Pink Floyd - Obscured by Clouds 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Genuine 1st pressing of Pink Floyd's "Obscured by Clouds" France

Pink Floyd's "Obscured by Clouds" 1st release from France, a coveted 12" Vinyl LP Album, encapsulates the early 1970s era. Serving as the soundtrack for "The Valley," its unique features include rounded corners and the intriguing inscription "STEREO PEUT ETRE UTILISE AVEC UN LECTEUR MONO." Distinguished by exclusive label text, it stands as a genuine collector's gem, embodying the convergence of music and film in a bygone vinyl era.

"Obscured by Clouds" Album Description:

In the realm of progressive musical treasures, vinyl records stand as nostalgic artifacts, encapsulating the essence of an era. Among these relics, Pink Floyd's "Obscured by Clouds" holds a distinct place, especially in its initial release from France.

Released in the early 1970s, "Obscured by Clouds" not only marked a significant chapter in Pink Floyd's discography but also resonated with the cinematic world, as it served as the soundtrack for the film "The Valley."

This particular 12" Vinyl LP Album, with its French origin, adds a layer of uniqueness to the collectors' realm. Produced by Pink Floyd and recorded in England, the album bears the Catalognr: Harvest 2C 064-05.054 / SHSP 4020, proudly announcing its Made in France identity.

The album cover itself becomes a canvas of historical significance. The rounded corners of the cover evoke a vintage charm, transporting enthusiasts to an era where physical formats were cherished. Notably, the upper right corner of the cover carries the intriguing inscription "STEREO PEUT ETRE UTILISE AVEC UN LECTEUR MONO," a testament to the transitional period where stereo technology was making its mark.

Delving into the details, the upper left corner proudly displays the catalog numbers and the EMI/Harvest logo, becoming a visual signature of authenticity for collectors. An element that distinguishes this as a genuine 1st pressing is the distinctive text on the left of the record's label – "Stereo Peut Etre Utilise Avec Un Lecteur Mono." This unique feature sets it apart from subsequent releases or re-issues, making it a coveted piece for aficionados.

In the context of the time period, this vinyl release mirrors the evolution of audio technology and the artistic exploration undertaken by Pink Floyd. The fusion of music and film, as seen in "The Valley," adds another layer of significance to this album, making it not just a musical journey but a cinematic one as well.

Vinyl Identification 101: All You Need to Know
To identify this particular pressing of "Obscured by Clouds".
  • The cover has rounded corners.
  • In the upper right corner it says "STEREO PEUT ETRE UTILISE AVEC UN LECTEUR MONO"
  • In the upper left corner are the catalog numbers and the EMI/Harvest logo
  • On the left of the record's label it reads also: "Stereo Peut Etre Utilise Avec Un Lecteur Mono" this text does not appear on subsequent releases or re-issues of this album
  • Band-name and album title are missing on the album's front cover
  • Catalognr: Harvest 2C 064-05.054

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

Psychedelic, Acid, Progressive Rock, Movie Soundtrack

Collector Notes / Liner Notes
  • 1: Music from the film: "The Valley"
  • 2: Produced by Pink Floyd, recorded in England
Label & Catalognr:

Harvest – 2C 064-05.054 / SHSP 4020

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" Vinyl LP Gramophone

Year & Country:

Made in France

Producers:
  • Pink Floyd – Producer

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Obscured by Clouds
  2. When You're In
  3. Burning Bridges
  4. The Gold is in The ...
  5. Wots .. Uh The Deal
  6. Mudmen
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Childhood's End
  2. Free Four
  3. Stay
  4. Absolutely Curtains
Album Front Cover Photo
Front cover of Pink Floyd’s Obscured by Clouds French first pressing vinyl LP. The artwork is a blurred, dreamlike photograph resembling an out-of-focus image of a figure with outstretched arms set against a backdrop of shimmering, circular light reflections. The muted palette of browns, golds, blues, and silvers enhances the hazy, underwater effect. The top left corner features the EMI and Harvest logos along with the catalog numbers C 064-05054 and SHSP 4020, while the top right corner bears the text 'STEREO Peut Etre Utilise Avec Un Lecteur Mono.' The sleeve corners are rounded, giving the cover a distinctive vintage identity.

The front cover is dominated by a soft-focus photograph that looks almost abstract, showing a human figure with arms stretched outward, submerged in or obscured by layers of diffused light. Dozens of circular highlights, resembling glimmering bubbles or reflections, scatter across the surface, giving the impression of an underwater or dreamlike haze.

The color palette is subdued yet atmospheric, with earthy browns and oranges blending into shimmering silvers, greys, and muted blues. This blurred imagery captures the essence of mystery and aligns with the album’s cinematic origins as a soundtrack.

At the top left, the design includes the EMI and Harvest logos alongside the catalog numbers C 064-05054 and SHSP 4020, printed in a clean block format. In the top right corner, the inscription reads STEREO Peut Etre Utilise Avec Un Lecteur Mono, marking it as a period-specific pressing. The sleeve is further distinguished by its rounded edges, a notable design choice that adds to its collectible character.

