It's weird to see the members of Pink Floyd looking so old as they talk about their phenomenal "Dark Side of the Moon" album, but that's life, I suppose. They still have what it takes, as David Gilmour shows us, to crank out the music. This behind the scenes DVD is a bit more cerebral than others I've watched but nonetheless fascinating. It's a bit like watching philosophers pontificate, which is alright, I suppose, considering the Floyd was always a bit more intellectual than most of your garden variety musicians then and now. We also see the man who created the cover art that is probably the most recognized album cover in history and his story of how it came about and how the members of Pink Floyd chose it is revealing in its simplicity. We also find out who the lovely female vocalist on "The Great Gig in the Sky" is and why she felt she had to apologize right after-wards.
11 Reviews
Great documentary on a great band and album
grantss7 March 2015
Great documentary on a great band and album.
Dark Side of the Moon is truly a classic. Surely one of the greatest albums ever made, it transcended music, being an artistic expression for all of societies issues, how these issues are all linked and the side-effects manifestations of these issues. Even without the incredibly profound lyrics, the music is brilliant, and surreal.
This documentary expertly details the making of this superb album. Included are interviews with all four members of Pink Floyd: Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Richard Wright and Nick Mason, plus other production staff and music journalists. From the interviews you can see the artistry and thinking that went into the making of the album.
Quite amazing.
Dark Side of the Moon is truly a classic. Surely one of the greatest albums ever made, it transcended music, being an artistic expression for all of societies issues, how these issues are all linked and the side-effects manifestations of these issues. Even without the incredibly profound lyrics, the music is brilliant, and surreal.
This documentary expertly details the making of this superb album. Included are interviews with all four members of Pink Floyd: Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Richard Wright and Nick Mason, plus other production staff and music journalists. From the interviews you can see the artistry and thinking that went into the making of the album.
Quite amazing.
Surprisingly better than expected
Clavius-Base14 July 2005
Floyd is my all-time favorite band, however when I first saw this DVD sitting in the music section of my local Wal-Mart, I took a pass on it believing it to be nothing more than a canned attempt to cash in on the Floyd legacy. Much like the myriad "unauthorized" interview discs you see out there.
Well my wife bought it for me for my birthday and boy was I pleasantly surprised! This disc was produced in full cooperation with the members of Pink Floyd. The interview segments are informative and interesting, providing little anecdotes that even I didn't know about. Plus, members of the band perform intimate acoustic versions of "Money" and "Breathe" among others. As well as giving a demo of how some of the trippy electronic effects were created.
The documentary gives a track-by-track history of the entire album (all save for "Any Colour You Like"). I particularly enjoy the segment on the song "The Great Gig In The Sky". I must have heard that song hundreds of times and yet Claire Torry's voice never ceases to raise goosebumps whenever I listen to it.
We are also treated to snippets of early takes of DSOTM tracks. An early version of "Money" truly reveals it's bluesy roots.
All of the interviews are handled individually and each appeared to filmed at different times at different locations. No two members of the Floyd are interviewed at the same time. However, each member genuinely seemed to enjoy recalling the making of this landmark album after all these years, and still appeared to have some fresh things to say.
In addition to the band, we are treated to comments by Storm Thorgerson, the creator of nearly every Floyd album sleeve to date, as well as Alan Parsons, the producer of the album who uses the mixing board to dissect individual tracks for us.
My only knock against this disc is that it wasn't longer. I could have easily watched another hour of this. A definite "must-buy" for any Pink Floyd or classic rock fan.
Well my wife bought it for me for my birthday and boy was I pleasantly surprised! This disc was produced in full cooperation with the members of Pink Floyd. The interview segments are informative and interesting, providing little anecdotes that even I didn't know about. Plus, members of the band perform intimate acoustic versions of "Money" and "Breathe" among others. As well as giving a demo of how some of the trippy electronic effects were created.
