Classic Albums: Pink Floyd - The Making of The Dark Side of the Moon

The documentary "Classic Albums: Pink Floyd - The Making of The Dark Side of the Moon" offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the creation of one of the most iconic albums in rock history. Released to coincide with the 30th anniversary of "Dark Side of the Moon," this documentary is a must-watch for any Pink Floyd fan and a valuable addition to the collection of rock historians. The film begins with a visit to Abbey Road Studios, where the original multi-track tapes of "Dark Side of the Moon" are still stored. These tapes serve as a tangible reminder of the process by which Pink Floyd assembled this groundbreaking album, and the documentary takes viewers through the early stages of the creative process. One key figure in this process was Richard Wright, the band's synthesist and keyboardist. Wright's involvement was crucial, as his unique sound and style helped to shape the direction of the album. According to Wright, the band's initial intention was to create a live album, featuring recordings of their previous performances. However, they soon realized that this approach would not yield the results they were looking for. Roger Waters, the band's bassist and primary lyricist, has often spoken about the themes of mortality and psychedelia that underpinned the album. He recounts how the idea to create an album about the pressures of modern life came to him after watching a college friend die in a motorcycle accident. This event served as a catalyst for the creation of the album's iconic first track, "Speak to Me," which features Richard Wright on piano. Waters' vision for the album was to explore the darker aspects of human experience, and to create a sonic tapestry that would immerse listeners in its themes. The band was inspired by a range of sources, including Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophy and Aldous Huxley's psychedelic writings. Wright's synthesizers and Gilmour's guitar work were central to bringing these themes to life, and the documentary spends considerable time exploring the technical process of creating these textures. The band also discusses the concept of the album's title, "Dark Side of the Moon." This phrase, coined by Roger Waters, refers to the darker aspects of human experience, and serves as a metaphor for the pressures of modern life. The album's iconic sleeve design, featuring two opposing sides of the moon, is also examined in the documentary. Throughout the film, individual performances from the band members are included, offering a glimpse into their creative process. Roger Waters takes viewers through the process of recording "On the Run," while David Gilmour provides commentary on the making of "Time." These performances offer a fascinating insight into the band's collaboration, and demonstrate the intricate process by which their complex compositions were pieced together. A key figure in this process was Alan Parsons, the band's original engineer. Parsons, who is now a renowned producer in his own right, offers valuable insights into the technical process of recording these complex tracks. He recounts how the band pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the studio, experimenting with new sounds and techniques to achieve the desired result. The documentary also provides a unique glimpse into the dynamics of the band, which had undergone significant changes in the years leading up to the album's creation. The departure of Syd Barrett, Pink Floyd's original lead singer and guitarist, had created a power vacuum within the band, and the documentary explores how this impacted the creative process. Wright, Gilmour, and Waters are all interviewed at length, offering a rare glimpse into the tensions and conflicts that arose during the recording process. According to Wright, the band's differing musical visions created tension within the group, but these creative differences ultimately contributed to the album's innovative and groundbreaking sound. Overall, "Classic Albums: Pink Floyd - The Making of The Dark Side of the Moon" is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the creation of one of the most iconic albums in rock history. With its detailed examination of the creative process, insightful interviews with the band members, and individual performances of key tracks, this documentary is an essential purchase for any Pink Floyd fan and a valuable addition to the collection of rock historians.