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.

 

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"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) 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.

Music Genre: 

Psych, Acid, Prog Rock
 Album Production Information: 

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.

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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:

EMI Harvest SHVL 795

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

Album Packaging: 

Gatefold (FOC) cover design , with photo of Pink Floyd band-members on the inside pages

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

Vinyl Record Format 12" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record 

Year and Country:

1971 Made in Gt Britain
Band Members and Musicians on: Pink Floyd - Meddle (UK)

Track Listing of: Pink Floyd - Meddle (UK)
    Side One:
  1. One of these days
  2. A Pillow of Winds
  3. Fearless
  4. San Tropez
  5. Seamus
    Side Two:
  1. Echoes
Photos of the LP's cover: Pink Floyd - Meddle (UK)
Photo of Pink Floyd - Meddle (UK) Album's Front Cover 
High Resolution Photo pink floyd meddle uk2  
Photo of Album's Back Cover  
High Resolution Photo pink floyd meddle uk2  
Photo of Pink Floyd's Band Members on the inner cover  
High Resolution Photo pink floyd meddle uk2  
Photo of Pink Floyd's Band Members on the inner cover  
High Resolution Photo pink floyd meddle uk2  
Photo of Record Label 
High Resolution Photo pink floyd meddle uk2  

 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 ).

 

Index of PINK FLOYD's Meddle Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery
PINK FLOYD - Meddle (Canada) 12" Vinyl LP
PINK FLOYD - Meddle (Canada) album front cover

Capitol / Harvest SMAS-832   , 1971 , Canada

Pink Floyd's 1971 masterpiece "Meddle" echoes through time, leaving an indelible mark on music history. Self-produced, the album's sonic brilliance, recorded at iconic London studios, showcases engineering excellence. The gatefold cover, designed by the band, complements the auditory journey with captivating visuals by Bob Dowling and Hipgnosis. Released in Canada by Capitol/Harvest, "Meddle" remains an enduring testament to Pink Floyd's creative genius, transcending temporal boundaries.

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PINK FLOYD - Meddle (France) 12" Vinyl LP
PINK FLOYD - Meddle (France) album front cover

Harvest SHVL 795 , 1971 , France

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 - Meddle (Germany) 12" Vinyl LP
PINK FLOYD - Meddle (Germany) album front cover

Harvest 1C 072-04 917 , 1971 , Germany

Pink Floyd's "Meddle," a 1971 masterpiece, represents a pinnacle in progressive rock. The German release, featuring a captivating gatefold cover with band-member photos, epitomizes the album's visual and sonic allure. Released during a transformative period, "Meddle" pushed musical boundaries with its experimental compositions, notably "Echoes." Its enduring appeal transcends time, making it a timeless gem in the progressive rock genre.

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PINK FLOYD - Meddle (Germany Club-sonderauflage) 12" Vinyl LP
PINK FLOYD - Meddle (Germany Club-sonderauflage) album front cover

Harvest 61 476 / 1C 062-04 917 , 1971 , Germany

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
PINK FLOYD - Meddle (Greece) album front cover

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
PINK FLOYD - Meddle (Gt Britain 1st Pressing) album front cover

EMI Harvest SHVL 795 , 1971 , Gt. Britain

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
PINK FLOYD - Meddle (Gt Britain 2nd Release) album front cover

EMI Harvest SHVL 795 , 1971 , Gt. Britain

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
PINK FLOYD - Meddle (Holland) album front cover

EMI Harvest 1A 062-04917 / 5C 062-04917 , 1971 , Holland

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
PINK FLOYD - Meddle (Italy) album front cover

EMI Harvest 3C 064-04917 , 1971 , Italy

Pink Floyd's "Meddle" 12" Vinyl LP, released in Italy in 1971 under EMI Harvest, embodies the cultural vibrancy of the era. Stamped with intricate codes and the S.I.A.E. mark, it reflects meticulous craftsmanship. The gatefold cover, adorned with band-member photos and iconic logos, captures the graphic design ethos of the time. Today, this vinyl stands as a collector's treasure, epitomizing the band's innovative sound and Italy's dynamic musical landscape.

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PINK FLOYD - Meddle Spezial Swiss Edition 12" Vinyl LP
PINK FLOYD - Meddle Spezial Swiss Edition album front cover

EMI Harvest EL 777002 / 1C 062-04917 , 1971 , Germany

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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