A Balanced Review of Roger Waters’ “The Dark Side of the Moon Redux” Super Deluxe Edition
Roger Waters has once again divided opinion with his ambitious reinterpretation of Pink Floyd’s legendary album, “The Dark Side of the Moon.” Initially released in 2023, “The Dark Side of the Moon Redux” elicited strong reactions, with many longtime fans either outright rejecting or passionately embracing Waters’ reflective and deeply personal revisitation of this iconic material.
In the newly released Super Deluxe Edition box set, limited to just 3,000 copies, Waters offers fans a lavish and meticulously curated experience. Containing a gold vinyl edition of the studio album, the live album “The Dark Side of the Moon Redux: Live at the London Palladium,” four etched 10-inch vinyl singles, a 40-page book of photographs, and perhaps most intriguingly, a Blu-ray featuring a Dolby Atmos mix and an exclusive track-by-track interview with Waters himself, this box set feels tailored specifically for the dedicated and deep-pocketed fan.
In reviewing the contents, I found the standout feature to be the in-depth video interview with Roger Waters. Waters’ insights into the creative choices and emotional motivations behind revisiting this classic were enlightening, providing much-needed context that was largely absent from the album’s initial reception. Had this video been released separately before the original Redux album, it may have significantly altered fan reception, giving skeptics a compelling reason to listen with fresh ears and deeper understanding.
However, not everything in the set feels equally essential. The inclusion of the four single-track, etched 10-inch vinyl records feels somewhat superfluous, particularly given that the tracks are already featured on the full album. Likewise, the absence of a printed lyric book or transcription of Waters’ insightful interview seems like a missed opportunity, one that would have greatly enhanced the overall package and justified the substantial £230 price tag.
Who is this box set for? Primarily, it’s for those who attended Waters’ live performances and experienced the Redux in person, or those deeply engaged by Waters’ artistic vision. Casual listeners or fans already skeptical of the Redux project will find little here to change their minds.
Ultimately, “The Dark Side of the Moon Redux” Super Deluxe Edition succeeds most profoundly when it allows Waters himself to explain his vision. His reflections transform the album from a controversial reinterpretation into a heartfelt artistic exploration that genuinely deepens appreciation for the original work.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
