Roger Waters’ “Dark Side of the Moon Redux”:
This could be the ultimate Marmite album. But then again …. Leave all your preconceptions of the other DSOTM at the door!
Roger Waters, the iconic name associated with Pink Floyd, has released a new version of the legendary album, “Dark Side of the Moon” titled “Dark Side of the Moon Redux”. This review is solely about the music, the artist, and the new rendition of this classic album.
Background and Personal Connection:
“Dark Side of the Moon” holds a special place in my heart. My original copy from 1973 has been with me since school days. I remember getting it during a holiday after a minor accident, a gift from my parents. This album was a sensation, even parents were buying it to test their stereos. The posters that came with it adorned my bedroom walls, and the stickers found their way to my exercise books. Over the years, I’ve collected various editions of this album, from the 21st-anniversary edition on CD to the giant box with marbles.
The Redux Edition:
The cover of the Redux edition is unsettling, with lyrics inscribed inside the vinyl version. The vinyl itself is a striking orange. The CD version is similar, but there’s a distinct difference when it comes to side 4, which I’ll delve into later.
The album starts familiarly with the heartbeat, but soon, differences emerge. Waters’ spoken monologues, reminiscent of Leonard Cohen, dominate many tracks. “Breathe” has been tweaked, “On the Run” is vastly different, and “Time” is more sparse without the iconic guitar solo. “Us and Them” and “Any Color You Like” are closer to the originals and are some of the highlights of this version. “Brain Damage” and “Eclipse” also work well with Waters’ new interpretation.
The vinyl version has an intriguing side 4, not present in the CD version. It’s a 20-minute ambient recording, capturing the sounds of the outskirts of a city with dogs barking, airplanes, trains, and even Waters tinkering with a piano. It’s an experimental touch, reminiscent of Pink Floyd’s playful nature.
Final Thoughts:
Listening to this new version requires letting go of preconceptions. It’s challenging to separate from the original when you’ve lived with it for 50 years. However, if you can, there’s a fresh experience awaiting you. Waters, now approaching 80, seems to be reflecting on his past, looking at his younger self through the lens of time. This album feels like a conversation between the 29-year-old Waters who wrote the original and the 79-year-old Waters of today.
While the original “Dark Side of the Moon” will always be a masterpiece, this Redux edition offers a different, introspective journey. It might not be for everyone, but it’s a bold reimagining that warrants multiple listens.
So, what do you think of Roger Waters’ “Dark Side of the Moon Redux”? Let’s discuss.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
