PINK FLOYD - ATOM HEART MOTHER 12" LP VINYL Album

- (3rd Canadian Release)

High Resolution Photo #1 PINK FLOYD Atom Heart Canada CA3

This page shows the release of Pink Floyd's Atom Heart Mother in its third Canadian Edition. A distinctive feature is the catalog number SMAS 382 imprinted on the record label, setting it apart from the catalog number on the album's front cover. This edition adds a nuanced touch to the timeless album, embodying the evolution and uniqueness within the chronicles of music history during its specific time period.

"Atom Heart Mother (Canada)" Album Description:

The third Canadian release of Pink Floyd's iconic album, "Atom Heart Mother," holds a distinct position in the band's discography, marked by its unique catalog number, SMAS 382, printed on the record's label. This edition stands out not only for its musical content but also for the specific details that differentiate it within the broader context of the album's production and release.

Released in 1970, during a dynamic period in the history of music and popular culture, "Atom Heart Mother" arrived at the intersection of various artistic influences and societal changes. The album encapsulates the progressive rock movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s, characterized by its experimental approach to music composition and production.

In the context of its time, "Atom Heart Mother" emerged as a departure from Pink Floyd's earlier works, showcasing the band's willingness to explore new sonic territories. The album is notably known for its lengthy and complex suite, the titular "Atom Heart Mother," which occupies the entire first side of the LP. This ambitious composition features orchestral arrangements, choir vocals, and intricate instrumental sections, contributing to the overall evolution of Pink Floyd's sound.

The Canadian release, specifically the third edition with the catalog number SMAS 382, adds a layer of uniqueness to the album's production history. The distinct catalog number on the record's label, diverging from the one on the album's front cover, becomes a noteworthy detail for collectors and enthusiasts. Such variations in catalog numbers often signify changes or updates in the manufacturing process, distribution, or regional releases, adding an element of intrigue to the artifact.

Moreover, this Canadian edition reflects the global nature of the music industry during that era, where albums were manufactured and distributed in different regions with specific cataloging systems. The presence of this specific catalog number on the third Canadian release of "Atom Heart Mother" becomes a tangible representation of the international reach and impact of Pink Floyd's music.

The Lettering Style on Pink Floyd’s "Atom Heart Mother" Album Cover

The front cover of Pink Floyd’s 1970 album "Atom Heart Mother" is iconic not only for its surreal image of a lone cow in a green field but also for its strikingly understated typography. In contrast to the elaborate psychedelic fonts of the late 1960s, this album features a minimalist and elegant script that reflects both irony and artistic subversion.

Handwritten Elegance

The band’s name “Pink Floyd” and the album title “Atom Heart Mother” appear at the top left of the front cover in a loosely connected, cursive handwriting style. The letters are slender and slightly elongated, giving them a soft, fluid appearance. The script is not calligraphic in the traditional sense—it appears informal and unrefined, almost like casual handwriting with a felt-tip pen, yet it is undeniably deliberate in its placement and spacing.

Typography as Conceptual Art

The lettering complements the visual minimalism of the cow photograph by Hipgnosis. The use of script conveys a personal, handwritten touch, eschewing commercial fonts or branding norms. This fits with Pink Floyd’s overall ethos at the time—resisting commercialism and challenging expectations of what a rock album should look like. It also starkly contrasts with the band's previous releases, which often used bold, psychedelic typefaces.

No Band Name? No Problem.

Interestingly, some early UK pressings of "Atom Heart Mother" omitted the band name and title entirely from the front cover—leaving only the image of the cow. However, the Canadian release (and some others) retained the lettering in small but legible form. On this Canadian 3rd pressing, the typography remains modest in scale and carefully aligned with the album’s unorthodox, pastoral tone.

Typeface or Custom Script?

The lettering appears to have been custom-drawn rather than typeset with an existing typeface. While it resembles certain mid-century scripts, such as styles used in vintage signage or cursive advertising fonts, the irregularity of the strokes and angles suggests a handcrafted origin. There are minor inconsistencies in letter height and curvature, reinforcing its bespoke nature.

