Pink Floyd - Meddle 12" Vinyl LP Album

- GT Britain 2nd Release

Pink Floyd's "Meddle" 12" Vinyl LP (EMI Harvest SHVL 795, 2nd UK release) embodies 1971's progressive rock spirit. Stamper codes SHVL 795 A-7 HTM / B-6 HTM highlight meticulous production. The gatefold cover features band-member photos without album or band name on the front, evoking mystery. Released pre-"Dark Side of the Moon," "Meddle" is a transitional masterpiece, with standout track "Echoes" reflecting Pink Floyd's daring musical exploration.

"Meddle" Album Description:

In the vibrant landscape of progressive rock during the early 1970s, Pink Floyd's "Meddle" emerged as a pivotal masterpiece, captivating listeners with its sonic experimentation and groundbreaking musicality. Released as a 12" vinyl LP album in Great Britain, this second edition bears the record label EMI Harvest SHVL 795.

The intricacies of the production process are revealed through the stamper/matrix codes: SHVL 795 A-7 HTM on one side and SHVL 795 B-6 HTM on the other. These codes provide a glimpse into the manufacturing nuances, showcasing the attention to detail involved in bringing this auditory gem to life.

One of the distinctive features of this release is its Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design, a characteristic element of vinyl albums from that era. As the listener unfolds the cover, they are greeted by a captivating photo spread of Pink Floyd band members, creating an immersive visual experience that complements the musical journey within.

Notably, the front cover abstains from overtly displaying the band's name or the album's title, adding an air of mystique and intrigue. This subtle approach aligns with the band's penchant for artistic expression and avoidance of conventional norms.

Examining the context of its contribution within the timeframe, "Meddle" marked a transitional phase for Pink Floyd. Released in 1971, it preceded the monumental success of "The Dark Side of the Moon." The album served as a canvas for the band's evolving sound, experimenting with extended compositions and avant-garde elements.

The musical landscape of the early '70s was a tapestry of experimentation, with artists pushing boundaries and embracing new sonic frontiers. "Meddle" epitomized this spirit, featuring the iconic track "Echoes," a 23-minute sonic odyssey that showcased the band's willingness to explore uncharted musical territories.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

Psych, Acid, Prog Rock

Recording Information:

Recorded at Air Studios, EMI Studios Abbey Road and at Morgan Studios London 1971.

Sound & Recording Engineers:
  • Peter Bown – Engineer
  • John Leckie – Engineer
  • Rob Black – Engineer
  • Roger Quested – Engineer
Photography:
  • Bob Dowling
  • Hipgnosis
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
Label & Catalognr:

EMI Harvest SHVL 795

Stamper/Matrix codes: SHVL 795 A-7 HTM / SHVL 795 B-6 HTM

Album Packaging

Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design, with photo of Pink Floyd band-members on the inside pages.

No mentioning of band-name or album's title on the front cover.

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record

Year & Country:

1971 – Made in Gt Britain

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Members, Musicians:

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. One of these Days
  2. A Pillow of Winds
  3. Fearless
  4. San Tropez
  5. Seamus
Video: Pink Floyd - One Of These Days (Official Audio)
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Echoes
Video: Pink Floyd - Echoes (Official Audio)
Album Front Cover Photo
Front cover of Pink Floyd's 1971 album Meddle, released on EMI Harvest in Great Britain. The design by Hipgnosis features a surreal, abstract close-up of an ear submerged under rippling water, rendered in tones of turquoise, copper, and earthy brown. Concentric rings ripple across the surface, giving the impression of both organic texture and liquid depth. The cover carries no text, band name, or title, reinforcing its enigmatic aura.

This is the front cover artwork of Pink Floyd’s 1971 progressive rock album Meddle, released in Great Britain by EMI Harvest. Designed by the visual art collective Hipgnosis, the cover abandons conventional typography and boldly omits any band name or album title, immersing the viewer in a purely visual experience.

The image presents a surreal close-up of an ear submerged in water, seen through rippling distortions that scatter light across the surface. A palette of turquoise blues, copper browns, and muted earth tones creates a dreamlike interplay of color and texture. Circular ripples radiate outward, evoking both natural motion and abstract sound waves.

The lack of text, combined with the enigmatic subject matter, reflects Pink Floyd’s artistic ethos at this stage of their career—experimental, mysterious, and open to interpretation. The design captures the album’s sonic depth, hinting at the vast, immersive soundscapes contained within, particularly the side-long track Echoes.

Album Back Cover Photo
Back cover of Pink Floyd's 1971 album Meddle, EMI Harvest UK release. The Hipgnosis artwork continues the abstract watery theme, showing concentric ripples and fluid distortions across a copper and turquoise surface. In the upper right corner, a yellow rectangular price-code sticker with the letters V, F, A, S, D and number 85 is visible, alongside the printed catalog number SHVL 795 and stereo designation. The cover contains no tracklisting or text, keeping the design enigmatic.

