Post by ChairmanWalker on Nov 25, 2011 6:37:29 GMT -5
Pink Floyd's 8th studio album, Dark Side of the Moon, is the most commercially successful album the band ever made, and indeed is frequently ranked as one of the greatest records in history.
The album was released in March 1973, almost five years after the departure of Syd Barrett, the founder and former lead songwriter of the group. It saw the refining of their older techniques, the loud and chaotic psychedelic pieces recorded with Barrett were now replaced with the more precise and atmospheric prog rock.
The band provides a solid framework throughout the whole album, making it seem more like an extended work, than a collection of seperate songs. "Money" stands out as the most energetic song on the album, with Dave Gilmour's guitar and Dick Parry's saxophone matching perfectly. "Us And Them" also provides a very space rock feel, a feel that had featured heavily in their earlier albums.
However, there are also weaknesses within the album. I myself have never been able to listen to "The Great Gig in the Sky" without wincing at least once. Furthermore, Dave Gilmour's vocals in places leaves much to be desired.
Although this album is certainly a great listen on it's own, I certainly do not think it is the best offering by Pink Floyd. Side one of the album seems to be a muddle, with things only really coming together with "Money". I personally think it pales in comparison to Wish You Were Here, the group's next album.
3/5
