Classic Rock Album of the Day- Pink Floyd- Dark Side of the Moon (1973) ****
First the disclaimers... (1) I have always liked Pink Floyd, (2) have considered them in my four legged chaired stool of the greatest congregate musicans in rock history that includes.... (Rush, Emerson Lake, and Palmer, Yes, Pink Floyd) (3). With that, I was never really a stoner, so maybe there are aspects of PF that went unappreciated on my behalf. (4) Yes, they are among the pioneers of prog. (5) Finally, and I say this with respect, I think the "P' in Pink Floyd stands for Pretentious. Sometimes I felt band took their spacy, etheral prog to unnecessary heights that really lost the common listener.
Pink Floyd has a pretty extensive catalog, and they were very prolific in the late '60's and early '70's. But no album of theirs ever reached this level of titanship as DSTOM. Many view this album loosly as an early concept LP, I guess the theme of mental degredation due to modern technology could be inferred, but IMO, this work was mostly for "Trippy" value.
Stylisticly, they are all over the map, in a pretty spectacular fashion. It is a masterpiece,
as in the fact that this is the longest charting album in rock history. It was on the Top 200 from March 17, 1973 to July 15, 1988. Consecutively charting for an incredible 741 weeks. No one has even come close to that feat. So slap on the headphones, and get ready for the trip......
Side 1-
Speak to Me- Stoner's prep.... SFX starter to get them in the mood I guess. Not sure how this enters into the equation. Maybe someone might share?
7Breathe- Nice balladish tune soft rocking, and a notice that PF has upped their orcherstral skills in production. I have friends who say this song was like their Sgt. Pepper moment.
4On the Run- Even without the herbal aids, this piece is trippy as hell. Eyes closed and headphones on, you just might find yourself witnessing a Roswell ship crash.
2Time- The phase in from On the Run, to Time, is the highlight of the album. As the chimes toll, you are treated to muscial tour-de-blast. Gilmour's solo work on this tune is special, and really seals the deal. Their early fusing of a soul chorus was so innovative at the time. And now so copied.
1The Great Gig in the Sky- The Soul choir grinds it further, Huge PF fans loved it. I wished they had stuck with the script. Just me I guess.
5Side 2-
Money- The hit tune everyone remembers. Really like the song- Very innovative pre-funkish feel and masterful musical chops here. Message was awesome too. For a concept album that was to. focus on technological dangers to life, they sure liked to wander off. Hey, but who doesn't want a rock band to preach to us about the dangers of monetary excesses.
3Us and Them- PF fans might slam me for this, but as much as a classic they like to think this tune to be, it is a lullaby for me. ZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!! No doubt, great musical feat, but not my cup of tea.
10Any Colour You Like- More instumental more of the same, some jazz influenced sync stuff too. Meh.
6Brain Damage- Ditto, with summation
8Eclipse- Effective finale. But still, if you aren't a hard core fan, I like to listen to Side 1, Money, and then put the vinyl back into sleeve.
9https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh1Xyvu68P0