PINK FLOYD/RELICS SRS 5071 (-71) UK

People often call me stubborn when it comes to music. I like what I like and stick with the old ways - original mixes, analog, primitive and close. But with this I have changed my mind only recently since I posted the Dutch "Best of..." compilation    https://monolover.blogspot.com/2012/06/best-of-pink-floyd-5c054-04299-71-dutch.html    . Had copies of it from first release, but never really liked it. I wanted the mono mixes but got stereo re-mixes and a few fakes, so I haven't played it for decades. Now when I hear it suddenly it's not that bad and even quite interesting. The two re-channeled tracks sounds good and "See Emily Play" also totally different from the re-channelling made for the Dutch collection. "Biding My Time" had it's first release here and there are also three rare B-sides in true stereo - "Julia Dream" having another, shorter version than the original mono. In comparison to Dutch "Best Of..." it has a darker tone with more base, but not as good separation. I may prefer the Dutch, but only because of the "Apples And Oranges" stereo mix. This is good in its own way and together they stand very strong. US 1:st on Capitol (SW-759) with a totally different cover - issued all over the world in the seventies with variations of either the UK or US wrapping. UK 1:st with dark blue label as shown here - "The Grammophone Co Ltd" on left side (later has "EMI records Ltd" ), thick vinyl and a structured thin cover (later has matt cover). Subsequently also issued on UK MFP label with red title on front. (PÅX*)(SXS*)

PINK FLOYD/RELICS SW-759 (-71) US

 Compilation apparently put together since EMI was worried nothing would come out of the "Meddle" sessions and they wanted something to oblige the band's fans. For more please check post on the UK version  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2012/09/pink-floydrelics-srs-5071-71.html . This American, released at about the same time, has the same tracking, but on another label with totally different sleeve design. The fact that it came on the band's then main label Harvest in a sturdy textured colour sleeve works well for me and in a way makes the UK budget issue seem a little cheap in comparison. To my ears the US also has better audio. Not that the UK sounds bad, but this comes through somewhat clearer with better separation. Since the band was UK and it seems that issue was the original it's probably what most Pink Floyd fans would prefer, but considering sleeve and audio this sure has its advantages. Glad I don't have to choose. Issued and reissued on all possible formats all over the world through the years. US 1982 reissue on Capitol (SN-13264). Premiere US had label as shown here in textured cover.  (YZÄ*)  (PÅX*) (HÄVL*)

                                                                                   

                                                                                   

                                                                                       

                                                                                      

                                                                                 

                                                                                 

 

PINK FLOYD/SOUNDTRACK FROM THE FILM "MORE" SCX 6346 (-69) UK

   Soundtrack to a movie about hippies doing drugs and having sex on Ibiza. Never seen it myself, but luckily there's no need for that to embrace the music. Like another Pink Floyd soundtrack - "Obscured By Clouds" https://monolover.blogspot.com/2012/12/pink-floydobscured-by-clouds-shsp-4020.html - this can be enjoyed as a regular album and a very good one too. It was their third and first without Syd Barrett. Recorded on low budget in about two weeks and apparently much of the material improvised as they went along exploring whims and recording them without too much planning or ulterior motives and still making it sound so good. I can enjoy later overloaded albums like Dark Side Of The Moon or Whish You Were Here, but feel a lot more at home with their earlier stuff. This is the Floyd I like. A blend of pastoral, hard rock and experimenting, at the same time out there and very catchy. Stylewise more reminding of Atom Heart Mother https://monolover.blogspot.com/2012/12/pink-floydatom-heart-mother-shvl-781-70.html than their first two LP:s. For me it all sticks together so it would be impossible to choose just a couple of favorites, but adding the whole album below if You haven't heard it yet or just want an update.  Issued and reissued on every possible format all over the world through the years. First US on Tower (ST-5169). Japan 2017 remasterd CD in paper sleeve with obi (Sony SICP 5403). Premiere UK had label as shown here, having "Sold In UK..." below EMI logo, in a laminated three flap flip/back cover with green rear and couple facing left.  (PÅX*)  (ZÖNT*)

                                                                              

                                                                                  

                                                                                  

                                                                              

                                                                         

 

PINK FLOYD/DARK SIDE OF THE MOON Q4SHVL (-73) UK QUAD/ALAN PARSON MIX

Now to something completely different. Question is why posting a Quad on a monolovers page? Many reasons - like many monos this is a rarer issue and it has a separate mix, one that can make You look differently on the whole album. When I started to collect monos in the late eighties it also meant renewed interest in many records I got tired of years earlier. White Album, 1:st Joe Cocker, early Procol Harum, Traffic - all collecting dust on the shelf, but with the monos I got alternate mixes, versions and even takes and started to listen again. And this is exactly what happened when I found this quad. I've never been more fed up with a record than Dark Side Of the Moon. After months of listening I knew every note, twist and turn and decided to put it away. 25 years later I listen to this - the same record, but still something else. Listening on two-channel in comparison one can hear a different balance, but also this is so much clearer and revealing. It's not only the ready-built piece of art the original stereo posts as, but also all the separate parts. It's hard to explain further, but if you got it you know what I mean. It has been argued many times the members of Pink Floyd didn't like the mix, but the man behind it - Alan Parson - has said they weren't interested back then. According to him the only one of them that actually heard it was Richard Wright. (PÅX*)(HÄVL*)

