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Abbey Road Studios gets protected historical status

Posted by madhack on Feb 23, 2010

A lot of rumors have been flying about EMI potentially selling the famous studios at 3 Abbey Road due to their financial woes. While the company has recently denied plans to sell the most famous studio in the world (recording site of 12 albums by the Beatles, not to mention 7 Floyd albums), the UK has taken action to provide some measure of protection to the studios, giving it a historical listing for its "outstanding cultural interest". As the BBC notes, this doesn't prevent current or future owners from making changes but does require respect for the "character" of the site.


Dark Side popping up in more unexpected places

Posted by madhack on Feb 17, 2010

It's already been reported on many other sites, but since I'm posting, it's worth mentioning here: the Vatican's weekly newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, recently named its "semi-serious" top 10 rock albums (article chosen for being among the least silly on the subject). Third on the list: Dark Side of the Moon.

In possibly stranger news, John Lydon (better known as Johnny Rotten of The Sex Pistols) claims he would love to cover the album. It's an interesting stance from someone whose fashion statements have included an "I hate Pink Floyd" t-shirtalthough, in fairness, that was over 30 years ago.


DSOTM at Bonnaroo

Posted by madhack on Feb 10, 2010

It's been widely reported already, but today the Bonnaroo music festival in Manchester, TN announced their lineups, making it official: The Flaming Lips will perform Dark Side of the Moon.


Mojo Magazine on Syd Barrett

Posted by madhack on Feb 4, 2010

The latest Mojo Magazine cover features Floyd founder Syd Barrett. Along with this are a number of pieces online regarding Syd, including a look at his best tracks and a contest (open to UK readers only, sadly). The print edition also includes The Madcap Laughs Again, a cover of Barrett's debut solo album (though, since I haven't seen or heard it, I can't confirm that the track listing is identical).

2010 marks 40 years since Syd's two solo studio recordings were released.


Dark Side cover released

Posted by madhack on Dec 23, 2009

The Flaming Lips' cover of Dark Side of the Moon has been released and is available on iTunes.


Is Roger Waters Considering Touring "The Wall" in 2010/2011?

Posted by alb on Dec 4, 2009

The rumors have been appearing on various websites for many months, but now there has been confirmation that Roger Waters is "considering touring The Wall in 2010/2011". These words come directly from Roger Waters' manager. Over at REG, The International Roger Wates Fan Club, there is an additional statement from Mr. Waters' manager:

"We'll keep you posted as to the tour when everything is confirmed."

Now, to me, that sounds a little more promising!


Dark Side of the Moon back on the Billboard Top 200

Posted by madhack on Dec 3, 2009

As many Floyd fans know, Dark Side of the Moon holds the record for the longest time spent on Billboard's Top 200 albums chart741 weeks, ending only when Billboard stopped putting catalogue releases on that chart.

A few months ago (and partially in response to skewed chart figures when Michael Jackson catalogue sales spiked after his death), Billboard announced that they would reverse that policy.

As a result of the change, the best rock album ever has reentered the Billboard Top 200 for a 742nd week at number 189. Let's hope it lasts another 14 years.


The Flaming Lips performing

Posted by madhack on Dec 3, 2009

According to numerous media outlets (including Rolling Stone), The Flaming Lips will be performing Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" at the stroke of midnight, January 1, 2010 in Oklahoma City.

The Rolling Stone article goes on to note that the band's previously-announced cover of DSotM has already been recorded and may be released exclusively via iTunes.


Lost 1967 performance found

Posted by madhack on Dec 3, 2009

According to Spinner (via Mojo), a copy of the BBC's "Top of the Pops" show from 1967 featuring Pink Floyd (with Syd Barrett) has been discovered in a private collection. The British Film Institute has partially restored the film and will be shown at the "Missing Believed Wiped" event on January 9 in London.

For those wondering how this was lost in the first place: Up until the 1970s or sometimes even '80s, many networks had a habit of reusing or throwing away tapes. In the BBC's case, this has led to searches for old footage of shows like "Top of the Pops" and "Doctor Who" which would have some cultural significance today.


The Flaming Lips to record "Dark Side of the Moon"

Posted by madhack on Oct 16, 2009

The psychedelic, Floyd-inspired Flaming Lips plan to record their own interpretation of the seminal album "Dark Side of the Moon". The list of guest artists includes spoken-word artist (and sometimes metal/punk singer) Henry Rollins and electronic artist Peaches, suggesting that this will not be a note-for-note cover.

It will be interesting to see where Floyd fans fall on this one, given the potential for controversy over such an idea and the overlap between the bands' fan bases.


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