- French release
Pink Floyd's "Meddle" French 12" vinyl release (HARVEST SHVL 795) is a sonic gem tailored for the 1971 French market by PATHE MARCONI EMI. Featuring a distinctive gatefold cover with band portraits and credit placement, this edition captures the essence of progressive rock's heyday. A testament to Pink Floyd's musical innovation, the French release stands as a collector's delight, offering a nuanced sonic experience.
In the world of progressive rock, few albums have left an indelible mark like Pink Floyd's "Meddle." Released in 1971, this iconic LP stands as a testament to the band's creative prowess and musical innovation. In this exploration, we delve into the French release of "Meddle" on a 12" vinyl LP, specifically tailored for the discerning French market.
A Sonic Journey: The Context of 'Meddle'
The early 1970s marked a pivotal era for progressive rock, and Pink Floyd was at the forefront of this musical revolution. "Meddle," the band's sixth studio album, showcased a departure from their earlier works, paving the way for the sonic experimentation that would define their subsequent masterpieces. Against the backdrop of an evolving musical landscape, "Meddle" emerged as a sonic odyssey, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of sound.
Production Notes: Unveiling the French Release
The French release of "Meddle" arrived with its distinct identity, bearing the label HARVEST SHVL 795. Crafted for the French audience, this version stands as a testament to the global appeal of Pink Floyd's transcendental music. The record proudly declares its origin – "Made in France by PATHE MARCONI EMI," adding a touch of authenticity to the listening experience.
Aesthetic Brilliance: Gatefold Cover Design
The album's packaging is a work of art in itself. The gatefold (FOC) cover design unfolds to reveal a portrait photo of the Pink Floyd band members, inviting fans to connect with the artists on a personal level. Interestingly, the credits find their place in the bottom right corner of the inside pages, a subtle departure from the conventional placement seen in other releases. It's these meticulous details that make each edition of "Meddle" a unique collector's item.
Line-Up Chronicles: Band Credits
As aficionados know, the credits of an album are a glimpse into the collaborative efforts behind the music. In this French release, the band's lineup is prominently mentioned in the credits, underlining the collective genius of Pink Floyd. Such attention to detail fosters a deeper appreciation for the musicians whose harmonies and rhythms resonate across generations.
Music Genre: Acid Psychedelic Progressive Rock |
Album Production:Recorded at Air Studios Emi Studios Abbey Road and at Morgan Studios London 1971. Sound Engineers: Peter Bown, John Leckie, Rob Black, Roger Quested. Photography Bob Dowling, Hipgnosis Hipgnosis was an English art group founded in 1968 by Storm Thorgerson, Aubrey Powell, and Peter Christopherson. The group was known for their innovative and creative album covers, which became iconic in the music industry. Hipgnosis worked with some of the most influential musicians of their time, including Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Yes. The group's name, "Hipgnosis," was a play on the words "hypnosis" and "hip." They believed that their art had the power to hypnotize people and transport them to another world, which was reflected in their album covers. The group's style was surreal and often incorporated elements of fantasy, science fiction, and the occult. Their designs were highly detailed and often required extensive planning and preparation. One of the group's most famous album covers was for Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon." The cover featured a prism refracting light into a rainbow, which became one of the most recognizable images in rock history. The design was so successful that it became synonymous with the band and their music. Another iconic design was for Led Zeppelin's "Houses of the Holy," which featured a group of naked children climbing on a rock formation. The image was highly controversial but helped to solidify the band's rebellious image. Hipgnosis also worked with a number of other influential musicians, including Peter Gabriel, Black Sabbath, and Genesis. They designed the cover for Peter Gabriel's first solo album, which featured a photograph of Gabriel wearing a mask with only his eyes visible. The image became another iconic design and was later referenced in Gabriel's music video for "Sledgehammer." The group's success continued into the 1980s, with designs for bands such as Scorpions and Styx. However, the rise of digital technology and the decline of album sales led to the group's decline. Hipgnosis disbanded in 1983, but their legacy lives on in the countless album covers they created. Hipgnosis was not just an art group, but a collective of artists who had a significant impact on the music industry. Their innovative designs helped to define the visual style of rock music in the 1970s and 1980s. Their work was not just a complement to the music, but an essential part of the overall experience. They created a world that fans could enter into and lose themselves in, just like the music they were listening to. Here is a web-page with a gallery of album covers created by Hipgnosis |
Record Label Information: HARVEST SHVL 795 SACEM (SDRM) Made in France by PATHE MARCONI EMI |
Album Packaging: Gatefold (FOC) cover design with portrait photo of the Pink Floyd band-members on the inside pages. Credits are printed in the bottom right corner of the inside pages (other released have printed the credits in the upper right corner) The band's line-up is mentioned in the credits |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl LP Gramophone |
Year and Country: Made in France |
Album cover photos of : Pink Floyd Meddle (France) |
Photo of Front Cover |
Photo of Album's Back Cover |
|
Photo of Album's Inner Cover |
|
Photo of Album's Inner Cover |
|
Close-up Photo of Record Label
|
|
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 ). |
Band Members and Musicians on: Pink Floyd Meddle (France) |
|
Track Listing of: Pink Floyd Meddle (France) |
|