A Piece For Assorted Lunatics

The Dark Side Of The Moon.

All my friends in school had it, and I borrowed it many, many times.  I've owned various CD masters, but this is the first time I've had a vinyl copy of my own. 

Like the 30th Anniversary reissue from 2003 that was in print until earlier this year, EMI continues to include the same reproductions of the posters and stickers from the original 1973 issue.  The stick-on front is updated, and the exclusive 30th Anni poster changed to a new exclusive poster. 

Unlike the 30th Anniversary pressing, which was remastered from the original tapes by Doug Sax and James Guthrie, and cut from analog by Kevin Gray at AcousTech in '03, this 2011 US pressing is cut by Doug Sax from his own new digital master.  Pressed at Optimal Media Production in Germany, only the EU pressing is labeled as a digital remaster.  The US pressing is by Rainbo Records in Los Angeles CA- and not labeled as digital.  Neither pressing facilities are regarded highly by audiophiles, and pressing quality reviews are very mixed, as were the 30th Anniversary pressing.

I haven't confirmed it with a scale yet, but I'm pretty sure my copy is heavier than 180 grams, look how thick this record is, and yes that is a chip in the edge (does not effect play).  Some copies are square cut edges like mine, and some are beveled, which has caused forum speculation that more than one facility is pressing this for the US.

Included are 3 full-sized posters, 2 stickers and download card. The front panel is also a sticker but only attached to the cover with two gel tacks.  Black paper sleeve for US, black poly-lined sleeve for EU.


The iconic album cover is re-imagined in liquid psychedelia (above) by original cover artist and long-time Pink Floyd artist Storm Thorgerson for this editions exclusive 3rd poster. Both posters from the original 1973 issue are perfectly reproduced (below), as are the 2 stickers and gatefold jacket.

Pictured at right are the contents of the 30th Anniversary issue, pressed in the Netherlands. Photo is a variation from an online source I'm trying to find again for proper credit.

Pink Floyd online. Facebook.
Why Pink Floyd Reissue Campaign.
Storm Thorgerson online.
Rainbo Records.
Optimal Media Production.