The Dark Side Of The Woot
Monday, November 7, 2011
It’s not an anniversary or anything, it’s just something Scott was thinking about over the weekend. So many different bands have done tributes to Pink Floyd’s Dark Side Of The Moon (because it’s an amazing album). But would it be possible to assemble a decent blog-mix to recreate the record without using any artist twice? Well, it turns out the answer is yes. After the jump, you’ll find Dark Side of the Moon recreated entirely from covers. Hope you enjoy.
Oh, yeah, and despite being played constantly on regular FM radio sensitive types should be reminded that Dark Side Of The Moon contains a few NSFW potty-mouth moments. You know, that part in “Money” where they say… yeah, exactly. If your boss doesn’t know which one is Pink, don’t come inside during business hours. Everybody else, see you there…
Track One: Speak To Me by Pink Floyd (Dark Side Of The Moon, Remastered Edition)
I’d like to say that I chose this to pay tribute to the original, but the truth is no other link had this song by itself. It’s barely even a song, but the lead-in is a famous part of the record, so I couldn’t bring myself to skip over it. You’ll all forgive me, won’t you?
Track Two: Breathe by The Flaming Lips (Dark Side Of The Moon, 2009)
I’m not a huge Flaming Lips fan, but I really enjoy how they keep to the traditions of the original while also making the sound completely their own. Of all the bands in this mix, the Lips are probably the closest to what Pink Floyd was and is, so maybe that’s why they do this song such justice.
Track Three: On The Run by The Squirrels (The Not-So-Bright-Side of the Moon, 2000)
Seattle band The Squirrels were known for having fun with their music, and they’re on the road less traveled with this cover. From the lawnmower sounds to the brief conversation about how “the girl didn’t show up” it’s clear nobody’s taking the project too seriously. Considering how many prog-heads treat Floyd like a religious experience, dare I say a goofy version is refreshing?
Track Four: Time by Khades (The Dark Side of the Moon: The 8-bit Album)
What do you think? Makes me want to start playing Syd Barrett In The Mushroom Kingdom or somesuch. Using the familiar 8-bit sound from classic video games, Khades has made something new out of a song we can all probably hum in our sleep. PS: follow that link up there to get the whole 8-bit album for free via their site.
Track Five: The Great Gig In The Sky by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Plays the Hits of Pink Floyd, 1996)
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s Plays the Hits of Pink Floyd is, of course, a tribute to all of Pink Floyd’s career and not just Dark Side of the Moon. But those horns make this track too pretty to gloss over. Usually a rock band turning to an orchestra is the kiss of death for cool, but here they’re using a track that was an instrumental in the first place, so what’s the harm?
Track Six: Money by The Easy Star All Stars, Alchemist Remix (Dubber Side Of The Moon, 2010)
The Easy Star All Stars have an original cover where lighters, bong hits and coughing replace the cash registers and change. But in the remix I’ve chosen, producer The Alchemist wipes out the fun and dives straight into some sinister dub cave full of wobbly bass. The echoing reggae beats fit perfectly with the style of Floyd’s original, very respectful to where it began while still taking risks that I think pay off very well. At the risk of being hated by classic rock fans… I prefer this Money over Pink Floyd’s.
Please, not in the face.
Track Seven: Us and Them by Phish (Dark Side of the Moon, 1998?)
Phish fans can correct me if this isn’t from Halloween 1998, but that’s the best date I could find. Phish is one of those bands not everyone likes, but even the haters gotta admit: jazzy rock very much plays to the band’s strength. They’re talented musicians, and they nail the balance between jam session and meticulous perfection a song like this requires. It’s good stuff.
Track Eight: Any Colour You Like by Dream Theater (Dark Side Of The Moon, 2005)
Yeah, here you go, proggy lovers. This is my apology if you felt insulted earlier. Dream Theater’s one of those bands where everyone is so good that they can just kinda explore the world of sound. Too bad that wandering can often scare people away. On this song, though, we all know what’s coming and we feel a little more stable as they take the scenic route. That means John Petrucci gets to show us what he can really do. He’s not overly flashy about it, is he? But he sure gets that mother done.
Track Nine: Brain Damage by Mary Fahl (From The Dark Side of the Moon, 2011)
And it’s right back the other way, with this stripped down production-free cover. This acoustic version isn’t actually on Mary Fahl’s new record, but I had to share it with you guys, because how often does someone do acoustic Pink Floyd? Not counting the guy sitting on the balcony outside of your dorm room, I mean.
Unfortunately for me, the video doesn’t stop before “All that you touch” so if you’re a purist, pause her at about the 3:20 mark and immediately swap over to…
Track Ten: Eclipse by Poor Man’s Whiskey (Dark Side of the Moonshine, 2009)
Blue Floyd? Pinkgrass? Name it whatever you want, this is a pretty sweet cover. Hearing Floyd on a banjo also drives home how Dark Side of the Moon isn’t just a bunch of studio tricks and stoner-friendly solos, it’s actually ten fantastic songs which also include studio tricks and stoner-friendly solos. You can’t really say that about Piper At The Gates Of Dawn or Momentary Lapse Of Reason or even Roger Water’s never-ending money machine The Wall. Probably that’s why Dark Side of the Moon is still so beloved by everyone, from DJs to college kids to Internet blog readers to people who just feel like playing covers.
Disagree with the choices? Mad we skipped an artist? Offended we didn’t name check Alan Parsons? Thinking of buying a football team? Use your constitutional right to tell Scott off in the comments below! He really does wish you were here.
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