July 4 & 5 - The Other Side Of The Moon (Best of EP)

[Extended Play]

This show has aired on two weekends already, within the last two years, but someone asked for Dark Side again, so I figured a 6 month gap would probably be good enough. Here are two great concerts and one great transfer of the MFSL version of Dark Side (supposedly the best version so far).

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This week will be a bit different than the usual, as we'll actually cover some album history. All 4 selections this week are in direct relation to Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon, which turns 30 on March 24.

I. Bowl De Luna (Pink Floyd) 9/22/72

First up is an early version of the album (originally titled Eclipse: A Piece For Assorted Lunatics), played live at the Hollywood Bowl on 9/22/72. Many of the songs are noticeably different, giving you a good idea of the development the band went through before recording the album. The best examples of the different styling are On The Run and Great Gig in the Sky. Both are more groove oriented, without their respectively signature electronics and soaring vocals.

1. Intro
2. Breathe
3. The Travel Sequence (On The Run)
4. Time
5. Home Again
6. The Great Gig In The Sky
7. Money
8. Us and Them
9. Any Colour You Like
10. Brain Damage
11. Eclipse

II. Dark Side of the Moon (Pink Floyd) 1973

The album itself is one of the more oblique concept albums in progressive rock. The songs are easily passable in meaning without the central concept of madness, whether it is created by Money, Religion, Travel, War, Business, etc. . . . This makes it both an easy concept to understand but hard to initially get.

The Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs release of Dark Side of the Moon on CD is still considered by some to be the best digital pressing available. You'll get to check this out (albeit compressed), as I've got a copy ready to go.

1. Speak To Me
2. Breathe
3. On The Run
4. Time
5. The Great Gig In The Sky
6. Money
7. Us and Them
8. Any Colour You Like
9. Brain Damage
10. Eclipse

III. Black Holes In The Sky (Pink Floyd) 11/15/74

Our third and final incarnation of Dark Side of the Moon is from Empire Pool, Wembley on 11/15/74. This is another great live version with backup singers and Dick Parry guesting on the sax. The version of On The Run here is one of the better ones I’ve ever heard from Pink Floyd. It has all the passion and structure of the original, while operating almost on its own.

1. Speak To Me
2. Breathe
3. On The Run
4. Time
5. The Great Gig In The Sky
6. Money
7. Us and Them
8. Any Colour You Like
9. Brain Damage
10. Eclipse

IV. Music From The Body (Roger Waters & Ron Geesin) 1970

Finally, we'll take a look at the Roger Waters and Ron Geesin soundtrack to The Body. This was released in 1970 and includes an early version of Breathe, as well as the song Give Birth To A Smile that supposedly features all of Pink Floyd. Other than it’s difficult connection to Dark Side, this is a great album on its own. Although it took me a few listens to really “get into it”, the music here is well worth it. With a folky-concrete mix, this stands alone as one of the oddest albums I’ve ever listened to. Although, the stringed work here is really great. I love the simple acoustic rhythm work here. Like other final albums of the evening, this one is a bit harder to approach but worth every minute of your time for its sheer originality.

1. Our Song
2. Sea Shell and Stone
3. Red Stuff Writhe
4. A Gentle Breeze Blew Through Life
5. Lick Your Partners
6. Bridge Passage For Three Plastic Teeth
7. Chain of Life
8. The Womb Bit
9. Embryo Thought
10. March Past of the Embryos
11. More than Seven Dwarfs in Penis-Land
12. Dance of the Red Corpuscles
13. Body Transport
14. Hand Dance-Full Evening Dress
15. Breathe
16. Old Folks Ascension
17. Bed-Time-Dream-Chime
18. Piddle in Perspex
19. Embryonic Womb-Walk
20. Mrs. Throat Goes Walking
21. Sea Shell and Stone
22. Give Birth to a Smile

Another excellent choice for a re-run.

I shall tune in on Monday afternoon and "Breathe in the air........"

[podakayne]

i will be listening today and tomorrow provided i'm up that early tomorrow, (no work).

can't say as i've heard it before so this is not a repeat for me.

as ever tommy...you keep playing 'em and i'll keep listening...and a safe and happy 4th to you too.

poda

[Extended Play]

Originally posted by podakayne
as ever tommy...you keep playing 'em and i'll keep listening...and a safe and happy 4th to you too.

poda

You too Poda. Keep them kidos safe from the wonders of the M80. I can't believe I still have all of my fingers!

Tommy