PINK FLOYD/THE PIPER AT THE GATES OF DAWN SCX 6157 (-67) UK STEREO

 Wrote a rather meager post on the mono long time ago https://monolover.blogspot.com/2012/04/piper-at-gates-of-dawn-sx-6157.html . Had no original stereo back then so thought I'd just wait till one showed up and then make a comparison. But as it turned out it wasn't easy to find an ok copy at a price fitting my wallet. Today I have and it only took nine years. Some might wonder why I didn't use one of the many more common and much cheaper re-presses instead. Not entirely sure myself...but it was well worth the wait.  And now when listening to both I realise a full-scale collation is more than I can handle. All tracks differ, many of them a lot, and some almost sound like different takes. As the mono with all certainty was the original mix and therefore closest to the bands intentions that will always be closest to my heart, but for now I'm trying to forget all about that and enjoy this stereo like it was the only one.  And enjoying I am. A stunning piece of psychedelia - overflowing with effects and odd whims but at the same time strangely catchy. A high flying trip, yet close and personal. And the stereo audio is tophole for its time. I'm getting both strong and detailed with lots of overlapping, making it surprisingly natural for a four channel mix. I've seen discussions on the net where people complain about it and claim the mono is a lot better. Maybe so, but why compare when both formats have so much to offer by themselves? There's no law against loving both.   (PÅX*)

                                                                                  

                                                                                

                                                                                

                                                                                  

                                                                     

PINK FLOYD/MEDDLE SHVL 795 (-71) UK

When checking the net for thoughts and reviews on this with a few exceptions there seems to be some kind of consensus it was a preparation for, or a not as good forrunner to, the band's more crowdpleasing phase with "Dark Side Of The Moon" and the three following albums. Not in my world. For me all the trials (and errors), the experimenting and sometimes be-that-as-it-may recordings from the debute up to "Obscured By Clouds" is far more rewarding than their later glossier productions. Though less chaotic than for exemple "Ummagumma" this is still old style where the impression is a couple of guys starting off with very little, but slowly braiding thoughts, ideas and impressions toghether as they go along. Elaboratedly planned recordings are not seldom stamped by the time in which they were made and can easlly get dated. This is more like cool snapshots of situations where the common texture is as important as the melodies or sound experiments and therefore in its way timeless. To me it hasn't aged at all in fortyfive years and I still use it as background to meditative moods, but also close listening for cozy moments. Frequently issued and reissued on vinyl, 8-track, cassette, CD and DVD through the years. First US on Harvest (SMAS-832). Premiere UK had label as shown here with "THE GRAMOPHONE CO. LTD." top left, "MADE IN GT. BRITAIN" inside rim below and structured fold/out cover. (PÅX*) (HÄVL*)

PINK FLOYD/A MOMENTARY LAPSE OF REASON 7480681 (-87) HOLLAND

                                                                                    

 After Roger Waters left the band and went solo the remaining members started to work on various solo projects, but as those didn't reach the same success as the group efforts David Gilmour, Nick Mason and Richard Wright got togther to record an album as Pink Floyd. Since Roger Waters claimed he had the right to the group name there were legal disputes, but they were resolved out of court 1987. So they had to struggle even outside the studio to get this record out and the question is - was it worth it?  All cuts penned by Gilmour, whereof six co-written with non-group members. Backed by lots of additional personel, among them Jim Keltner (Plastic Ono Band) on drums and Tony Levin (King Crimson) on bass. Handeled by multi-awarded producer Bob Ezrin. Listening today it's sounds very much like the Dark Side Of The Moon/Whish You Were Here period. Rather dark with excellent guitars and enough quirks to keep you awake. The melodies aren't that strong overall, but both "Sorrow" and "Learning To Fly" have enough weight to nail me to the listening chair. Also the audio is very good to the ears. So a fine record, but not my favorite Pink Floyd sound. I loved them most from the debute up to and with "Obscured By Clouds". That was a period of unbridled spontaneity where they created some of the best psych tracks ever.  But that's me. If you're into their later stuff this will make a good addition.  Issued and reissued all over the world on every possible format. First UK vinyl on EMI (EMD 1003), first US on Columbia (OC 40599). First Dutch had labels as shown here in a glossy fold/out cover with slighty structured lyric inner.  (PÅX*)  (HÖLX*)

                                                                                    

                                                                               

                                                                                   

                                                                                     

                                                                                     

                                                                                    

 

