THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

Well, unsuprisingly this is one of the most reviewed albums on the website, and for good reason. The albums immense popularity calls for many people to claim it overrated, but I've never really felt that about this album.

There may not be any huge 10 min + epics, constantly switching time signatures or big arrays of instruments here, but there are a couple of things, besides the incredible songwriting that make this a masterpiece for me.

Firstly, the way in which the album covers many moods (Mellow, Tense, Beautiful, Powerful, Hard Rocking, Psychadelic) yet maintains unity through the use of melodic sound effects (musique concrete) to the spoken word sections, the saxophone and most especially the gospel style backing vocals.

Secondly, the restraint shown. Theres very little flashy, fast playing, and each member of the band gets their moments, Mason's atmospheric drums in the intro to Time, Wright's keyboards in Great Gig, Gilmour's amazing solos in Money and Time, Water's bass intro to Money, Parry's amazing sax & the stunning improved vocals by Clare Torry. The writing is tight and all the songs flow well without becoming overblown or overlong.

Speak to Me/Breathe (9/10) On the Run (9/10) Time (10/10) The Great Gig in the Sky (10/10) Money (10/10) Us and Them (10/10) Any Colour You Like (9/10) Brain Damage (9/10) Eclipse (9/10)

Without question, five stars.