- French release with Gigi (Uncensored)
Pink Floyd's French release of "Ummagumma" on 12" Vinyl 2LP features the uncensored Gigi cover, a bold artistic choice. With various cover versions, the album captures the band's avant-garde spirit. Live recordings from 1969 showcase their experimental energy, while studio tracks highlight technical prowess. Designed by HIPGNOSIS, the album, with catalog number Harvest SHDW 2, made in France, stands as a collector's gem, embodying Pink Floyd's fearless exploration.This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.
The French release of "Ummagumma" by the iconic English Prog Rock band Pink Floyd stands as a distinctive chapter in the band's discography. Released as a 12" Vinyl 2LP Album, this version features the uncensored photo of "Gigi" on the album's front cover, creating a visually striking and controversial element.
The Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design showcases the Gigi painting, adding an artistic dimension to the album's presentation. It's noteworthy that there are several versions of the Gigi cover on the front cover, each offering a unique visual experience for collectors and fans alike.
The original release with the Gigi painting on the cover captures the essence of the band's avant-garde approach and willingness to challenge conventional norms. The inclusion of an uncensored image reflects Pink Floyd's commitment to artistic expression and freedom.
In contrast, there are censored versions available. One features a white painting with no Gigi, toning down the provocative aspect of the original artwork. Another version takes a different approach by omitting the Gigi painting and it's frame entirely, leaving listeners with a more minimalistic design.
The album itself is divided into two distinct parts. Side One and Two showcase live recordings at the Mothers in Birmingham and Manchester College of Commerce in June 1969. This period marked a significant juncture in Pink Floyd's history, capturing the energy and experimentation of their live performances during that time.
On the other hand, Side Three and Four present studio recordings, displaying the band's prowess in crafting intricate studio compositions. The engineering work by Brian Humpries and Peter Mew, coupled with production by Norman Smith, contributes to the sonic richness of the studio tracks.
Sleeve Design and Photography for "Ummagumma" are credited to HIPGNOSIS, a design group known for their collaboration with numerous progressive rock bands. The visuals complement the music, creating a holistic and immersive experience for the listener.
The catalog number for this French release is Harvest SHDW 2, emphasizing its place within the Harvest Records catalog. The fact that it was made in France adds a geographical dimension to the album's history, reflecting its international influence and appeal.
Music Genre: Psych Acid Music |
Album Production:
Side One & Two recorded Live at the MOTHERS, Birmingham & Manchest College of Commerce June 1969,. Side three and four recorded in the Studio. Engineers: Brian Humpries & Peter Mew. Produced by Norman Smith Norman Smith, a renowned record producer and sound engineer, left an indelible mark on the music industry during the 1960s and 1970s. While his contributions to various artists were significant, his collaboration with Pink Floyd stands out as a testament to his visionary approach. With his expertise and innovative techniques, Smith played a pivotal role in shaping the distinctive sound and success of one of rock music's most influential bands. Early Life and Career Beginnings: Born on 22 February 1923, in Edmonton, North London, England, Norman Smith developed a deep passion for music from an early age. After serving in World War II as a pilot, he channeled his musical aspirations and joined EMI Studios in London as a sound engineer in the 1950s. Smith's technical prowess and dedication to his craft propelled him into the spotlight. Collaboration with Pink Floyd: Smith's journey with Pink Floyd began in the late 1960s when he was assigned to produce their debut album, "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn" (1967). Recognizing the band's experimental and progressive inclinations, Smith seamlessly merged his production skills with their innovative musical vision. "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn" remains an iconic album that captured the essence of Pink Floyd's psychedelic sound. Smith's meticulous attention to detail and willingness to push boundaries resulted in a sonically rich and immersive experience. His expertise in achieving distinctive guitar tones and capturing the band's atmospheric compositions helped establish Pink Floyd's artistic identity. Following the success of their debut, Smith continued to collaborate with Pink Floyd on their sophomore album, "A Saucerful of Secrets" ( 1968). Once again, Smith's production finesse enabled the band to explore new sonic territories. He skillfully balanced the band's evolving experimental tendencies with their signature sound, creating a cohesive and captivating album. Smith's contribution to Pink Floyd's early discography extended beyond production. He also