PINK FLOYD/UMMAGUMMA SHDW 1/2 (-69) UK

There's a lot of detailed information about it on the net - recordings, cover and circumstances. These are some personal reflections. Never seen this as a regular coherent double LP. It's two separately made records in the same wrapping . A live album recorded spring 1969 and a psychedelic studio album made later same year. The live part has great performances and, considering the equipment used back then, very fine audio. I saw them in England 1970 performing some of the songs on here and can guarantee what you hear from this is very close to what we got from the act...maybe more enjoyable since sitting comfortably at home with a beer is better than being potted and pushed and squeezed by a big crowd while trying to get closer to the stage. The studio LP consists mostly of sound experiments and the feeling is they just did stuff to fill out the space. Interesting games, but nothing structured or tenacious. I really like David Gilmours "The Narrow Way" with its soft acoustic beginning, dark hypnotic mid-section and attractive melody at the end, but apart from that I don't listen to the studio record anymore. It was their most successful so far in US, peaking at #74 on Billboard and reaching #5 in UK. First US issue on Harvest/Capitol (STBB-388, later SKBB-388). Early UK releases with laminated f/o cover and no EMI logo on left side label, as shown here. (LYBÖ*) (PÅX*)(HÄVL*)

THE BEST OF THE PINK FLOYD 5C054-04299 (-71) (MONO + STEREO) HOLLAND

I wasn't totally pleased with the UK "Relics" compilation as it omitted some of the best '45 tracks from the group. I also craved them in mono as they were from the beginning, but the Starline issue had stereos and even a few re-channeled tracks. So I had great hopes for this Dutch "Best of..." since that serie as I knew always had the original '45 mixes. It sure brought some missing masterpieces, but it was all stereo which disappointed me. This is rather good anyway cause some of the tracks ( I dare not say all ) are true stereo. My fav single "Apples and Oranges" is definitely a different mix and a rather good one too. And although I've heard from various places "See Emily Play" here is re-channeled, it sounds true stereo and very much unlike the fake "Relics" version. Barretts vocal is higher in the mix and have more reverb, the short "thrown in" keyboard part is louder and the whole thing sounds clearer. Whatever it is, it's something else. This has been re-issued many times - on vinyl and CD, legit or bootleg, and sometimes with different tracking. Premiere release had the black/silver label shown here and came in a cover with laminated front and matt back. Second issue had orange label/laminated cover, third red label/glossy cover. (PÖP*) (PÅX*) (HÖLX*)

PINK FLOYD/ATOM HEART MOTHER SHVL 781 (-70) UK

  I saw them performing the "Atom" suite at Bath Festival in England summer 1970. At the time it didn't have the final name but was called "The Amazing Pudding". Some of my other memories from the festival are misty or even gone, but this remains. The night was cold and rainy, but I'd managed to fall asleep on the bare ground and was woken as the band got on stage. By now people had started to lit fires all over the field to keep warm. We were on a hill rather far from the event, but could see like a serie of beacons forming a string down towards the stage. I crawled to one of the fires, got myself a piece of bread, and saw it all at that position - most from a big screen beside the platform. As I remember they had a quire on stage and also fire-works at some point. I was hungry, frozen and tired, but the tunes and atmosphere filled me and made it stick. That situation is what makes this track for me and I'll probably never get beyond that. Of the four remaining "Alans Psychedelic Breakfast" is not one I listen a lot to, but the others are Pink Floyd as I want them - soft songs with nice melodies and warm feeling. My favorite "Summer 68" has always been on my PF Top 10 list. Early US Harvest issues had cover design as UK (SKAO-382), later with title on front cover (SMAS-382). 1:st UK with no EMI box on label and matt fold/out cover. (PÅX*)(HÄVL*)

SYD BARRETT/"THE MADCAP LAUGHS" AND "BARRETT" SHDW 404 (-74) UK

2-LP reissue compiling his first two albums. Made by EMI to cash in further on Pink Floyd's successes with "Dark Side Of The Moon" and "A Nice Pair". I'm always looking to find the 1969 and 1970 originals at a price I can afford though no luck so far. But this is far more than a mere substitute. Just a couple of years after the fact and made from the same early UK matrixes as the originals - "Barrett" A-1G/B-1G with 1/1 mothers and "Madcap" A-2G/B-2G with 1/1 mothers. The audio is tophole - big, strong and well separated - and there are so many exclusive pics and winks (e.g. fruit on front cover is supposed to remind of Barretts first acid trip) it's more like an early alternative to the first press albums than a reissue. So even if I should be lucky enough to find any of the originals in the future this will remain as a necessary complement. Musically it's a shaky ride, going from the truly catchy to more madcapish moments. Not always good in a common sense, but 100% honest. I've always preferred the "Barrett" album and then mainly because of two cuts - "Gigolo Aunt" and "Baby Lemonade" showing he still got it 1970. With a little better backing and production they could have made it to 45:s and sold quite well I guess. First US (Harvest SABB-11314) released some months before UK, so most sold in Britain initially was the US import. It managed #163 on Billboard, but had less success in UK. Seventies releases also in Australia, Japan (EMI EMS-67014-5) and a couple of European countries. UK 2003 2-CD on Harvest (582346 2) came with thirteen alternative takes as bonus tracks. Because of the early matrixes I thought this was the 1st UK 2-LP press, though according to comment by Gary Thompson below it's only the second as the first didn't have the "Heritage" branding. But since it still uses the original matrixes with top audio I guess it's a pretty early 2nd. (PÅX*) (HÄVL*) (SÄSÄ*)