The documentary gives a track-by-track history of the entire album (all save for "Any Colour You Like"). I particularly enjoy the segment on the song "The Great Gig In The Sky". I must have heard that song hundreds of times and yet Claire Torry's voice never ceases to raise goosebumps whenever I listen to it.
We are also treated to snippets of early takes of DSOTM tracks. An early version of "Money" truly reveals it's bluesy roots.
All of the interviews are handled individually and each appeared to filmed at different times at different locations. No two members of the Floyd are interviewed at the same time. However, each member genuinely seemed to enjoy recalling the making of this landmark album after all these years, and still appeared to have some fresh things to say.
In addition to the band, we are treated to comments by Storm Thorgerson, the creator of nearly every Floyd album sleeve to date, as well as Alan Parsons, the producer of the album who uses the mixing board to dissect individual tracks for us.
My only knock against this disc is that it wasn't longer. I could have easily watched another hour of this. A definite "must-buy" for any Pink Floyd or classic rock fan.
Get the DVD, the extras are great!
AmsterdamReprobate6 December 2004
I got the DVD as a gift and I noticed that the feature documentary on The Dark Side Of The Moon is followed by a DVD-only extra section. This section adds extra footage that was taped but not included in the documentary (probably to avoid making the documentary too long) - an in-depth part on Gilmour's use of the double and triple-tracked guitars, an interview on the nature of Rock 'n Roll with Roger Waters, a story on the background voices, etcetera.
For any fan on Pink Floyd or student of modern music, this DVD is a must-see. Especially noteworthy is the in-depth look at recording and producing Dark Side; since this was pre-computer technology, the stories about the tape-loops to sync the clocks for the intro of Time, the story by Waters on making the cash register sound for Money, using sequencers for the space sounds... Their creativity is astounding.
A few small details were so incredibly interesting - Rick Wright using a piano chord from Miles Davis' Kind of Blue for instance was a revelation for me, as I recognised the chord but couldn't place it.
For any fan on Pink Floyd or student of modern music, this DVD is a must-see. Especially noteworthy is the in-depth look at recording and producing Dark Side; since this was pre-computer technology, the stories about the tape-loops to sync the clocks for the intro of Time, the story by Waters on making the cash register sound for Money, using sequencers for the space sounds... Their creativity is astounding.
A few small details were so incredibly interesting - Rick Wright using a piano chord from Miles Davis' Kind of Blue for instance was a revelation for me, as I recognised the chord but couldn't place it.
In-depth look at the creation of the classic album
cantthinkofname26 February 2004
I half expected this to be a cobbled together compilation of TV interviews, but it's the real deal...each song is dissected by its creators in brand new interviews. You also get unplugged style acoustic versions of "Breathe" and "Brain Damage", by David Gilmour and Roger Waters, respectively, as well as a listen to the demo for "Time". There are rare photos, and Richard Wright plays the piano live. This is a gift to fans! If you're not a fan, what are you reading this for? If you are, pick it up today. This is so exhaustive, it even features interviews with Alan Parsons, who had more than a casual role in the shaping of "Dark Side". No Floyd collection is complete without this.
the strengths totally out-weigh the couple of flaws in this look at a masterpiece
Quinoa198426 August 2005
Dark Side of the Moon, for some, is like having the bible- you may not even touch it that much while its there in your house, but it might be a comfort that it is. Like only a handful of albums I can think of, Pink Floyd's immeasurably successful Dark Side of the Moon has been bought probably by more people than any other album since Louis Armstrong's peak in the 30's. It had the stream of consciousness effect that goes beyond surrealism, just into the realm of the unknown, and that plus its themes, played phenomenally to what its core audience was at the time (of the late 60's people, who remembered very freshly the days of the brilliantly insane Syd Barrett). But like all timeless pieces of music (I'm not sure if it's comparable to the great classical masterpieces of Mozart and Bach and Stravinski, but some may want to), it outlasts the sort of 'period' appeal; it was many years ahead of its time, leaping off on the possibilities of electronics and synthesizers that got its first grounding by Townsend with Who's Next. And like most works of art, its totally open to interpretation- a wild dream, a science-fiction parable (I would almost compare it to Jimi Hendrix's Are You Experienced as one of the all-time champions of a kind of sci-fi rock of sorts), a fusion of blues and "progressive rock"? And it contains some of Floyd's best songs; my personal favorites are "Us & Them", "Time", and "The Great Gig in the Sky", the later of which doesn't seem to get as much airplay as the rest of the album, but is as emotional (i.e. goosebumps) to listen to as an aria would be for an Opera lover.