Conclusion

The choice of cursive, handwritten lettering on the "Atom Heart Mother" cover contributes significantly to the album’s mystique and anti-establishment tone. It’s a subtle yet profound design decision that aligns with the album’s experimental sound and Pink Floyd’s growing departure from conventional rock packaging.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

Prog Rock, Psych, Acid

Label & Catalognr:

Harvest SMAS 382

Album Packaging

Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages

Media Format:

12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 280 gram

Year & Country:

Recorded in England / Printed in Canada

Producers:
  • Pink Floyd – Producer
  • Norman Smith – Executive Producer
Explore more about Norman Smith’s groundbreaking work with Pink Floyd by visiting this webpage .
Sound & Recording Engineers:
  • Alan Parsons – Sound Engineer
    • Alan Parsons, born in 1948 in London, is a legendary sound engineer, producer, and musician. He gained fame for his work on Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon and later co-founded The Alan Parsons Project with Eric Woolfson. Known for his meticulous production style and innovation, Parsons has influenced generations of artists. Learn more about Alan Parsons
  • Peter Bown – Sound Engineer
Recording Location:

EMI Studios - Abbey Road

Album Cover Design & Artwork:
  • Hipgnosis – Design & Photography
Hipgnosis, the legendary British art design group, revolutionized album cover art for rock music. Explore their iconic visual creations on our website, featuring a vast collection of their innovative designs for Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and many more. Here is the web-page with a gallery of album covers created by Hipgnosis

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Members, Musicians:
  • Roger Waters – Vocals, bass, acoustic guitar, rhythm guitar, vocoder, tape effects, sleeve design
    Roger Waters Journey into the mind of Roger Waters! Explore the complexities of Pink Floyd's creative powerhouse. Uncover his profound lyrics and the stories behind his iconic albums .
  • David Gilmour – Guitars, bass, vocals, talkbox, synthesizer
    David Gilmour discover the man behind the music! Explore David0s ^ captivating journey from Pink Floyd's legendary guitarist to a celebrated solo artist. Uncover the stories behind his iconic solos and timeless songs.
  • Richard Wright – Hammond organ, Fender Rhodes piano, Yamaha piano, ARP synthesizer, backing vocals
  • Nick Mason – Drums, percussion, tape effects, sleeve graphics
    Nick Mason delve into the life of him! From driving Pink Floyd's iconic rhythm to his passions for racing and music production. Discover the man behind the beat.

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Atom Heart Mother
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. If
  2. Summer '68
  3. Fat Old Sun
  4. Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast

"Atom Heart Mother" Album Photo Gallery:

Album Front Cover Photo
Front cover of Pink Floyd's Atom Heart Mother album, featuring a single cow standing in a green pasture with no text or title on the front, photographed under an open sky

Front cover of Pink Floyd's "Atom Heart Mother" (3rd Canadian release). The image is an iconic minimalist photograph of a brown and white dairy cow standing in the center of a wide grassy field. The cow, viewed from the rear-left side, turns its head to the right toward the camera, gazing directly outward. Its body displays distinctive white and brown markings, including a white blaze on its forehead. The background shows a flat expanse of green pasture stretching to a horizon lined with sparse trees under a pale blue sky lightly brushed with grey clouds.

There is no band name, album title, or artist imagery dominating the cover — a bold artistic choice by the designers at Hipgnosis to subvert rock album conventions of the time. In the upper left corner, the stylized text “Pink Floyd Atom Heart Mother” appears in elegant handwritten-style font. Below it, in small type, is the catalog number STEREO SKAO 382. In the upper right corner, the Harvest Records logo is prominently displayed. The overall composition reflects surreal simplicity and rural tranquility, enhancing the album’s experimental aura.

Album Back Cover Photo
Back cover of Pink Floyd's Atom Heart Mother album featuring three black and white cows standing close together in a grassy field under a pale sky, looking toward the viewer

Back cover of Pink Floyd's "Atom Heart Mother" (3rd Canadian release). This photograph, part of the surreal pastoral design by Hipgnosis, features three black and white Holstein cows standing together on a slightly sloped green meadow.

The cow closest to the viewer, slightly angled, gazes straight at the camera with its ears perked and a curious expression. Its distinctive facial markings include a white blaze between the eyes and a white lower jaw. Slight strands of grass hang from its mouth. Behind it, two more cows stand in partial profile, creating a sense of depth. Their muscular bodies are accented by the strong contrast of their black and white coats.

The sky in the background is pale violet-blue, evenly lit with a soft gradient, devoid of clouds. The top-right corner contains the text "SKAO-382" in small uppercase font, a subtle catalog reference without logos or branding. The overall composition mirrors the front cover’s minimalist and anti-commercial tone, highlighting Pink Floyd's break from traditional rock presentation.

Photo One of Inside Page Gatefold Cover
Inside gatefold photo from Atom Heart Mother showing a grainy monochrome pastoral scene with grazing cows silhouetted against trees and a lightly clouded sky

Inside gatefold image from Pink Floyd’s "Atom Heart Mother" (3rd Canadian release). This surreal, atmospheric photograph is printed in high-contrast black and white, using a heavy halftone grain pattern reminiscent of vintage newspaper printing or fine art photogravure.

