Pink Floyd - Meddle 12" Vinyl LP Album

- GT Britain 2nd Release

Fullscreen Large front cover photo

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 – British album cover art design group

    Hipgnosis is my favorite proof that a record sleeve can be a full-on mind game, not just a band photo with better lighting.

    Hipgnosis is the legendary London-based art design group that turned rock sleeves into visual myths. The core duo, Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey "Po" Powell, were childhood friends of the Pink Floyd inner circle in Cambridge—a connection that allowed them to bypass the stiff mandates of EMI’s in-house design department in 1968. Their debut, "A Saucerful of Secrets," was only the second time in EMI history (after The Beatles) that an outside firm was granted creative control. The very name "Hipgnosis" was a piece of found art; Syd Barrett, during one of his more enigmatic phases, scrawled the word in ballpoint pen on the door of the South Kensington flat he shared with the duo. Thorgerson loved the linguistic friction of it: the "Hip" for the new and groovy, and "Gnosis" for the ancient, hidden knowledge. While Peter Christopherson later joined as a third partner in 1974, that initial Barrett-endorsed moniker defined a decade of surrealist mastery for bands like Led Zeppelin, Genesis, and 10cc, before the group dissolved in 1983.

    Hipgnosis Gallery
    • 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:
    • Roger Waters – Bass, Vocals
    • Roger Waters – Bass, vocals, songwriter

      Roger Waters is the guy I blame (politely) when a Pink Floyd song stops being “spacey vibes” and starts staring straight through you with lyrics that feel like a courtroom cross-examination.

      Roger Waters is, to my ears, Pink Floyd’s razor-edged storyteller: bassist, singer, and the main lyric engine who pushed the band from psychedelic drift into big, human-scale themes. His key band period is Pink Floyd (1965–1985), where he became the dominant writer through the 1970s and early 1980s, before leaving and launching a long solo career (1984–present). After years of public tension, he briefly reunited with Pink Floyd for a one-off performance at Live 8 in London on 2 July 2005—basically the musical equivalent of spotting a comet: rare, bright, and gone again. Since the late 1990s he’s toured extensively under his own name, staging huge concept-driven shows that revisit Floyd classics like "The Dark Side of the Moon" (notably on the 2006–2008 tour) and "The Wall" (2010–2013), because apparently subtlety is not the point when you’ve got something to say.

      Roger Waters Wiki
    • Nick Mason – Percussion
    • Nick Mason – Drums, percussion

      Nick Mason is the steady heartbeat I always come back to in Pink Floyd: the only constant member since the band formed in 1965, quietly holding the whole weird universe together while the rest of the planet argues about everything else.

      Nick Mason is Pink Floyd’s drummer, co-founder, and the one guy who never clocked out: his main performing period with Pink Floyd runs from 1965 to the present, and he’s the only member to appear across every Pink Floyd album. Outside the mothership, he’s had a very “I’m not done yet” second act: in 2018 he formed Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets (2018–present) to bring the band’s early psychedelic years back to the stage. He’s also stepped out under his own name with projects like the solo album "Nick Mason’s Fictitious Sports" (released 1981), which is basically him taking a left turn into jazz-rock just to prove he can. And yes, he was part of that blink-and-you-miss-it full-band moment at Live 8 in London in 2005, when the classic lineup briefly reunited and reminded everyone why this band still haunts people.

      Nick Mason Wiki
    • David Gilmour – Guitar, Vocals
    • David Gilmour – Guitar, vocals

      David Gilmour is the voice-and-fingers combo I hear whenever Pink Floyd turns from “spacey” into straight-up cinematic: he joined in 1967 and basically helped define what “guitar tone with emotions” even means.

      David Gilmour is, for me, the calm center of Pink Floyd’s storm: an English guitarist, singer, and songwriter whose playing can feel gentle and devastating in the same bar. His earliest band period worth name-dropping is Jokers Wild (1964–1967), before he stepped into Pink Floyd in 1967 as Syd Barrett’s situation unraveled. From there his main performing era is Pink Floyd (1967–1995), including the post-Roger Waters years where the band continued under his leadership and released "A Momentary Lapse of Reason" (1987) and "The Division Bell" (1994), with a later studio coda in "The Endless River" (2014). Outside Floyd, he’s had a long solo run (1978–present) with albums ranging from "David Gilmour" (1978) to "Luck and Strange" (2024), and he even did a sharp side-quest in 1985 with Pete Townshend’s short-lived supergroup Deep End. And for one historic night, the classic lineup reunited at Live 8 in Hyde Park, London on 2 July 2005—one of those “you had to be there (or at least press play)” moments.

      David Gilmour Wiki
    • Richard Wright – Keyboards, Vocals
    • Richard Wright – Keyboards, vocals

      Richard Wright is the secret atmosphere machine in Pink Floyd: the guy who can make one chord feel like a whole weather system, and then casually add a vocal harmony that makes it hit even harder.

      Richard Wright (born Richard William Wright) is, for me, the understated genius of Pink Floyd: co-founder, keyboardist, and occasional lead vocalist whose textures are basically baked into the band’s DNA. His main performing period with Pink Floyd runs from 1965 to 1981 (including the early albums through the massive arena years), then he returned as a full member again from 1987 to 1994 for the later era tours and albums. In between those chapters, he didn’t just vanish into a fog machine: he released a solo album, "Wet Dream" (1978), and later "Broken China" (1996), and he also had a proper side-project moment with Zee (1983–1984), which produced the album "Identity" (1984). He passed away in 2008, but his playing still feels like the part of Pink Floyd that makes the air shimmer.

      Richard Wright Wiki

    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)

    Pink Floyd - Meddle (UK) Album Photo Gallery:

    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

    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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