But one could go on and on talking and analyzing the album. Here, we have another in the series of "classic album" videos, here with all of the original members of the Dark Side sessions in interviews. We get from Roger Waters details on how the album's themes came to him and how he would start off the recording process with demos. Then, with Alan Parsons as their sort of 'technical adviser', they leaped off into just any territory they could go; this was a logical progression from their previous work, Meddle. One interesting anecdote for me is that Michelangelo Antonioni, who used some of Floyd's songs for his one and only American film Zabriskie Point (with the unforgettable ending featuring "Careful with that Axe, Eugene). Although it is a downer that Antonioni didn't know the great song at his feet they presented "Us & Them", Waters' imitation of Antonioni's response after first hearing it is amusing. We also get the original members playing parts of the songs (as is expected with these specials), and going through and taking apart the songs track by track. This is engrossing even if you're not much of a Floyd fan- to see how these different parts came together, notably the blue-collar and random voices on some tracks- is to see how music changed radically in the 70's.
My one complaint about the special, as is with the other 'classic albums' specials I think, is that we don't get at least one full performance. We get samplings of "Us & Them" (with some good accompanying music-video type footage here and there) and "Money", but nothing really complete. In a way I liked more so how the Dark Side sessions were covered in the 1972 film Live at Pompeii, where the band were still recording the album and still laying down tracks, there you heard complete sections as the band played individually in looping. Here its more nostalgic in the interviews, and not as imaginative "it's like, extensions of our heads", David Gilmour once said. If only it were a little more complete unto itself. Still, this is a minor squabble, and it shouldn't interfere with any Floyd fan, or maybe just curious music fan, to check it out. The extras on the DVD version are also memorable, more Waters musings, and a few more musical bits. One thing that can be said, they don't make em' like this anymore.
But one could go on and on talking and analyzing the album. Here, we have another in the series of "classic album" videos, here with all of the original members of the Dark Side sessions in interviews. We get from Roger Waters details on how the album's themes came to him and how he would start off the recording process with demos. Then, with Alan Parsons as their sort of 'technical adviser', they leaped off into just any territory they could go; this was a logical progression from their previous work, Meddle. One interesting anecdote for me is that Michelangelo Antonioni, who used some of Floyd's songs for his one and only American film Zabriskie Point (with the unforgettable ending featuring "Careful with that Axe, Eugene). Although it is a downer that Antonioni didn't know the great song at his feet they presented "Us & Them", Waters' imitation of Antonioni's response after first hearing it is amusing. We also get the original members playing parts of the songs (as is expected with these specials), and going through and taking apart the songs track by track. This is engrossing even if you're not much of a Floyd fan- to see how these different parts came together, notably the blue-collar and random voices on some tracks- is to see how music changed radically in the 70's.
My one complaint about the special, as is with the other 'classic albums' specials I think, is that we don't get at least one full performance. We get samplings of "Us & Them" (with some good accompanying music-video type footage here and there) and "Money", but nothing really complete. In a way I liked more so how the Dark Side sessions were covered in the 1972 film Live at Pompeii, where the band were still recording the album and still laying down tracks, there you heard complete sections as the band played individually in looping. Here its more nostalgic in the interviews, and not as imaginative "it's like, extensions of our heads", David Gilmour once said. If only it were a little more complete unto itself. Still, this is a minor squabble, and it shouldn't interfere with any Floyd fan, or maybe just curious music fan, to check it out. The extras on the DVD version are also memorable, more Waters musings, and a few more musical bits. One thing that can be said, they don't make em' like this anymore.
