and am extremely satisfied. No comparison with the rather dubious 2016 remaster. However, it may be that the bass on the '76 is not quite as dominant as it perhaps should be. But despite everything: I'm absolutely happy with this copy.
Very informative video. Even after all these years, this album is still the benchmark for me in terms of recording quality. And like many I have a number of versions, including the SACD, Japanese CD, '90's Remaster, 2011 Remaster, UK 70's vinyl (not the solid blue triangle, sadly) and the Quadrophonic vinyl pressing.
The latter is of course an interesting alternate mix but I don't play it too often, partly because I believe those original Quad vinyl pressings are a bit fragile.
I picked up a copy of the Harvest label SMAS-11163 pressing.a few years ago for $2. The vinyl is in pristine condition, and the two posters and the pyramid stickers were included, all in mint condition. And yes it’s a headphone listening album. I’ve done it recently on my Koss KD-727B headphones. Almost brought me back to the first time I ever listened to the whole album on headphones in 1977. I was in a slightly altered state of consciousness, and actually fell asleep for a few seconds only to be awakened by the alarm bells at the beginning of Time. The album is truly a whole experience. It’s a modern symphony.
Wonderful!
@@michaelraiger623 I too have the same record as yourself, SMAS-11163. What is the history on this particular pressing?
It appears to be a 3rd pressing.
Thanks for this! I had to go pull out my copy, probably purchased in 1974, but unsure. It is on the Harvest label, and clearly stamped on both sides "MASTERED BY CAPITOL" with "(P) 1973 The Gramophone Company Ltd." and "MFD. BY CAPITOL RECORDS, INC." on the label. It is engraved A-side "SMAS-1-11163-F22 #5" and B-side "SMAS-2-11163-F32 #4". I only recently got a good turntable (yo replace my original Pioneer PL-518 that got sick 20 years ago) and was a little disappointed to discover the bass seems muffled. I also have DSOM on CD, and even though I have played it through a different stereo system, it has the same muffled bass response. Otherwise, it is still the same wonderful album I remember when I first listened to it!
Hi Andrew whilst you were immersing yourself in The Beatles back catalogue in the early 80's I used to travel local to my home town on foot quite a lot, listening on my walkman to DSOTM on one side of a recorded tape and 'Tubular Bells' on the other side. Later I came to prefer live version of DSOTM for the relative lack of compression. I did listen to other music but with hindsight 'DSOTM' was the nearest I could get to therapy. I don't mean music therapy either, even though the music is solidly and expertly played and recorded. .
Early 1980'ies (I was 20+ with almost 100% hearing tested) with some friends, we did a blind test of different vinyl editions of DSOTM. System was a prototype Electrocompaniet pre/power, Michell Gyrodec/SAEC/VanDenHul MC, Quad ESL63, Stax Zigma(connected to poweamp) and a sub.
I can not recollect the different 70'ies pressings, but the Mobile Fidelity pressing was easily the winner on that system.
The fact that a skip can be pressed is shocking to me. I remember a copy of Madman Across the Water that I had with a skip. I bought another copy and it had the same skip. It never occurred to me that this could happen.
Recording music is as much of an art as performing music itself. It doesn't really dawn on you until you are presented with the task. How did I ever think it would be easy to put an invisible medium into a physical form?
Great video, once again, Andrew.
One of my favorite albums. It was finished and signed off on February 9, 1973, my 21st birthday! Coincidence? I think not!
This is a great album.
I got the 50th anniversary one but I'll so eday want to get other pressings
Thanks Andrew for another informative Video. I bought an original EMI Australia pressing in 1973 . Its was in my collection for many years but somewhere along the way went missing 🤔.
After your Video I plan to correct this situation immediately and have just ordered on line a 2016 CD remaster. Yes I know it’s not as good as getting a proper analogue vinyl copy but I am hoping I’ll still enjoy it 😊
Thanks Phil, glad you enjoyed it. I hope the 2016 CD sounds good!