The image captures a tranquil countryside scene at dusk or dawn, with a silhouetted line of gnarled trees on the horizon stretching across the frame. In the lower third of the image, a herd of black-and-white cows grazes in a darkened pasture. Their figures are just visible enough to distinguish them through the granular texture. The lack of fine detail evokes a dreamlike, nostalgic tone.

Above the horizon, the sky is mottled with subtle cloud formations, rendered in a stippled pattern that softens the transition between light and shadow. The minimalism and abstraction of this composition reflect the experimental and ambient character of the album, emphasizing natural themes with an uncanny, almost psychedelic twist.

Photo Two of Inside Page Gatefold Cover
Inside gatefold photo of Atom Heart Mother with grainy pastoral imagery, tracklist text, and grazing cows under scattered clouds

Second inside gatefold image of Pink Floyd’s "Atom Heart Mother" (3rd Canadian release). This high-contrast black-and-white photo merges graphic minimalism with natural detail. The halftone texture dominates the visual field, giving it a surreal, almost stippled appearance that evokes early print techniques and psychedelic abstraction.

In the foreground, a group of Holstein cows graze across a wide, open field. Their black and white patches echo the moody monochrome palette of the image. A tree-lined horizon stretches across the center of the composition, with several trees silhouetted in rich blacks. Above, the sky is layered with scattered cloud forms rendered in a dense stipple, intensifying the dreamlike atmosphere.

Overlaid on the upper right side is the album’s track listing, artist credit, and production information in a clean sans-serif typeface. The layout balances design and photography, typical of Hipgnosis’s approach. At the bottom right, the Harvest Records logo appears next to Canadian manufacturing details, grounding the piece in its physical release context.

Close up of Side One record’s label
Close-up of Side One record label from Pink Floyd’s Atom Heart Mother Canadian 3rd release, yellow-green Harvest label with track titles and production credits

Side One record label of Pink Floyd’s "Atom Heart Mother" (3rd Canadian release). This close-up image shows the iconic yellow and green Harvest Records label, centered around the spindle hole. The design features the abstract green “harvestman” logo set within an amoeba-like contour that wraps around the center of the label.

The top left quadrant displays the album title "ATOM HEART MOTHER" in all caps, stacked in two lines above the artist name "PINK FLOYD". The words “SIDE 1” appear directly beneath, followed by the full title of the album’s first side: "ATOM HEART MOTHER SUITE" and a breakdown of its six parts:
a) Father's Shout
b) Breast Milky
c) Mother Fore
d) Funky Dung
e) Mind Your Throats Please
f) Remergence

Composer credits (Mason-Gilmour-Waters-Wright-Geesin) and duration (ASCAP 23:38) are also noted. At the bottom of the label, production credits are printed in small type: Produced by Pink Floyd, with Norman Smith listed as Executive Producer and recording location given as England.

The matrix number SMAS 382 is printed on the right side. Around the perimeter in fine print reads: "MANUFACTURED IN CANADA BY CAPITOL RECORDS-EMI OF CANADA LIMITED", confirming its Canadian pressing identity.

Index of PINK FLOYD's Atom Heart Mother Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (Canada)
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (Canada) album front cover

 Harvest SKAO-382   , 1970 , Canada

This Canadian 1970 release of Pink Floyd's "Atom Heart Mother" 12" Vinyl LP Album , can be identified with: Album front cover has PINK FLOYD and album title printed in italics. Harvest logo is printed right to it. Catalognr is printed below the album's title. Gatefold album cover.

Atom Heart Mother (Canada) 12" Vinyl LP
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (Canada 3rd Release)
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (Canada 3rd Release) album front cover

Harvest SMAS 382  , 1970 , Canada

This page shows the release of Pink Floyd's Atom Heart Mother in its third Canadian Edition. A distinctive feature is the catalog number SMAS 382 imprinted on the record label, setting it apart from the catalog number on the album's front cover. This edition adds a nuanced touch to the timeless album, embodying the evolution and uniqueness within the chronicles of music history during its specific time period.

Atom Heart Mother (Canada 3rd Release) 12" Vinyl LP
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (France 1st Pressing)
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (France 1st Pressing) album front cover

Harvest SHVL 781 U , 1970 , France

In the first French pressing of PINK FLOYD's "Atom Heart Mother," the album's front cover showcases the band's name prominently in the upper center, devoid of the album title. Meanwhile, in the upper left corner, essential catalog information is printed. This presentation encapsulates the unique aesthetic of this pressing, providing collectors and enthusiasts with a distinctive artifact from the time period.