Collector Notes / Liner Notes
  • 1 - The cover artwork is intentionally blurred, featuring a figure obscured by shimmering circles of light.
  • 2 - The top left corner shows the EMI and Harvest logos with catalog numbers C 064-05054 and SHSP 4020.
  • 3 - The top right corner carries the French-language inscription STEREO Peut Etre Utilise Avec Un Lecteur Mono.
  • 4 - The sleeve is distinguished by rounded corners, marking it as a unique pressing variation.
  • 5 - Band name and album title are deliberately absent from the front cover design, adding to its minimalist aesthetic.
Album Back Cover Photo
Back cover of Pink Floyd’s Obscured by Clouds French first pressing vinyl LP. The artwork mirrors the blurred, dreamlike imagery of the front, dominated by hazy circular light patterns. Three small circular inset photographs break the abstraction: one shows a group on horseback moving through a forest; another depicts people dancing or performing near thatched huts; and a third captures a wide rural landscape with open fields. A blue circular text box in the middle contains track listings for Side 1 and Side 2, along with production credits stating the music was composed and produced by Pink Floyd. In the top right corner, the catalog number C 064-05054 / SHSP 4020 is printed. The lower edge displays the Pathé Marconi Paris and Made in France text. Some handwritten pen markings appear on the lower right corner of the sleeve.

The back cover repeats the blurred, circular light imagery seen on the front, creating a consistent dreamlike aesthetic. Within this haze are three distinct photographic insets. The largest, centered above the text box, shows a group of riders on horseback, moving through a shaded forest path. This image injects cinematic energy into the otherwise abstract design.

Beneath it, on the left, another smaller circle depicts people dancing or engaged in ritual-like movement near rustic thatched huts, hinting at cultural and natural themes tied to the film La Vallée. To the right, a third inset portrays a sweeping rural landscape, with open plains stretching toward distant mountains, underscoring the album’s expansive atmosphere.

In the middle sits a circular blue panel listing the track titles for Side 1 and Side 2, crediting all songwriters, and confirming that the music was composed and produced by Pink Floyd. The top right corner shows the catalog number C 064-05054 / SHSP 4020, while the bottom edge includes the Pathé Marconi and Made in France markings. A handwritten notation in pen is faintly visible at the lower right corner, adding a touch of personal history to this copy.

Collector Notes / Liner Notes
  • 1 - The back cover continues the blurred imagery theme with three circular inset photographs from the film La Vallée.
  • 2 - A central blue circular panel lists track titles, songwriting credits, and notes that the music was composed and produced by Pink Floyd.
  • 3 - The top right corner displays catalog numbers C 064-05054 and SHSP 4020, identifying this pressing.
  • 4 - The bottom edge of the sleeve bears the imprint Pathé Marconi Paris along with Made in France.
  • 5 - The sleeve features rounded corners, a distinguishing feature of this French first pressing.
  • 6 - Handwritten markings are visible in the lower right corner, indicating prior ownership or handling.
Close up of Side One record’s label
Close up of Side One label for Pink Floyd Obscured by Clouds French first pressing. The label is bright yellow-green with black text, Harvest Records logo design on the right, SACEM SDRM BIEM rights society marks, catalog number 2C 064-05.054, and French pressing details Made in France by Pathé Marconi.

The Side One label of this French pressing is printed in vivid yellow-green with clear black lettering. The iconic Harvest Records logo, positioned on the right, depicts a stylized abstract drawing of a seed or sprout within a circular form, symbolizing growth and creativity — a visual hallmark of the label’s identity.

Above the spindle hole, the band name Pink Floyd is displayed in simple black capital letters, with the stereo and compatibility statement in French beneath: “Ce disque peut être utilisé avec un lecteur MONO.”

The label includes the catalog number 2C 064-05.054, with additional matrix reference C 064-05.054 A for Side One. To the left is the rights society box showing SACEM, SDRM, and BIEM, confirming French rights management associations.

The rim text runs in French, stating broadcasting and copying restrictions. Track titles and songwriting credits are laid out centrally in a neat block, followed by production credit: “Produced by Pink Floyd.” At the bottom edge, pressing information reads Made in France by Pathé Marconi, confirming its manufacturing origin.

