Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon MFSL Japan Audophile 12" Vinyl LP Album

The Japanese Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MFSL) pressing of Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon is a pinnacle for audiophile collectors. Released in 1979 as part of MFSL’s Original Master Recording series, this 12” vinyl LP was meticulously half-speed mastered and pressed on high-quality JVC Super Vinyl, offering unparalleled sound fidelity. Renowned for its depth and clarity, it captures the iconic album with extraordinary detail.

 

‘Album cover of Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab edition, featuring a black background with a white light beam entering a prism, splitting into a rainbow spectrum. A yellow banner at the top reads “ORIGINAL MASTER RECORDING.”’

Album Description:

In the years since its release, "The Dark Side of the Moon" has been re-released and remastered many times. One of the most sought-after versions of the album is the MFSL Japan LP edition. This edition was released in 1982 by the Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, a company known for producing high-quality audiophile recordings.

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.

One of the reasons that the MFSL Japan LP edition of "The Dark Side of the Moon" is so highly regarded is its superior sound quality. The mastering process used by Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab involved creating a special lacquer master from the original master tapes. This master was then used to press the LP, resulting in a record that is free from many of the imperfections that can be found in other pressings of the album.

The sound quality of the MFSL Japan LP edition is particularly notable in the album's use of stereo effects. "The Dark Side of the Moon" features many instances of panning, where sounds move from one speaker to the other. On the MFSL Japan LP edition, these effects are incredibly clear and precise, making the listening experience even more immersive.

Another reason that the MFSL Japan LP edition is so highly valued is its rarity. Only a limited number of these LPs were produced, making them highly sought after by collectors. The LP is also a unique piece of Pink Floyd history, representing a particular moment in the band's recording career and the audiophile recording industry.

The Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MFSL) Original Master Recording of Pink Floyd’s ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ (catalog number MFSL 1-017) is a highly sought-after audiophile edition. Released in 1979, this half-speed mastered LP was pressed in Japan using JVC Super Vinyl, renowned for its durability and superior sound quality.

Music Genre:

Acid, Psych, Progressive Rock
  
Album Production: 
Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design. 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.

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: 

Original Master Recording MFSL Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab MFSL 1-1017

Vinyl Record Format: 1

2" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record 

Year and Country:

1973 Made in Japan (Recorded in England)
Band Members and Musicians on: Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon MFSL Japan Audophile

Complete Track Listing of: Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon MFSL Japan Audophile
    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
Photos of the LP's cover: Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon MFSL Japan Audophile
Photo of Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon MFSL Japan Audophile Album's Front Cover 
‘Album cover of Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab edition, featuring a black background with a white light beam entering a prism, splitting into a rainbow spectrum. A yellow banner at the top reads “ORIGINAL MASTER RECORDING.”’

This album cover for The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd, in the Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MFSL) Original Master Recording edition, features the iconic prism design. A white beam of light enters from the left, hitting a triangular prism at the center, which splits the light into a vibrant spectrum of colors flowing to the right. Above, a yellow strip bears the text ‘ORIGINAL MASTER RECORDING,’ signifying the high-fidelity MFSL pressing of this classic album. The minimalist design and deep black background emphasize the timeless elegance of this legendary album art.

Photo of Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon MFSL Japan Audophile Album's Back Cover  

High Resolution Photo #3 PINK FLOYD Dark Side Moon MFSL Japan

High Resolution Photo of the Inside Page of the Gatefold Cover Side One  

High Resolution Photo #4 PINK FLOYD Dark Side Moon MFSL Japan

High Resolution Photo of the Inside Page of the Gatefold Cover Side Two  

High Resolution Photo #5 PINK FLOYD Dark Side Moon MFSL Japan  

Photo of Original Masters Insert
‘Black-and-white promotional image featuring four men dressed in historical costumes holding vinyl albums. From left to right: a man with long hair and a beard holding Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon, a man in a top hat with Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, a man in a Renaissance outfit holding The Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour, and a man in Elizabethan attire holding Kenny Rogers’ Greatest Hits. Text below reads “Limited Editions from the Original Masters.”’

This black-and-white promotional image for Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MFSL) features four men dressed in historical costumes from different eras, each holding a vinyl album. The man on the far left, resembling a figure in a classical or biblical style, holds Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon. Next, a bearded man with a top hat holds Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. In the center, a man in a Renaissance outfit displays The Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour. Finally, a man in Elizabethan attire on the right presents Kenny Rogers’ Greatest Hits. The banner below reads, ‘Limited Editions from the Original Masters,’ promoting MFSL’s high-quality, audiophile-grade releases as key components for enhancing any stereo system. The image emphasizes the timeless appeal and quality of these carefully crafted records.

Photo of Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon MFSL Japan Audophile Record Label 
‘Record label of Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MFSL) edition, catalog number MFSL 1-017. White label with a triangular prism design. Text at the top reads “Original Master Recording” and “Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab” in gold. Includes “Pink Floyd” and album title with catalog number. Bottom edge notes “Side One Stereophonic (MFSL 1-017-A2) Pressed in Japan” with Harvest Records logo.’

This record label is from the Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MFSL) Original Master Recording of Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon, catalog number MFSL 1-017. The label is predominantly white with a triangular prism design in the center. The text at the top reads ‘Original Master Recording’ and ‘Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab’ in gold, indicating the premium audiophile quality of this pressing. To the left, ‘Pink Floyd’ is printed, and on the right, the album title The Dark Side of the Moon along with the catalog number are listed. Along the bottom edge, the label notes ‘Side One Stereophonic (MFSL 1-017-A2) Pressed in Japan,’ highlighting the high standards and Japanese pressing associated with MFSL’s release. The iconic Harvest Records logo is also featured.

 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
PINK FLOYD Main Index