The Dark Side Ain't So Bad

It always happens when I fall into one of those sentimental ruts. In my haste to justify the constant brooding I rush out and buy a vast array of music from tortured souls.
But apart from the unfortunate side effect of moping constantly for the foreseeable future, it never fails to supply me with something delicious to add to my collection.

And this such time, I found a little gem by the name of The Dark Side of the Moon. No, I haven't been hidden in a cave for the last 30 years and only just discovered Pink Floyd's masterpiece. In fact, I'm not even 30 years old yet, so that would be nigh on impossible and quite a stupid thing to even consider in the first place.

I did, however, pick up the remake of Dark Side of the Moon performed by The Flaming Lips, Stardeath and White Dwarfs, Henry Rollins and Peaches.

Now clearly I was a bit apprehensive about this at first, considering I didn't think there was much wrong the original. But I figured with Flaming Lips and Henry Rollins playing a part, it must have some pretty interesting and cooky things happening in there.

My first impression was 'wow!' So I gave it another listen. Same result second time. I was satisfied I'd made the right choice.
The amazing thing about this album is it adds a whole new dimension to that original sound and modernizes it, so to speak.


The whole sound is chunkier in general with a whole bunch of different effects being used. Though that's not to say it doesn't have it's fair share of soft melodies. Time/Breathe is extremely poignant and really emphasizes the message in the lyrics.


The opening track, Speak to Me, completely sets the scene for the feel of the rest of the album, and it's a bloody good feeling!


What I like most about this remake though, is that it's not just a copy of the original. The whole album has been shook up (Thank you. I am aware that's grammatically incorrect).

There are new musical ideas added to songs, new vocal and guitar effects and certain parts taken out or changed from the original.

Henry Rollins does what he does best and rants his way throughout the album. Perfect choice really. He really does that crazy guy act well.

This album definitely stands in it's own right. These guys have brought so much more to the remake and really made it their own.
While it is unmistakably Dark Side of the Moon, there are just so many new ideas and it's such a different take on an amazing classic.

And, like the original, you can't just listen to one song and make your mind up about it. You really need to sit through the whole thing for it to all make sense. In many ways it's a masterpiece in it's own right.

As you may have guessed from my gushing, I'm quite a fan. It really is something else and you will be hard pressed to find another remake that brings something completely new to the table like this one.

Of course, for all you die hard Floyd purists out there this may very well be the biggest load of shit you've ever heard due to the vast difference in the sound and feel.
But I say to you, you're pretentious, much too precious and quite frankly should be lining up out the front of the Apple store to buy the latest thing they told you that you need in order to live. In other words, you're a knob.

Do yourself a favour and buy the album. I did and even in my sentimental mood I got excited!

And if you want to see a Flaming Lips/Stardeath and White Dwarf playing a song from the album, check out below. I believe this was in Oklahoma City. Enjoy!