- USA Release incl Poster
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.
The American release of Pink Floyd's "Ummagumma" on 12" 2LP vinyl, with its distinct features, stands as a noteworthy piece within the context of the time period in which it was introduced. This particular version, with its erasure of Gigi from the album cover painting, adds an intriguing layer to the overall narrative surrounding the album.
Released in the United States, the album cover design and photography were credited to Hipgnosis, a renowned design group that contributed significantly to the visual aesthetics of many iconic albums during the 1960s and 1970s. The deliberate removal of Gigi from the artwork raises questions about the decision-making process behind such alterations, reflecting the artistic and cultural dynamics of the era.
The content of the album itself further adds to its historical significance. The recording on sides one and two, captured live at the Mothers venues in Birmingham and Manchester College of Commerce in June 1969, provides a vivid snapshot of Pink Floyd's performance during that period. The inclusion of this live recording not only showcases the band's musical prowess but also serves as a time capsule, allowing listeners to experience the energy and atmosphere of those specific concerts.
On the flip side, sides three and four feature studio recordings, highlighting the band's versatility and ability to create compelling music both in a live setting and within the controlled environment of a studio. The engineering work by Brian Humphries and Peter Mew, along with production by Norman Smith, further emphasizes the collaborative efforts that went into crafting the album.
The catalog number, Capitol SKBB-388, and the note indicating "Recorded in England, Printed in USA" reflect the international nature of the music industry during this era. Such details offer insights into the logistical aspects of music production and distribution at the time.
Music Genre: Prog Rock, Psych, Acid Rock |
Album
Production information:
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. Album Cover Design and Photography by 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: Capitol SKBB-388 |
Media Format:
12" 2LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 460 gram |
Year and Country: Recorded in England, Printed in USA |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: PINK FLOYD UmmaGumma |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "PINK FLOYD UmmaGumma" |
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Album cover photos of : PINK FLOYD UmmaGumma |
Album Front Cover Photo of "PINK FLOYD UmmaGumma" |
Album Back Cover Photo of "PINK FLOYD UmmaGumma" |
Inner Sleeve of "PINK FLOYD UmmaGumma" Album |
Photo of "PINK FLOYD UmmaGumma" Album's Inner Sleeve |
Close-up Photo of "PINK FLOYD UmmaGumma" 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 ). |
"Ummagumma" is the fourth studio album by the English rock band Pink Floyd, released in 1969. The album is considered a classic of the progressive rock genre and is known for its experimental and unconventional nature.
"Ummagumma" is a double album, with the first disc featuring live recordings of four Pink Floyd songs, recorded at various concerts during their 1969 tour. The second disc features individual solo pieces by each member of the band, showcasing their different musical interests and styles. These pieces range from acoustic guitar and keyboard compositions to abstract sound collages and experimental sound effects.
The album's unique format and eclectic mix of styles has made "Ummagumma" a seminal work in the history of progressive rock, and it continues to be highly regarded by fans and music critics alike. The album's cover art, designed by the graphic design group Hipgnosis, is also well-known and highly regarded, featuring a surreal painting titled "Gigi".
The original cover artwork for Pink Floyd's "Ummagumma" album, including the painting "Gigi", has been removed from some re-issues of the album due to licensing issues. When record labels re-issue albums, they often need to secure the rights to use the original artwork again, and if they are unable to do so, they may choose to use alternative artwork or remove the original artwork altogether. This is what happened with some re-issues of "Ummagumma", where the "Gigi" painting was removed from the cover due to the difficulty of securing the rights to use it. However, some re-issues of the album do still include the original cover art.
The sound of the fly on Pink Floyd's "Ummagumma" album was created using a variety of recording techniques. One of the methods involved recording the sound of a real fly in a studio setting and then manipulating the recording to create the desired sound effect. This could have involved adjusting the speed, pitch, or volume of the recording, or using sound-editing software to layer multiple recordings together. Another method could have involved synthesizing the fly sound using electronic instruments or sound generators. The exact method used to create the fly sound on "Ummagumma" is not specified, but it is likely that a combination of different techniques was used to achieve the desired effect.
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