PINK FLOYD - DARK SIDE OF THE MOON (DSOTM) France 12" Vinyl LP Album

The French release of Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon (1973) is a unique 12" vinyl LP. Known for its iconic prism cover by Storm Thorgerson and Hipgnosis, the French edition differs from the UK version in several ways. Notably, it includes the additional track "Eclipse" as the album's closing number, This pressing is a collectible gem, highlighting Pink Floyd's enduring legacy in progressive rock.

 

 

High Resolution Photo #1 PINK FLOYD Dark Side Moon France

Album description:

The French release LP of DSOTM is unique for several reasons. The cover features a prism on a black background, with the album's catalognr in the top left corner. This design was created by Storm Thorgerson and Hipgnosis, who were responsible for several of Pink Floyd’s album covers.

Another distinctive feature of the French release LP is the inclusion of an additional track, “Eclipse,” which was not included in the original UK release. This track serves as the album’s closing number, and it includes a reprise of the song “Brain Damage,” which was the penultimate track on the original release.

The French release LP of DSOTM had a significant impact on music culture. The album’s unique artwork and additional track made it a collector’s item for Pink Floyd fans. The album’s popularity also helped to cement Pink Floyd’s reputation as one of the most innovative and experimental bands of the era. DSOTM was a critical and commercial success, and it remains one of the best-selling albums of all time. 

Produced by Pink Floyd. Recorded Abbey Road Studios London. Engineer: Alan Parsons, Peter Jones. Sleeve design: Hipgnosis, George Hardie. All lyrics by Roger Waters  

Alan Parsons a renowned sound engineer and music producer, has left an indelible mark on the music industry through his exceptional work in the studio and innovative contributions to the world of sound engineering. Born 1948, in London, United Kingdom, Parsons began his career in the late 1960s and quickly rose to prominence during the 1970s and 1980s.

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Parsons gained initial recognition for his work with the iconic rock band Pink Floyd. His involvement as the assistant engineer on their seminal album "The Dark Side of the Moon" (1973) played a pivotal role in shaping the album's groundbreaking sound. This collaboration marked the beginning of a successful career that would see Parsons become a sought-after figure in the music production realm.

In 1975, Alan Parsons, along with Eric Woolfson, formed The Alan Parsons Project, a progressive rock band that allowed Parsons to showcase not only his engineering prowess but also his talents as a musician and songwriter. The Alan Parsons Project released a string of critically acclaimed albums, including "Tales of Mystery and Imagination" (1976), "I Robot" (1977), and "Eye in the Sky" (1982). These albums showcased Parsons' ability to seamlessly blend intricate musical arrangements with innovative production techniques.

In 1975, Alan Parsons, along with Eric Woolfson, formed The Alan Parsons Project, a progressive rock band that allowed Parsons to showcase not only his engineering prowess but also his talents as a musician and songwriter. The Alan Parsons Project released a string of critically acclaimed albums, including "Tales of Mystery and Imagination" (1976), "I Robot" (1977), and "Eye in the Sky" (1982). These albums showcased Parsons' ability to seamlessly blend intricate musical arrangements with innovative production techniques.

Parsons' production style is characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a keen ear for sonic perfection. His work often involves creating aural landscapes that elevate the listening experience, incorporating elements of progressive rock, symphonic music, and electronic soundscapes. The Alan Parsons Project's albums, in particular, are known for their conceptual themes and sonic coherence.

Beyond his work with Pink Floyd and The Alan Parsons Project, Parsons has collaborated with numerous artists across various genres, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and skilled producer. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of music production technology has also been a hallmark of his career.

In addition to his success in the studio, Alan Parsons has received recognition for his achievements, including Grammy Awards and nominations. His influence extends beyond his direct contributions to specific albums, as he has inspired countless aspiring sound engineers and producers to pursue excellence in their craft.Parsons' production style is characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a keen ear for sonic perfection. His work often involves creating aural landscapes that elevate the listening experience, incorporating elements of progressive rock, symphonic music, and electronic soundscapes. The Alan Parsons Project's albums, in particular, are known for their conceptual themes and sonic coherence.

