Customer Reviews

Return to Dark Side of Moon: Trib Pink Floyd

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It is always tempting to return to an iconic artistic statement. This may be good in the case of Johnny Cash taking on the Eagles, Beatles, or Trent Reznor. Pink Floyd, however, didn't just write great songs. They also made an art out of recording and production. This means that to simply record a Pink Floyd tune misses the point. To approach this material requires a rethinking of the entire process--catch the Easy Star All-Stars and the brilliant "Dub Side of the Moon"--or lots of youthful energy and passion--try Les Claypool doing "Animals."

In the case of this album, neither innovation or passion saves the day. Each of the tracks is a more or less faithful re-creation of the original. The problems multiply as various and often famous musicians provide competent but often uninspired and even self-serving rehash.

First, The Good:
"Us and Them:" John Wetton provides a world-weary vocal, Scotty Page provides that breathy sax sound, and Pat Mastelotto nails the loping, understated, and almost awkward rhythms of Nick Mason. If your going to do a copy, this is the way you should do it. All the musicians seem more interested in furthering the process than in making themselves sound good.
"Brain Damage" and "Eclipse:" The famous ending tracks feel freshly painted and right on. Credit vocalists Colin Moulding and Billy Sherwood, drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, keyboardist Geoff Downes, guitarist Robby Krieger, and the rest for a truly fabulous reading.

Next, The Indifferent:
"Money" has always been proof that the Pink could groove. Indeed, it wasn't until I listened to this remake that I realized how difficult Pink Floyd's particular groove was to achieve. Bill Bruford is a great drummer but he plays only his own groove and doesn't fit into the pocket of others. Tonly Levin, also a great player, doesn't lock down Water's bass part. Boring. "Any Colour You Like" is ruined by Steve Porcaro turning it into a jam band song. Pink Floyd was never a jam band, a fact that many subsequent bands have forgotten.

Finally, The Truly Terrible:
"Speak to Me" suffers from the disasterous choices of Jeff Baxter and Alan White. Guitarist Baxter's pedal steel solo meanders where it should sing. Listen to the brilliant Gilmour original. Drummer Alan White turns a minimalist, floating groove into an unpleasant shuffle.
"Time" makes the whole thing worse as Alan White turns the famous Nick Mason tom solo into an overplayed, poorly-timed, riff-fest. The rest of the song never settles down into anything that is easy to listen to. It's funny how the Pink were always accused of being unable to play their instruments.
"The Great Gig in the Sky" is the worst mess of all. Rick Wakeman, one of my heros, turns in a solo that should have been left on the cutting floor. There is no logic, structure, reason, or investment in the track, sadly. C.C. White has a range I can't even imagine but she's just scatting along as if she's never heard the track. I have laid down plenty of tracks that sounded like these two and I would be embarrassed if any of them saw the light of day. Clare Torry's incredible vocal is missed here.

All in all: For musicians this is almost a necessary recording. It is important to know why things don't work. I have listened to this cd around 15 times since I bought it, trying to learn the lesson. The rest of you should just forget it. Try Les Claypool and The Easy Star All-Stars, instead.

I love this music (cd) but it's not as perfect as the original version of Pink Floyd's Darkside of the Moon but I enjoy listening to the tribute very much... for all Pink Floyd fans out there I reccomend buying this cd and also buy the Back against the wall.. tribute to Floyd's The Wall another great buy and very enjoyable to listen to everytime!!!

Most of these covers are fun. Return to the Dark Side of the Moon: A Tribute to Pink Floyd is worth a listen if you appreciate this classic album. Some of my favorite aspects of these wonderful songs are notably missing, but there are some interesting reinterpretations from talented artists.

What an all-star line-up and probably a great deal of fun to do. Imitation, the sincerest form of flattery. I personally love it, to hear a different take on an album that I have owned 3 vinyl copies of plus cassette due to wearing them out from infinite plays.

Very cool.

Return To The Dark Side Of The Moon

Purple Pyramid / Cleopatra Records

**** Stars


The first questions you would ask would be, "Why do this?" and "Why attempt to add to perfection?" The answer is simple. Out of an enduring respect and admiration for one of the greatest albums ever recorded. With an ensemble cast that could rival any of the Live Aid concerts, Billy Sherwood has created a new masterpiece out of the inspired interpretations of his starring guests. From the opening voice over by Malcolm McDowell to the closing heartbeat on "Eclipse", "Return to The Dark Side of The Moon" is filled with standout performances and added nuance. Imagine if you will, Tommy Shaw, Edgar Winter and Bill Bruford on "Money",

"The Great Gig in the Sky" with Rick Wakeman's precious, waterfall piano work and you get the idea how special a project this actually is. The artists stay very true to the original structure of these Roger Waters classics but add just enough of their own personalities to make this trip back to the moon and back in time more than worth while.

Close your eyes and rediscover this classic record with the musical visions and contributions of Robby Krieger, Jeff" Skunk" Baxter, Adrian Belew, Tony Kaye, Peter Banks, Robben Ford, C.C. White, David Sancious, Dweezil Zappa, Geoff Downes, Tony Levin, Steve Howe, John Wetton and of course, Billy Sherwood.


~ Matt Parish