France Label
Colours
Bright yellow-green background with black text
Design & Layout
Centered track list in block layout, rights society box on the left, catalog number and side info on the right
Record company logo
Abstract Harvest logo depicting a sprouting seed in a circular frame, symbolizing growth and creativity
Band/Performer logo
None, only band name printed in black uppercase letters
Unique features
French compatibility text “Ce disque peut être utilisé avec un lecteur MONO” printed under stereo notice
Side designation
Numeral “1” printed on the right side
Rights society
SACEM, SDRM, BIEM
Catalogue number
2C 064-05.054 / C 064-05.054 A
Rim text language
French
Track list layout
Songs listed with title, composer(s), and order, followed by production credit at bottom
Rights info placement
Boxed rights societies on the left side beneath Harvest logo
Pressing info
Bottom rim states Made in France by Pathé Marconi
Background image
Solid yellow-green label color with Harvest logo circle design

Index of PINK FLOYD's Obscured By Clouds Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

PINK FLOYD - Obscured by Clouds 1st ( Index Page )
PINK FLOYD - Obscured by Clouds (France 1st Pressing) 12" Vinyl LP
PINK FLOYD - Obscured by Clouds (France 1st Pressing) album front cover

Harvest 2C 064-05.054 , 1972 , France

Pink Floyd's "Obscured by Clouds" 1st release from France, a coveted 12" Vinyl LP Album, encapsulates the early 1970s era. Serving as the soundtrack for "The Valley," its unique features include rounded corners and the intriguing inscription "STEREO PEUT ETRE UTILISE AVEC UN LECTEUR MONO." Distinguished by exclusive label text, it stands as a genuine collector's gem, embodying the convergence of music and film in a bygone vinyl era.

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PINK FLOYD - Obscured by Clouds (France II) 12" Vinyl LP
PINK FLOYD - Obscured by Clouds (France II) album front cover

 Harvest 2C 066-05.054 , 1972 , France

Pink Floyd's 1972 "Obscured by Clouds" 12" Vinyl LP Album, a French release with rounded corners, embodies the musical experimentation of the era. Serving as a soundtrack for the film "The Valley," the album, produced by Pink Floyd in England, encompasses Psychedelic, Acid, and Prog Rock genres. Its unique physical features, including the rounded album cover corners and French origin, make it a distinctive and collectible piece from the early 1970s.

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PINK FLOYD - Obscured by Clouds (Greece) 12" Vinyl LP
PINK FLOYD - Obscured by Clouds (Greece) album front cover

  EMI Harvest 2J 062-05054 , 1972 , Greece

Explore the unique allure of Pink Floyd's "Obscured by Clouds" with the rare Greek pressing, diverging from the norm with straight/rectangle corners on the album cover. Released in 1972, this psychedelic gem seamlessly blends Progressive Acid Rock with its role as a soundtrack for "The Valley." Produced by Pink Floyd and manufactured in Greece, the vinyl LP becomes a collector's delight, encapsulating the band's evolution in the dynamic music culture of the early '70s.

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PINK FLOYD - Obscured by Clouds (Gr Britain) 12" Vinyl LP
PINK FLOYD - Obscured by Clouds (Gr Britain) album front cover

EMI Harvest SHSP 4020 , 1972 , Gt Britain

Pink Floyd's "Obscured by Clouds," a genuine UK pressing, holds significance as a 1972 soundtrack for the film "The Valley." Recognizable by the EMI and Harvest logos, its rounded corners denote authenticity. Produced in England with catalognr EMI Harvest SHSP 4020, the album blends progressive rock and OST elements. Reflecting the era's musical innovation, it stands as a testament to Pink Floyd's iconic contribution within the context of the time.

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PINK FLOYD - Obscured by Clouds (Holland) 12" Vinyl LP
PINK FLOYD - Obscured by Clouds (Holland) album front cover

 Harvest 1A 064-05054 / 5C 062-05054 , 1972 , Holland

Pink Floyd's 1972 album "Obscured by Clouds," a 12" Vinyl LP, holds a unique place in music history. Produced by the band and recorded in England, the Dutch edition by BOVEMA/EMI Haarlem is a testament to Pink Floyd's global influence. With its fusion of progressive rock and cinematic elements, the album, associated with the film "The Valley," showcases the band's innovative spirit and enduring impact in the dynamic musical landscape of the early 1970s.

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Updated PINK FLOYD - Obscured by Clouds Italian 1972 first pressing album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl
PINK FLOYD - Obscured by Clouds (Italy) 12" Vinyl LP

Pink Floyd’s 1972 soundtrack Obscured by Clouds first Italian pressing blends psych-acid and prog rock. Issued on Harvest 3C 064-05054, it features EMI Italiana marks, May 4, 1972 stamper codes, and S.I.A.E.-stamped labels. With Hipgnosis artwork and music for the film The Valley, this pressing captures Floyd’s early-70s brilliance and rarity.

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PINK FLOYD - Obscured by Clouds (USA) 12" Vinyl LP
PINK FLOYD - Obscured by Clouds (USA) album front cover

SW-11078 , 1972 , USA

Pink Floyd's "Obscured by Clouds" USA Release, SW-11078, is a collector's gem from 1972. The vinyl LP's front cover omits essential details, adding mystery. Its alternative back cover features unique band photos. Serving as a soundtrack for "The Valley" film, the album showcases Pink Floyd's sonic innovation. Recorded in England and made in the USA, this release captures the band's impact during the transformative musical landscape of the early '70s.

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PINK FLOYD Main Index