- First Italian Pressing
Pink Floyd's "Obscured By Clouds" first Italian pressing is a coveted vinyl gem. Identified by a Catalognr and EMI/Harvest Logo on the front, this edition lacks album details, enhancing its mystery. The back cover bears "EMI Italiana," affirming its origin. Stamper codes reveal a May 4, 1972 manufacture. S.I.A.E. stamped record labels ensure authenticity. Beyond its collector's appeal, the album, recprded in England for the film "The Valley," encapsulates Pink Floyd's 1972 musical brilliance.
In the ever-evolving world of vinyl records, collectors seek not only the music but also the nuances of each pressing, making the hunt for rare editions an exciting endeavor. One such gem in the realm of Pink Floyd enthusiasts is the first Italian pressing of "Obscured By Clouds" on a 12" vinyl LP.
Identifying Features:
The keen collector's eye will discern specific features that set this particular pressing apart. On the album front cover, located in the top-left corner, you'll find the Catalognr alongside the EMI/Harvest Company Logo in distinctive blue lettering. Below the logo, the word "STEREO" is elegantly printed.
A characteristic of this edition is the absence of the album title and the band's name on the front cover, adding an enigmatic touch to the visual presentation. On the back cover, a crucial detail is the presence of "EMI Italiana" printed near the bottom center, providing a clear marker of its Italian origin.
Catalog Number and Stamper Codes:
Take note of the Catalognr: Harvest 3C 064-05054. Additionally, inspect the stamper codes on the inner groove area of the vinyl. For the first Italian pressing, you should find the codes 05054-A 4-5-72 I and 05054-B 4-5-72 I, indicating the manufacturing date of 4th May 1972.
Record Label and Printing:
The record label is adorned with the S.I.A.E. stamp and print, emphasizing its authenticity and compliance with Italian copyright regulations. This stamp assures collectors that the album is an officially licensed product.
Musical Context:
"Obscured By Clouds" is not just a collectible item; it represents a pivotal moment in Pink Floyd's musical journey. Produced by Pink Floyd and recorded in England, the album served as the soundtrack for the film "The Valley." Its release in 1972 coincided with a dynamic period in the band's history, marked by experimentation and evolution in their sound.
Psych Acid, Progressive Rock Music
Music from the film: "The Valley"
Produced by Pink Floyd, recorded in England
Album Cover Artwork: Hipgnosis
Harvest 3C 064-05054
Stamper codes: 05054-A 4-5-72 I / 05054-B 4-5-72 I
12" Full-Length Vinyl LP
Album weight: 210 gram
1972 – Made in Italy
The album front cover depicts the front cover of Pink Floyd’s Obscured by Clouds, the 1972 Italian first pressing released on Harvest Records. Designed by Hipgnosis, the artwork uses a blurred photographic technique that transforms an ordinary scene into something dreamlike and abstract.
Across the cover, the viewer sees a human figure reaching outward, their form indistinct as though seen through mist or fog. The foreground is dominated by glowing, circular orbs of light in shades of white, blue, and pale green, creating a soft bokeh effect that obscures detail while amplifying atmosphere.
The overall impression is hazy and surreal, reflecting both the album’s psychedelic qualities and its cinematic origins as a film soundtrack. Notably, there is no band name or album title anywhere on the cover, heightening its enigmatic aura. Only a small EMI/Harvest logo in the top left corner identifies the record label and pressing details.
This is the back cover of Pink Floyd’s Obscured by Clouds, the 1972 Italian first pressing released by Harvest Records. Like the front, the background features a hazy bokeh pattern of circular light spots in cool tones of blue, grey, and white, evoking an atmosphere of dreamlike obscurity.
Set against this abstract backdrop are four circular insets. At the top, a striking photo shows a group of riders on horseback moving through a dense green forest. At the center, a large blue circle contains the full track listing, songwriter credits, and production notes, clearly stating that the music was composed and produced by Pink Floyd for the film La Vallée.
Below, two smaller circles present additional scenes: one depicts a man joining villagers in a dance outside thatched huts, while the other shows a vast landscape of rice fields with distant mountains under a bright sky. At the bottom edge, the text “EMI Italiana S.p.A.” identifies the pressing’s Italian origin and authenticity.
This close-up shows the Side A record label of Pink Floyd’s Obscured by Clouds, the Italian first pressing from 1972 issued by Harvest Records. The label is printed in a vivid yellow-green background with contrasting dark green text and graphics.
Dominating the right side is the iconic Harvest logo: a bold circular abstract figure enclosed within sweeping lines. Above, the words STEREO and Pink Floyd are printed clearly, while the Harvest imprint stretches across the center.
The catalog number 3C 064-05054 A appears alongside, confirming this Italian pressing. The album title, “Obscured by Clouds”, is followed by the note that it is music from the film “The Valley.” Beneath, the full tracklist for Side A is displayed: “Obscured by Clouds,” “When You’re In,” “Burning Bridges,” “The Gold It’s in the...,” “Wot’s… Uh the Deal,” and “Mudmen.”
Additional details include Produced by Pink Floyd, copyright information, and a small rectangular box showing the Italian rights society S.I.A.E. stamp. The rim text surrounding the label reads “Made in Italy” with legal copyright disclaimers in Italian, emphasizing authenticity and origin.
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Learn morePink 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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