An Insider's Look at a Cross-Generational Masterpiece
drqshadow-reviews27 June 2011
One thing I've come to understand about the members of Pink Floyd is that they can go off on some seriously screwed up, self-important stream of consciousness rants and raves when left unchecked, but under the eye of an efficient editor they come across as unbridled geniuses. Live in Pompeii is a startling example of the former, with the drugged-out bandmates going on and on about themselves like a real-life version of Spinal Tap, while this brief almost-hour-long documentary is evidence of the latter. Interspersing the best nuggets of the band's commentary with insightful sound bytes from critics, peers and the men behind the soundboard during taping makes for a winning combination that had me falling in love with this classic album all over again. Roger Waters is especially moving in his careful explanation of the themes and lyrics behind "Time," and there's something hypnotic about watching David Gilmour lovingly recreate the guitar solo from same song without any backing musicians. A magical, magnificent look at one of my favorite albums; my only complaint is that it wasn't any longer.
Brilliant
miranb10 December 2010
The series Classic Albums, despite the generic name, really stands out among simple music documentaries. They're no feature films, but they're fantastic for what they are. This - Pink Floyd - is my favourite of the series. In this documentary, members of the band and crew involved in Dark Side Of The Moon pull apart and put back together each song, recalling the process and meaning of each. This documentary is very very well-made, and demonstrates the striking beauty that we all hear in Dark Side Of The Moon. The album was carefully crafted, just brilliant- the documentary is a must for any Floyd fan.
According to Wiki, the DVD contains a few full acoustic performances and more - I streamed from Netflix so I missed that. Oh well.
According to Wiki, the DVD contains a few full acoustic performances and more - I streamed from Netflix so I missed that. Oh well.
The most influential album of the century
blackmamba999713 February 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Dark side of the moon, an album of sheer genius, which has caused an uproar in the music industry today. At first glance, the album itself was more of a theatrical piece than a music show. When Syd Barret was abolished from the group in 68' David Gilmour was the brought in to cushion the blow when it came to creating new sounds. Paired with Roger Waters who wrote the lyrics along with Gilmour gave the industry a push into the future.
Whatever the song from the album is played, and when ever someone listens intently to each song, one could think that the tracks do not fit into any kind of any era. In fact each song was intricately written in such way that none of the album has any place in one particular decade. This kind of writing is purely genius. They all fit into any era that arrives which gives the younger generation something to listen to. At least for those who love rock and roll instead of the mainstream songs of today.
It is sad to see new groups using loop programs to fit their life on stage when they sing songs either about their lives coming from nothing, to drugs or sex, or MMA or I-pods, and X-boxes. Loosely given songs which have no meaning at all. Pink Floyd went beyond all of the media hype when they brought out Dark Side Of The Moon utilizing instruments that gave the album its magical content.
I feel that music today is nothing compared to this source of inspiration. Bands of today slack off using loops, as well as prerecorded music which is kept hidden from the audience. And it is no wonder why most groups do not keep alive after two or three years of fame. Dark Side Of The Moon never left the charts for nearly 25 years of success. And even when it did, the residual singles stayed on for another 1750 weeks.
Making this album the only one in music history to do it. No other album in recent or past years has ever matched Pink Floyd's success like that. With the album, and movie The Wall it cemented their careers completely as the all time group of the century. Platinum after platinum single albums to multiples, and beyond. Although they do not tour anymore for either family or age reasons, it does not hinder the younger generation who do love instrument playing and how to show the audience what playing real music is all about.
Since the inception of Dark Side Of The Moon, and The Wall.. Pink Floyd has shown that versatility towards music could be about anything, from politics, to feelings or moods in our stages of life. What ever they sing about it is not just for one particular stage for youths, it is about everything we hate or love, or even think of. Quite the imaginative corner stone to our time. RIP Richard Wright. And to Syd Barret who left this earth in 2008.