Beyond his work with Pink Floyd and The Alan Parsons Project, Parsons has collaborated with numerous artists across various genres, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and skilled producer. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of music production technology has also been a hallmark of his career.

In addition to his success in the studio, Alan Parsons has received recognition for his achievements, including Grammy Awards and nominations. His influence extends beyond his direct contributions to specific albums, as he has inspired countless aspiring sound engineers and producers to pursue excellence in their craft.

Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design

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

Music Genre:

Acid, Psych, Progressive Rock Music 

 Record Label: 

EMI 2C 068-05.249 

 Record Format

12" Vinyl LP Record  

Year and Country:

1973 Made in France 
Band Members and Musicians on: Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon (DSOTM)
    Pink Floyd Band: members/musicians
  • Roger Waters - bass, vocals

    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 .

  • Nick Mason - percusssion

    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.

  • Dave Gilmour - Guitar, vocals
    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 - keyboards, vocals

    Richard Wright uncover the musical heart of Pink Floyd! Explore Richard Wright's captivating journey, from weaving ethereal keyboard textures to crafting timeless melodies.

  • Guest performers:
  • Dick Parry

    Dick Parry (Real-name: Richard Parry) an English saxophonist, known for his work as a session musician and for his collaborations with various artists. He began his career as a session musician in the 1960s and 1970s and has played on many albums and tours. He is best known for his work with Pink Floyd, where he played saxophone on several of their albums, including "The Dark Side of the Moon" and "Wish You Were Here" .

    He also worked with other musicians such as Elton John, Kate Bush, Supertramp and on several albums of Roger Waters, Gary Moore and Jethro Tull. He also played with Rory Gallagher in the album "Fresh Evidence" and on the tours of 1991 and 1992. He is considered one of the best saxophonist of UK and his style is heavily influenced by the blues and jazz.

  • Doris Troy
  • Leslie Duncan
  • Liza Strike
  • Barry St John
  • Clare Torry
Complete Track Listing of: Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon (DSOTM)
    Side One:
  1. Speak To Me
  2. Breathe
  3. On the Run
  4. Time
  5. The Great Gig in the Sky
    Side Two:
  1. Money
  2. US and Them
  3. Any Colour You Like
  4. Brain Damage
  5. Eclipse
Album cover photos of : Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon (DSOTM)
Photo of Front Cover 
High Resolution Photo #1 PINK FLOYD Dark Side Moon France  
Photo of Album's Back Cover  
High Resolution Photo #2 PINK FLOYD Dark Side Moon France  
High Resolution Photo #3 PINK FLOYD Dark Side Moon France
High Resolution Photo #4 PINK FLOYD Dark Side Moon France

High Resolution Photo #6 PINK FLOYD Dark Side Moon France

This is the label from a French pressing of Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon", released on Harvest Records in 1973. The label displays a characteristic minimalist design with a black background and a faint blue triangle, invoking the iconic prism imagery associated with the album. The label prominently features the band name 'PINK FLOYD' and the album title in uppercase letters.

The record information is organized on the left side with 'SIDE 1', 'STEREO', and the catalogue number '2C 068 - 05.249'. Above the catalogue number, there's an EMI logo, indicating the record company's involvement. SACEM and SDRM logos are visible, representing French rights societies, marking this as a pressing intended for the French market.

The label includes production credits, with 'Produced by PINK FLOYD' near the bottom, and 'Made in France by Pathé Marconi EMI' rounding out the details, reinforcing the French origin of this particular pressing. French text around the outer rim specifies legal information regarding the rights of the producer and usage restrictions, a common detail on European pressings from this era.

 Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

 

PINK FLOYD - Dark Side of the Moon (Index Page)

PINK FLOYD - Dark Side of the Moon France 12" LP

Thumbnail of PINK FLOYD Dark Side of the Moon France album front cover

EMI 2C 068-05.249   , 1973 , Made in France

The French release LP of Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon' is unique for its distinct artwork featuring a prism and the inclusion of an additional track, "Eclipse." It had a significant impact on music culture, cementing Pink Floyd's reputation as an innovative and experimental band.