This is the back cover artwork of Pink Floyd’s 1971 album Meddle, issued in Great Britain on EMI Harvest. Designed by Hipgnosis, the image carries forward the abstract, liquid-inspired theme of the front cover. A series of concentric ripples and distorted water reflections fill the surface, blending copper, bronze, and turquoise hues into a surreal, dreamlike texture.

Unlike many contemporary LPs, this back cover deliberately avoids conventional track listings or explanatory text, maintaining a visual mystery that forces the viewer to focus on the artwork itself. The organic, watery forms suggest both the ear motif from the front cover and the sound waves central to the album’s musical themes.

In the upper right corner, there is a distinctive yellow price code sticker. It bears the number 85 inside a box and letters “V, F, A, S, D” arranged vertically on its side, referencing the EMI retail classification and distribution system used in the UK during the early 1970s. Just above it, the printed catalog number SHVL 795 and stereo designation confirm the album’s format and label issue.

The combination of utilitarian retail markings and experimental artwork underscores the tension between commerce and artistic expression—a hallmark of Pink Floyd’s releases in this period.

Inside Gatefold – Left Page
Inside gatefold of Pink Floyd's 1971 Meddle album, EMI Harvest UK release. The black-and-white photograph shows Roger Waters on the left and Nick Mason on the right, both posed against a stark white background. Waters, with straight dark hair, wears a short-sleeve black shirt and looks directly at the camera with an intense gaze. Mason, bearded with longer wavy hair, wears a dark shirt and gazes solemnly forward. At the bottom right, small-print liner notes list track titles, recording studios, engineers, and credits, including Hipgnosis, Bob Dowling, and EMI staff. The design captures the seriousness of the band in this transitional era.

This inside gatefold left page photograph from Pink Floyd’s 1971 album Meddle presents two of the band’s members in stark, high-contrast black and white. On the left is Roger Waters, his long straight hair framing a youthful but intense face, dressed in a plain short-sleeved black shirt. His direct gaze at the camera conveys both focus and quiet defiance.

On the right is Nick Mason, the band’s drummer, wearing a darker shirt. His expression is more contemplative, framed by longer wavy hair and a full beard, projecting a calm yet serious presence. Both figures are set against a blank white backdrop, creating an uncluttered and dramatic composition that emphasizes their personalities.

In the lower right corner, detailed liner notes are printed in fine type. They list the track titles, recording studios, and engineering credits (including Peter Bown, John Leckie, Rob Black, and Roger Quested), as well as acknowledgments of Hipgnosis for cover design and Bob Dowling for photography. This text anchors the imagery, linking the musicians’ visual presence with the technical and artistic team behind the record.

The photograph captures Pink Floyd’s transitional era, situating Waters and Mason as central creative forces while reinforcing the album’s introspective and experimental atmosphere.

Inside Gatefold – Right Page
Inside gatefold of Pink Floyd's 1971 Meddle album, EMI Harvest UK release. The black-and-white photograph shows David Gilmour on the left and Richard Wright on the right, posed against a stark white background. Gilmour, with long straight hair, wears a dark shirt and stares intently at the camera. Wright, with shoulder-length hair and beard, wears a sleeveless black EMI tank top with label logos and text printed on the chest. The image balances the earlier gatefold portrait of Waters and Mason, reinforcing the band’s serious, introspective image during this period.

This inside gatefold right page photograph from Pink Floyd’s 1971 album Meddle presents David Gilmour and Richard Wright in striking monochrome portraiture. On the left, Gilmour appears with long straight hair, wearing a dark T-shirt. His serious expression and steady gaze toward the camera convey a sense of youthful intensity and determination.

To the right stands Richard Wright, sporting longer hair and a beard, his calm expression softened by the strong light contrast. He wears a sleeveless black EMI-branded tank top, printed with the company’s logo and distribution details, including “EMI Records, Hayes, Middlesex, England.” This unusual clothing choice blends promotional utility with the band’s minimalist aesthetic.

The stark white background strips away distractions, creating a symmetrical visual balance with the left-hand gatefold page (featuring Waters and Mason). The two portraits together form a complete inside spread, emphasizing each member’s individual identity while presenting the band as a unified whole.

The photograph’s simplicity and the absence of decorative elements reinforce Pink Floyd’s introspective aura during this transitional moment, just before the band’s global breakthrough with The Dark Side of the Moon.

Close up of Side One record’s label
Close up of Side One label for Pink Floyd – Meddle (EMI Harvest SHVL 795 UK release)

This is the Side One record label of Pink Floyd’s 1971 album Meddle, issued in Great Britain on EMI Harvest. It uses the iconic yellow and green Harvest label design with the large abstract logo on the right and the EMI/Harvest wordmark on the left.