Whatever the song from the album is played, and when ever someone listens intently to each song, one could think that the tracks do not fit into any kind of any era. In fact each song was intricately written in such way that none of the album has any place in one particular decade. This kind of writing is purely genius. They all fit into any era that arrives which gives the younger generation something to listen to. At least for those who love rock and roll instead of the mainstream songs of today.
It is sad to see new groups using loop programs to fit their life on stage when they sing songs either about their lives coming from nothing, to drugs or sex, or MMA or I-pods, and X-boxes. Loosely given songs which have no meaning at all. Pink Floyd went beyond all of the media hype when they brought out Dark Side Of The Moon utilizing instruments that gave the album its magical content.
I feel that music today is nothing compared to this source of inspiration. Bands of today slack off using loops, as well as prerecorded music which is kept hidden from the audience. And it is no wonder why most groups do not keep alive after two or three years of fame. Dark Side Of The Moon never left the charts for nearly 25 years of success. And even when it did, the residual singles stayed on for another 1750 weeks.
Making this album the only one in music history to do it. No other album in recent or past years has ever matched Pink Floyd's success like that. With the album, and movie The Wall it cemented their careers completely as the all time group of the century. Platinum after platinum single albums to multiples, and beyond. Although they do not tour anymore for either family or age reasons, it does not hinder the younger generation who do love instrument playing and how to show the audience what playing real music is all about.
Since the inception of Dark Side Of The Moon, and The Wall.. Pink Floyd has shown that versatility towards music could be about anything, from politics, to feelings or moods in our stages of life. What ever they sing about it is not just for one particular stage for youths, it is about everything we hate or love, or even think of. Quite the imaginative corner stone to our time. RIP Richard Wright. And to Syd Barret who left this earth in 2008.
Good Look at the Classic Album
Michael_Elliott8 March 2012
Classic Albums: Pink Floyd - The Making of 'The Dark Side of the Moon' (2003)
*** 1/2 (out of 4)
Pink Floyd members Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Richard Wright and Nick Mason are all on hand giving interviews about the making of their classic 1973 album, which spent a record 741 consecutive weeks on Billboard's charts. This 49-minute documentary takes a look at the making of the film as the musicians go through each song explaining how they came to be as well as talking about original versions or alternate takes. Some of the best moments come from Waters playing alternate versions including a blues version of "Money" which sounds terrific. Even if you're not a fan of the album I don't see how anyone could listen to it and not be curious about how it was made. The album is certainly one of the greatest ever made but it's so magical that you really do wonder how anyone could create such an item and especially with the type of technology they had during that era. The four musicians talk about the recording process and we also get to hear from some of the sound technicians, mic mixers and others. Journalists Nigel Williamson, David Fricke and Robert Sandall also offer up their comments on the album as a whole and individual songs. Fans of Pink Floyd are certainly going to be entertained by all of these stories and it's great hearing the process of what it took to get the album recorded and released.
*** 1/2 (out of 4)
Pink Floyd members Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Richard Wright and Nick Mason are all on hand giving interviews about the making of their classic 1973 album, which spent a record 741 consecutive weeks on Billboard's charts. This 49-minute documentary takes a look at the making of the film as the musicians go through each song explaining how they came to be as well as talking about original versions or alternate takes. Some of the best moments come from Waters playing alternate versions including a blues version of "Money" which sounds terrific. Even if you're not a fan of the album I don't see how anyone could listen to it and not be curious about how it was made. The album is certainly one of the greatest ever made but it's so magical that you really do wonder how anyone could create such an item and especially with the type of technology they had during that era. The four musicians talk about the recording process and we also get to hear from some of the sound technicians, mic mixers and others. Journalists Nigel Williamson, David Fricke and Robert Sandall also offer up their comments on the album as a whole and individual songs. Fans of Pink Floyd are certainly going to be entertained by all of these stories and it's great hearing the process of what it took to get the album recorded and released.
Wokmanlike, but effective
Phil_Chester26 July 2019
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