provided backing vocals and even played piano on some tracks. His versatility as a musician complemented his role as a producer, further enhancing the creative synergy between Smith and the band. Legacy and Impact: Norman Smith's work with Pink Floyd showcased his ability to understand and amplify an artist's vision. His collaboration with the band during their formative years played a crucial role in shaping their sound and setting them on a path to become one of the most influential rock acts of all time. While Smith eventually transitioned away from production and pursued a solo career, his legacy as a pioneering producer remains significant. His contributions to Pink Floyd's early albums laid the foundation for the band's subsequent success and influenced the development of progressive rock as a genre. Norman Smith's commitment to innovation and his unwavering dedication to capturing the essence of an artist's vision made him a revered figure in the music industry. His work with Pink Floyd exemplifies his ability to push boundaries and create timeless recordings that continue to inspire generations of musicians and producers. Norman Smith's extraordinary collaboration with Pink Floyd has left an enduring impact on the band's legacy and the evolution of rock music as a whole. His innovative production techniques and artistic sensibilities continue to be celebrated and appreciated by music enthusiasts worldwide. Sleeve Design and Photography: 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. 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
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Record Label Information: Harvest SHDW 2 |
Record Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record |
Country of Origin Made in France |
Band Members and Musicians on: Pink Floyd - Ummagumma uncensored Gigi France |
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Track Listing of: Pink Floyd - Ummagumma uncensored Gigi France |
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Album cover photos of : Pink Floyd - Ummagumma uncensored Gigi France |
Photo of Front Cover |
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Photo of Album's Back Cover |
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Photo Collage of Pink Floyd on the inner page of the cover |
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Photo Collage of Pink Floyd on the inner page of the cover |
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Photo of Record Label
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Note: the pictures on this page are actual photos of the 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 ). |
Harvest SHDW 2 , 1969 , France
Pink Floyd's French release of "Ummagumma" on 12" Vinyl 2LP features the uncensored Gigi cover, a bold artistic choice. With various cover versions, the album captures the band's avant-garde spirit. Live recordings from 1969 showcase their experimental energy, while studio tracks highlight technical prowess. Designed by HIPGNOSIS, the album, with catalog number Harvest SHDW 2, made in France, stands as a collector's gem, embodying Pink Floyd's fearless exploration.
Learn moreHarvest 1C 188-04 222 , 1969 , Germany
The 1969 German release of Pink Floyd's "Ummagumma" showcases the band's experimental prowess during the late 1960s. This double LP includes live performances and studio recordings, featuring an uncensored cover with Gigi, adding controversy to the avant-garde aesthetics. The album's unique blend of psych, acid, and prog rock, coupled with its distinct cover, encapsulates a transformative period in music history, making it a valuable collector's item for enthusiasts.
Learn moreEMI Harvest SHDW 1 , 1969 , Gt Britain
Pink Floyd's 1969 album "Ummagumma," featuring the Gigi cover, symbolizes the band's pivotal role in the late '60s progressive rock movement. The cover's artistic boldness, later censored, reflects the era's experimentation. The gatefold design and variations in Gigi's depiction add intrigue. Musically, the album's live and studio segments showcase Pink Floyd's avant-garde approach, securing its legacy in progressive rock history.
Learn moreEMI Harvest 3C 154-04222 , 1969 , Italy
The Italian release of Pink Floyd's "Ummagumma" in 1969, featuring the uncensored Gigi painting on the cover, marked a pivotal moment in music history. Blending live recordings from iconic venues with innovative studio work, the album showcases the band's transition from psychedelia to progressive rock. Weighing in at 490 grams, this vinyl masterpiece stands as a testament to Pink Floyd's experimental brilliance and enduring influence on the evolving rock landscape.
Learn moreCapitol SKBB-388 , , Recorded in England, Printed in USA
Pink Floyd's American release of "Ummagumma" on 12" 2LP vinyl, featuring a censored album cover erasing Gigi, holds historical significance. Designed by Hipgnosis, the live recordings from 1969 in Birmingham and Manchester College of Commerce showcase the band's prowess. Studio tracks highlight their versatility. The international production (Recorded in England, Printed in USA) and Capitol SKBB-388 catalog number add to its time-period charm.
Learn more