PINK FLOYD (DSOTM) DARK SIDE OF THE MOON Italy FOC Gatefold LP VINYL

The Italian LP release of Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" in 1973 featured a unique cover art, label design. It is highly sought-after by collectors due to its high-quality sound and distinctive features. Its value has increased over time. This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.

 

This cover, designed by the art collective Hipgnosis with input from the band, is notable for its minimalist aesthetic. There is an intentional absence of text—no band name, album title, or catalog number appears on the front, creating an enigmatic allure. This design choice focuses attention solely on the symbolic image of the prism and light, an abstraction often interpreted as representing clarity, transformation, and the complex facets of human experience.

Album Description & Collectors information:

 

The Italian LP release of "Dark Side of the Moon" was released in 1973 on the Harvest label. The album featured the same track listing as the original UK release, but with a few unique features. One of the most notable differences is the cover art. The Italian LP features a slightly different version of the iconic prism design, with a more vivid color palette and a slightly different layout.

In addition to the different cover art, the Italian LP release also features a unique label design. The label features a blue and silver design with the Harvest logo at the top. The label also features a small illustration of the prism from the cover art.

Another unique feature of the Italian LP release is the sound quality. The LP was mastered by EMI Italiana, which was known for producing high-quality pressings. The sound quality of the Italian LP is generally regarded as being superior to other pressings of the album, particularly those produced in the US.

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

This album "PINK FLOYD (DSOTM) DARK SIDE OF THE MOON Italy" is considered the best album ever by the "Pink Floyd"    

Music Genre:

British Prog Rock 

Album Production Information:

The album: "PINK FLOYD (DSOTM) DARK SIDE OF THE MOON Italy" was produced by: Pink Floyd

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Alan Parsons

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.

 

This album was recorded at: Abbey Road Studios London

Album cover design: Hipgnosis, George Hardie

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

 

Record Label & Catalognr:

Harvest 3c 064-05249 

Media Format:

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

Year and Country:

1973 Made in Italy
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: PINK FLOYD (DSOTM) DARK SIDE OF THE MOON Italy
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • 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 the album "PINK FLOYD (DSOTM) DARK SIDE OF THE MOON Italy"

The detailed tracklist of this record "PINK FLOYD (DSOTM) DARK SIDE OF THE MOON Italy" is:

    Track-listing Side One:
  1. Speak To Me
  2. Breathe
  3. On the Run
  4. Time
  5. The Great Gig in the Sky
    Track-listing Side Two:
  1. Money
  2. US and Them
  3. Any Colour You Like
  4. Brain Damage
  5. Eclipse
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "PINK FLOYD (DSOTM) DARK SIDE OF THE MOON Italy"
 
This cover, designed by the art collective Hipgnosis with input from the band, is notable for its minimalist aesthetic. There is an intentional absence of text—no band name, album title, or catalog number appears on the front, creating an enigmatic allure. This design choice focuses attention solely on the symbolic image of the prism and light, an abstraction often interpreted as representing clarity, transformation, and the complex facets of human experience.

The iconic front cover of The Dark Side of the Moon, an album by Pink Floyd, originally released in 1973. The design features a simple yet profound illustration set against a stark black background. At the center, a thin beam of white light enters from the left, striking a minimalist triangular prism. As the light passes through the prism, it disperses into a vivid spectrum of colors—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple—emerging to the right in a vibrant, horizontal rainbow. The black background emphasizes the colors and shapes, giving the cover a sense of mystery and depth.

This cover, designed by the art collective Hipgnosis with input from the band, is notable for its minimalist aesthetic. There is an intentional absence of text—no band name, album title, or catalog number appears on the front, creating an enigmatic allure. This design choice focuses attention solely on the symbolic image of the prism and light, an abstraction often interpreted as representing clarity, transformation, and the complex facets of human experience.

Album Back Cover  Photo of "PINK FLOYD (DSOTM) DARK SIDE OF THE MOON Italy"
 
High Resolution Photo #2 PINK FLOYD Dark Side Moon Italy  
Inner Sleeve   of "PINK FLOYD (DSOTM) DARK SIDE OF THE MOON Italy" Album
 
High Resolution Photo #3 PINK FLOYD Dark Side Moon Italy  
Photo of "PINK FLOYD (DSOTM) DARK SIDE OF THE MOON Italy" Album's Inner Sleeve  
 
High Resolution Photo #4 PINK FLOYD Dark Side Moon Italy  
Photo of "PINK FLOYD (DSOTM) DARK SIDE OF THE MOON Italy" 12" LP Record Label - Side One:
 
‘Record label for an Italian pressing of Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon, featuring a grey-blue background with a faint prism design. The label displays “Pink Floyd” and “The Dark Side of the Moon” at the center, with Side 1 track titles listed, including “Speak to Me,” “Breathe in the Air,” “On the Run,” “Time,” and “The Great Gig in the Sky.” The right side shows “Stereo” and catalogue number “3C 064-05249.” Copyright information and “Made in Italy” appear at the bottom.’

Label from an Italian pressing of Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon, released by EMI and Harvest. The label features a greyish-blue background with a faint prism design, echoing the album’s iconic cover. Text at the top includes ‘Pink Floyd’ and ‘The Dark Side of the Moon,’ centered around the prism image, with ‘Side 1’ noted on the left. The label lists track titles for Side 1, including ‘(a) (I) Speak to Me,’ ‘(II) Breathe in the Air,’ ‘(b) On the Run,’ ‘(c) Time,’ and ‘(d) The Great Gig in the Sky,’ with songwriter credits in parentheses. On the right side, ‘Stereo’ and catalogue number ‘3C 064-05249’ are displayed. The production details include ‘P 1973 The Gramophone Company Limited,’ and along the bottom edge, a copyright notice prohibits unauthorized public performance, broadcasting, and copying. ‘Made in Italy’ appears at the bottom, marking this as an Italian release. The use of the prism design on the label reflects the album’s thematic continuity and visual impact.

Photo of "PINK FLOYD (DSOTM) DARK SIDE OF THE MOON Italy" 12" LP Record Label - Side Two:
 
High Resolution Photo #6 PINK FLOYD Dark Side Moon Italy  

 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

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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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