Me too Andrew
Hi Andrew, thanks for a great video! Dark Side of the Moon sounds great on record. Just use your ears is absolutely right. It was a year ago when my local record store was going to all new vinyl and getting rid of most second hand stuff and had a massive sale!!!I bought a copy for £3! We use to have the cd in the 1990s, but I didn't really like it! I think it sounds dynamic on vinyl! I love how the album flows with the songs and the synthesiser sketches. I also agree I like to play it all the way through! Cheers 🍻
of course I meant 203,000
Bought my LP in Vancouver's A & B Sound in March of 1973 when it first came out. Dark Side was my first CD purchase in 1986. I bought the 20th Anniversary in '93 and then the 'Experience Edition' in 2011. It's still one of my favourite albums, but I passed on the 50th Anniversary 'Bloated Box'.
Great video Andrew! I own this original UK 1st pressing with the solid triangle in VG+ condition, in addition, I own a 3rd generation reel-to-reel copy of the master tape (don’t ask where I got this!😁). Both sound absolutely amazing and are practically identical except for the few pops on the LP and the higher dynamic range of the tape. I have many other versions of DSOTM, including a Quadrophonic version and multiple reissues, but nothing comes even close to the first pressing LP or the master tape copy.
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I just listened to the 50th anniversary UV Print this morning it sounds amazing one of my favourite Pink Floyd facts is that DSOTM shared the top 3 position in the charts with Elvis Presley's Elvis Live from Hawaii via satellite album. Lots of cool stuff in 1973
I have the UK 5th impression from 1973. Complete. Paid £20 a couple of years ago. Sounds spectacular to me after a wood glue treatment.
You said the new pressing 10:49 plant was 203 square feet. Did you mean 203,000 square feet?😂 Great video, as always. Love your channel!
Yes of course. Thanks for watching!
I have a 3rd pressing from 1973 and it sounds great
I have a UK ~1982 copy with A-10 HARRY / B-9 HTM matrices. Quite a common variation but one that I think sounds great!
Another great video Andrew, thank you. As for a preferred pressing, I have a 1973 Singapore / Malaysia copy (cover made in Singapore but the vinyl is UK), a 1974 Japanese copy, the 1981 MFSL half speed master and the 2016 remaster. The Japanese and the MFSL are my go-to copies but I think the MFSL is the better of the two.
I don't happen to own a vinyl copy of DSOTM but I do own countless digital versions, those include the 20th anniversary CD, the 30th anniversary SACD and the new Atmos Blu-ray that includes a new Atmos Mix, 5.1 mix off of the SACD and the new 2023 remaster in 192khz 24 Bit. If I had to pick between any of those, I'd go with the SACD or the Atmos Mix. The SACD has a lovely level of brightness and definition that I haven't heard on any other version, an example is Wright's keyboard on any colour you like. Usually it comes across very muddy but shines on the SACD. I equally like the Atmos Mix as it just brings everything out to have that little bit of edge. I reccomend giving the atmos mix a listen, even just mixed down into stereo. The SACD will probably be a bit too bright for your liking but is my definitive.
I think Alan Parsons did a lot more than just "engineer" the album. He may be credited that way, but I think he was the de facto producer of the album. His distinct production style is all over the album. His first album, The Alan Parsons Project's "Tales Of Mystery And Imagination" almost sounds like an unofficial sequel to "Dark Side Of The Moon." Of course, Parsons worked on The Beatles "Abbey Road" and "Let It Be", and can be seen in the "Get Back" documentary.
I've seen a documentary set at the original studio... and Parsons did some amazing work with literally cutting up and pasting together bits of tape.
I can't believe you did not even mention Alan Parsons ...a true genius .... If you listen to the Alan Parsons project albums you will realize how well they are done the mixing the production everything but no mention of Allen Parsons shame on you
Very nice presentation! One of my first experiences with this album was when I was a teenager. I put the record on the turntable. As I was laying on my bed, in the dark, listening to the album, I fell asleep. Imagine my response when all those alarm clocks went off…😂 - Roger
Glad you enjoyed it, Roger 👍
I can't believe this is your voice. Nice take care of it.
Agreed with your overview and experience - similar feelings - earliest Canada pressings are absolutely fabulous especially with the 'Wally" etching in the runout groove. (Wally Traugott Canadian Mastering Engineer)... I always wanted that version you speak of but it's only sky-rocketed in price in the last 10 years so I have to find what's 'close to home' :) And the whole first pressing aspect from the UK.. , freshest tapes.. first stampers ect.. plus the experienced professional Harry Moss seems like a no brainer! :)