Atom Heart Mother (France 1st Pressing) 12" Vinyl LP
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (France)
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (France) album front cover

Harvest SHVL 781 / PM 261 , 1970 , France

The 1970 French release of Pink Floyd's "Atom Heart Mother" on 12" Vinyl LP features distinct design choices, including a catalog number in the top left corner and an absence of the band name and album title on the front cover. The gatefold design enhances the visual appeal. Representing the progressive rock era, this edition reflects artistic experimentation, providing collectors with a noteworthy piece from the evolving music scene of early 1970s Europe.

Atom Heart Mother (France) 12" Vinyl LP
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (HorZu Limited Edition)
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (HorZu Limited Edition) album front cover

Horzu Harvest SHZE 297 , 1970 , Germany

Pink Floyd's "Atom Heart Mother" HorZu Limited Edition, released exclusively for the German HorZu club in 1970, stands out for its minimalist cover, absent band and album details. Featuring the iconic HorZu logo on the inside cover and label, this edition embodies exclusivity. A prized possession for collectors, it encapsulates the transformative era of 1970s progressive rock, making each vinyl a coveted artifact from a bygone musical epoch.

Atom Heart Mother (HorZu Limited Edition) 12" Vinyl LP
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (Germany HÖR ZU)
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (Germany HÖR ZU) album front cover

  Harvest SHZE 297   , 1970 , Germany

The second release of Pink Floyd's "Atom Heart Mother" 12" Vinyl LP Album in Germany by HÖR ZU is marked by the HorZu Logo on the inside cover but lacks it on the record's label. The absence of the logo on the label is a noteworthy detail for collectors. This version, with its distinct features, adds a layer of intrigue to the album's history within the German music scene.

Atom Heart Mother (Germany HÖR ZU) 12" Vinyl LP
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (Germany 1st Pressing)
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (Germany 1st Pressing) album front cover

  EMI Harvest 1C 062-04 550   , 1974 , Germany

The 1974 German release of Pink Floyd's "Atom Heart Mother" on 12" vinyl, identified by the EMI Harvest 1C 062-04 550 catalog number and the year imprinted near 9 o'clock on the yellow label, stands as a noteworthy artifact. The gatefold album cover and production showcase the band's influential contribution to the progressive rock era, making it a sought-after collector's item that reflects the musical zeitgeist of its time.

Atom Heart Mother (Germany 1st Pressing) 12" Vinyl LP
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (Germany 2nd Release)
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (Germany 2nd Release) album front cover

Harvest 1C 072-04 550  , 1974 , Gernaby

In 1974, Pink Floyd's "Atom Heart Mother" saw its second release in Germany, contributing to the progressive music scene of the era. The 12" vinyl LP format showcased the band's innovative approach, aligning with the prevalent preferences of the time. The album's iconic cover art, featuring a surreal cow image, added to its mystique. This release in Germany marked a pivotal moment in Pink Floyd's journey and left an indelible mark on the global music landscape.

Atom Heart Mother (Germany 2nd Release) 12" Vinyl LP
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (UK 3rd Release)
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (UK 3rd Release) album front cover

Harvest SHVL 781   , 1970 , Gt Britain

Pink Floyd's "Atom Heart Mother" 12" vinyl, 3rd release in Great Britain, is a collector's delight. With a gatefold cover featuring only a cow, it stands out for its minimalist design. The Green Harvest label, EMI logo, and the declaration "Made in GT Britain" on the vinyl add unique identifiers. Matrix codes SHVL 781 A3 / SHVL 781 B3 and catalog number Harvest SHVL 781 authenticate its 1970 release, making it a prized piece in the band's discography.

Atom Heart Mother (UK 3rd Release) 12" Vinyl LP
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (UK 4th Release)
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (UK 4th Release) album front cover

  Harvest SHVL 781 , 1970 , Gt Britain

In 1970, Pink Floyd unveiled their iconic "Atom Heart Mother" 12" Vinyl LP Album with the catalog number Harvest SHVL 781 in Great Britain. This 4th release marked a significant contribution to the music scene of the time. The album, showcasing the band's experimental prowess, reflects the cultural and artistic landscape of the era, solidifying its place in the progressive rock movement.

