Music book new: 'Pink Floyd and the Dark Side of the Moon: 50 Years'

Read about one of the best-selling albums ever on the 50th anniversary of its release with a new slipcased edition due February 14 through Motorbooks/Quarto Group.

Veteran rock critic Martin Popoff exploring each of Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon tracks and their themes of madness, anxiety, and alienation.

Chapters cover: The state of Pink Floyd as of 1972, with special emphasis on deposed founder Syd Barrett; The recording sessions at famed Abbey Road Studios, including techniques used and the roles of personnel such as engineer Alan Parsons; Song-by-song studies of each album side, including analyses of lyrics and the guitars, drums, keyboards, and synthesizers employed by members David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright; The art and packaging created by design firm Hipgnosis and its founder Storm Thorgerson; The tours that supported the album and also introduced the songs before its March 1, 1973 release; The rock group’s trajectory post-Dark Side, including notable albums, tours, and the departure of Waters.

Popoff also goes on side journeys examining each band member, session players, prog rock, the Live at Pompeii concert and film, Waters’ singular writing technique, Dark Side collectibles, awards, and more. There’s also a brief discography and complete tour dates.

The hardcover, with a 10" × 10" slipcase, Pink Floyd and The Dark Side of the Moon is illustrated with performance and off-stage photography as well as rare memorabilia.