The label lists the album title, catalog number SHVL 795, stereo format, and track listing for Side One: “One of These Days,” “A Pillow of Winds,” “Fearless,” “San Tropez,” and “Seamus.” Credits note Produced by Pink Floyd, with additional publishing details and copyright text circling the rim.

UK Label
Colours
Bright yellow background with green text and graphics
Design & Layout
Classic EMI Harvest layout, logo on right, EMI/Harvest text on left, track listing centered
Record company logo
EMI and Harvest logos prominently displayed
Band/Performer logo
No band logo present, only text “Pink Floyd”
Unique features
Includes note about “Fearless” incorporating “You’ll Never Walk Alone” credit; Produced by Pink Floyd
Side designation
Side 1 printed on left
Rights society
℗ 1971 text present; no explicit rights society logo
Catalogue number
SHVL 795 (SHVL.795A)
Rim text language
English (“EMI Records Ltd. All rights of the manufacturer…”)
Track list layout
Songs numbered 1–5, titles with composer credits, aligned centrally
Rights info placement
Around outer rim, printed in small caps
Pressing info
Made in Gt. Britain printed at bottom edge
Background image
Abstract Harvest logo in green dominating right side of label
Index of PINK FLOYD's Meddle Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery
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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 unique 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.

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Pink Floyd's "Meddle" 12" Vinyl LP Album, a German Club Special Edition, epitomizes the band's evolution in the early 1970s. Featuring the EMI logo and Club-sonderauflage label, it reflects exclusive production. Austro-Mechana's presence hints at copyright considerations. The gatefold cover design with the insert inside enhances the tactile experience. Harvest Records' imprint and the catalog number, Harvest 61 476 / 1C 062-04 917, solidify its place in the progressive rock genre, making it a collector's gem.

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PINK FLOYD - Meddle (Greece) 12" Vinyl LP
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EMI 2J 062-04917 / 14C 062-04917 / SHVL 795 , 1971 , Greece

Pink Floyd's "Meddle" Greek release, a 12" Vinyl LP Album, epitomizes the 1970s musical era. The standard cover features Pink Floyd's name and the album title in strategic corners, with the EMI Harvest logo, and a unique catalog number. The back cover boasts a portrait of the band, and the "Made in Greece by EMI" stamp signifies international collaboration. This edition, a collector's gem, mirrors the band's experimental journey, contributing to the rich tapestry of music history.

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PINK FLOYD - Meddle (Gt Britain 1st Pressing) 12" Vinyl LP
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Pink Floyd's "Meddle" 1st UK issue, SHVL 795, embodies a musical era with stamper/matrix codes SHVL 795 A-1U / SHVL 795 B-1U. Released in 1971, its gatefold cover showcases band-member portraits. Authenticated by the original Harvest inner sleeve, the EMI Harvest SHVL 795 catalog number ties it to a progressive music legacy. A transitional piece, "Meddle" contributed to Pink Floyd's evolution, capturing the experimental spirit of the early '70s.

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PINK FLOYD - Meddle (Gt Britain 2nd Release) 12" Vinyl LP
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Pink Floyd's "Meddle" 12" Vinyl LP (EMI Harvest SHVL 795, 2nd UK release) embodies 1971's progressive rock spirit. Stamper codes SHVL 795 A-7 HTM / B-6 HTM highlight meticulous production. The gatefold cover features band-member photos without album or band name on the front, evoking mystery. Released pre-"Dark Side of the Moon," "Meddle" is a transitional masterpiece, with standout track "Echoes" reflecting Pink Floyd's daring musical exploration.

Learn more
PINK FLOYD - Meddle (Holland) 12" Vinyl LP
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Pink Floyd's 1971 album "Meddle," in its Dutch release, bears the notable EMI logo on the cover, distinguishing it from other editions. Produced by Pink Floyd and H Chappell, the album represents a pivotal transitional phase for the band, showcasing experimental sounds and iconic tracks like "Echoes." This unique Dutch edition, with Catalognr: EMI Harvest 1A 062-04917 / 5C 062-04917 (STEMRA), reflects the era's global music distribution and stands as a collector's testament to a bygone musical landscape.

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PINK FLOYD - Meddle (Italy) 12" Vinyl LP
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Pink Floyd's "Meddle" Swiss Special Edition, a rarity in the small Swiss market, boasts a non-gatefold cover with distinctive front and back designs. The front features the band's name and album title, including the "777 002 Special Edition" label and EMI-Harvest logo. The back showcases band members and the tracklist, with the "Spezial Edition" mark near 9 o'clock. With a "Made in Germany" tag, this release from 1971 holds a unique place among collectors, reflecting Pink Floyd's influential experimentation during the progressive rock era.

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