Atom Heart Mother (UK 4th Release) 12" Vinyl LP
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (Italy 1st Pressing)
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother Italy 1st Pressing album front cover

EMI Harvest 3C 062-04550 , 1970 , Italy

The 1st Italian release of Pink Floyd's "Atom Heart Mother" on 12" vinyl LP, with catalog number EMI Harvest 3C 062-04550, showcases a distinctive gatefold design. Matrix codes "04550-A 26-10-70 I" and "04550-B 26-10-70 I" reveal production details. This 1970 edition embodies the era's vinyl culture, merging music and craftsmanship. A coveted item for collectors, it symbolizes the tangible artistry of a bygone musical epoch.

(Italy 1st Pressing) 12" Vinyl LP
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (Italy 5th Release)
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother Italy 5th Release album front cover

EMI Harvest 3C 062-04550 , 1970 , Italy

The 1970 5th Italian release of Pink Floyd's "Atom Heart Mother" 12" Vinyl LP is a collector's gem. With a cover omitting band and album details, adorned with EMI and Harvest logos, it reflects the era's avant-garde design. The S.I.A.E. stamp on the record label adds a legal dimension. The gatefold design, showcasing artwork and photos, offers a unique, immersive experience, making this version a distinctive cultural artifact within the band's discography.

Atom Heart Mother (Italy 5th Release) 12" Vinyl LP
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (Italy 6th Release)
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother Italy 6th Release album front cover

Harvest 3C 064-04550 , 1970 , Italy

The Italian release of Pink Floyd's "Atom Heart Mother" 12" LP Vinyl Album, featuring a minimalist front cover sans band name and album title, stands out in the progressive rock landscape. Distinguished by EMI and Harvest logos, matrix codes revealing production timelines, and a S.I.A.E. copyright stamp, it encapsulates the meticulous craftsmanship of the era. The gatefold design and internal artwork add visual depth, making this release a noteworthy contribution to the musical zeitgeist.

Atom Heart Mother (Italy 6th Release) 12" Vinyl LP
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (Netherlands Horzu Edition)
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (Netherlands Horzu Edition) album front cover

Harvest – 5C 062-04550, HÖR ZU – SHZE 297 , 1970 , Netherlands

Pink Floyd's 1970 "Atom Heart Mother" Netherlands Horzu Edition, distinguished by the HorZu logo on the gatefold cover, reflects the band's innovative spirit in the experimental early '70s music scene. With catalog numbers Harvest – 5C 062-04550 and HÖR ZU – SHZE 297, this vinyl release encapsulates the era's intersection of music and media. Its warm analog tones and meticulous production celebrate a unique chapter in music history, making it a prized collectible for enthusiasts.

Atom Heart Mother (Netherlands Horzu Edition) 12" Vinyl LP
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (Japan Toshiba)
PINK FLOYD - - Atom Heart Mother (Japan Toshiba) album front cover

Toshiba-EMI EMI EMS 80320 , 1970 , Japan

Pink Floyd's "Atom Heart Mother" Japanese release on Toshiba Records is a unique 12" Vinyl LP with a cover missing the band name and title. Notably, EMI and Harvest logos adorn thelower corners, emphasizing the collaboration with these labels. The catalog number, Toshiba-EMI EMI EMS 80320, distinguishes this version. Deviating from gatefold covers, it reflects the era's vinyl fascination, making it a coveted collector's item, capturing the essence of global music production in its time.

Atom Heart Mother (Japan Toshiba) 12" Vinyl LP
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (Special Edition Switzerland)
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (Special Edition Switzerland) album front cover

HARVEST EL 777001 , 1970 , Germany

The Swiss Edition of Pink Floyd's "Atom Heart Mother" presents a unique deviation with its singular cow cover photo, "Special Edition" declaration, and standard album format. Marked by catalog number HARVEST EL 777001, it stands out within the band's discography. Reflecting a meticulous design, this version encapsulates the era's innovative spirit, offering collectors and enthusiasts a distinct glimpse into Pink Floyd's creative evolution during the album's release period.

Atom Heart Mother (Special Edition Switzerland) 12" Vinyl LP
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (Swiss Special Editon)
PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (Swiss Special Editon) album front cover

EMI-Harvest 777 001 (777001 / SHVL 781A), Special Edition , 1970 , Made in Gt Britain for export to Switzerland only

Pink Floyd's "Atom Heart Mother" 12" Vinyl LP, crafted in Great Britain and solely exported for >, epitomizes the band's 1970 sonic evolution. Breaking from psychedelic norms, the album introduces symphonic elements and a groundbreaking collaboration with the EMI Pops Orchestra. The Swiss edition's exclusive single-cow back cover distinguishes it, coupled with "Special Edition" labeling, enhancing its rarity and allure among collectors, encapsulating the era's musical experimentation.

Atom Heart Mother (Swiss Special Editon) 12" Vinyl LP
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