DSOTM French Release Details

PINK FLOYD - Dark Side of the Moon First Release 12" LP

Thumbnail of PINK FLOYD Dark Side of the Moon First Release album front cover

EMI Harvest 1C 062-05 249 , 1973 , Made in Germany

This German 1st release LP of Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon" is a significant piece of music history. The album's success in Germany helped solidify Pink Floyd's status as one of the most influential bands of all time.

DSOTM 1st German Release Details

PINK FLOYD - The Dark Side Of The Moon Quadraphonic 12" LP

EMI 1C 062-05 249 Q Quadrophonie , 1973 , Germany

The quadrophonic LP album of Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon" was released in Germany in 1973, showcasing the potential for new listening experiences and Pink Floyd's experimentation with sound. Its unique mix and quadraphonic sound technology make it a valuable collector's item.

DSOTM Quadrophonic Release Details

PINK FLOYD - Dark Side Of The Moon White Vinyl 12" LP

Thumbnail of PINK FLOYD - Dark Side Of The Moon White Vinyl album front cover

EMI Harvest 1C 064-05 249 , 1977 , Germany

The white vinyl LP German release of "The Dark Side of the Moon" by Pink Floyd is a valuable and sought-after collector's item. The white vinyl LP added a unique aesthetic to the iconic album, and its rarity has made it a valuable addition to any Pink Floyd collection.

DSOTM White Vinyl LP Release Details

PINK FLOYD - Dark Side Of The Moon Italy 12" LP

Thumbnail of PINK FLOYD - Dark Side Of The Moon Italy album front cover

Harvest 3c 064-05249  , 1973 , Made in Italy

The Italian LP release of Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" in 1973 featured a unique cover art, label design. The value of the Italian LP release varies depending on its condition and rarity. Mint condition copies can sell for several hundred dollars

DSOTM Italian Release Details

Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon Japan 12" LP

Thumbnail of Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon Japan album front cover

Toshiba-EMI EMS-80324 , 1973 , Japan

The Japanese release of Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" on the Toshiba LP is a unique and significant release in the history of the album. It featured a different cover, gatefold sleeve, lyrics and liner notes in both Japanese and English, a unique poster, and superior sound quality.

DSOTM Japanese Release Details

PINK FLOYD - Dark Side of the Moon MFSL Japan 12" LP

Thumbnail of PINK FLOYD - Dark Side of the Moon MFSL Japan 
 album front cover

MFSL 1-1017 , 1973 , Made in Japan

The MFSL Japan LP edition of "The Dark Side of the Moon" is highly valued by collectors and audiophiles. The LP was pressed on high-quality virgin vinyl and features a unique mastering process that enhances the sound quality of the original recording. The LP also comes with a custom-designed sleeve and a fold-out poster of the album's iconic cover art.

DSOTM Japanese MFSL Release Details

PINK FLOYD - Dark Side Of The Moon Swiss Limited Edition 12" LP

Thumbnail of PINK FLOYD - Dark Side Of The Moon Swiss Limited Edition album front cover

EMI F 667 332 , 1973 , Switzerland

The Swiss limited edition LP release of Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" is a unique version of the classic album, featuring a bonus track and special features. Its innovative production and timeless themes have made it a cultural phenomenon and classic work of art.

DSOTM Swiss Limited Edition Release Details

PINK FLOYD - Dark Side Of The Moon USA 12" LP

Thumbnail of PINK FLOYD - Dark Side Of The Moon USA album front cover

Harvest SMAS-11163 The Gramophone Company Ltd , 1973 , USA

Pink Floyd's 1973 USA release of "Dark Side of the Moon" is an iconic album that has left an indelible mark on the history of music. The album has been recognized as one of the greatest albums of all time, selling over 15 million copies in the United States alone.

DSOTM USA Release Details

PINK FLOYD - Dark Side of the Moon MFSL GOLD Ultradisc II

Thumbnail of PINK FLOYD . Dark Side of the Moon MFSL GOLD Ultradisc II album front cover

UDCD 517 , - , USA

  This is the enhanced USA version of DSOTM, produced with the Ultradisc II process (not the Japanese Ultradisc). The MFSL GOLD Ultradisc II edition of Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" is a highly sought-after version among audiophiles and music enthusiasts. Its gold disc and Ultradisc II pressing process result in a clean and accurate sound reproduction.

DSOTM MFSL Gold Ultradisc Release Details
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