Original editions of Dark Side of the Moon feature a black gatefold cover with a slightly dark bluish tinge with a single-side opening and a die-cut black poly-lined inner sleeve. Also included are two posters – one with a blue pyramid motif, the other with photographs of the individual band members in landscape-format – as well as two stickers featuring abstract coloured drawings. The LP itself, bearing the A-2/B-2 matrix stamps, has black labels with plain light blue prisms and silver lettering. It is one of the most famous, popular and best-selling rock albums in the world.
The recordings for this groundbreaking album took place between June 1972 and January 1973 at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, produced by the band. They were assisted by the British musician Alan Parsons and Brian Humphries as sound engineers. Guest musicians included the saxophonist Dick Parry, the singer Clare Torry, as well as Doris Troy, Leslie Duncan, Liza Strike and Barry St. John providing backing vocals. Roger Waters wrote all the lyrics. It was released in the summer of 1973 as their eighth album, featuring the famous, pioneering cover design by Hipgnosis. The British first pressings in top condition on the Harvest label (SHVL 804) are in extremely high demand worldwide and are therefore considered valuable collector’s items today. The other Pink Floyd album in this globally unique vinyl LP collection is A Saucerful Of Secrets.
