MattA75
South Berwick, ME

Yes, I'm The Only Person On Earth Who Hates Dark Side

1 star rating

Classic Rock Fan, into ALBUMS, not SINGLES, Drawn to heavier sounds
Pros

    the Wizard of Oz thing is interesting

Cons
    headache inducing, mind numbingly boring, over the top pretentious

OCT
9
2007
 

I've been relatively conservative since starting here at Viewpoints.  I've sort of tried not to step on many toes.  In other words, I've been the exact opposite of what made me so popular on another certain review site.  Well, with this review, that's gonna change.  I'm planning on receiving plenty of hateful comments for this review.  And to that I say bring it on.

So help me, I've tried to like Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon.  I tried when I was 13, 15, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25 and now, 27.  I tried the whole Wizard of Oz thing, to no avail.  Maybe it's because I've never listened to it while on drugs.  Then again, the whole "listen to this while taking that" idea never appealed to me.  I mean honestly, if you need to take mass quantities of drugs in order to enjoy a piece of music, isn't that saying something about the music?  I mean, I can listen to The Grateful Dead and I can get it, totally sober.  It's not my usual cup of tea, but occasionally, I like me some American Beauty.  And so I've tried and I've tried and I've tried with Dark Side, but alas, I just don't  get it.  And I've finally accepted that I never will. 

Much of the praise I've heard given to Dark Side is for the technical aspects of the recording.  The use of sound effects on Money was pretty revolutionary stuff when it was recorded, and no doubt it was influential.  And yes, Money is one of the very few tracks here with any replay value whatsoever for me.  But just because an album was revolutionary for it's time based on what was used to record it (or how it was recorded) does not mean the music on is any good.

The 3 and a half minutes of useless noise that makes up On the Run isn't "groundbreaking" or "amazing," it's simply 3 and half minutes of useless noise.  The track serves zero purpose.  I know all you people who love the reefer will bash me for this one, but go ahead.  That track serves zero purpose.

Besides Money, Time is one of the few listenable tracks here.  Much like the bulk of the rest of the record, it's very atmospheric, but unlike the rest of the record, it actually has other aspects too.  The guitar playing is terrific, and the rest of the band is in lockstep throughout.

My biggest problem with Dark Side is that it doesn't draw me in in any way, shape or form.  The songs are languid and slow.  The pace is so lethargic that you would have to be high to enjoy it.  And since the album is so intent on creating mood, it lacks any actual heart or feeling.  There is absolutely ZERO soul to this record.  NONE. 

Fine, maybe I just don't get it.  Maybe it just isn't my cup of tea.  Or maybe it's the most over-rated album in rock's relatively short history.  You know my opinion.  I'll let you make your own.

1.5 stars, rounded down for boring me half to death and depressing me to no end. 

 



I_thumb_down Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon is not recommended by MattA75

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I_comment_shdw24 Comments about MattA75’s Review

 


ThePotter wrote on Jan 19, 2009 at 1:41PM

Matt I don't don't know where to start mate, I respect that everyone is entitled to their opinions, but only really of they make valid points, I don't do drugs and have enjoyed DSoTM for years, it is one of the best rock albums of all time and not just for stoners. I wont bore people with all the reasons why your "review" was one of the most turgid and off-point pieces of writing I have ever read, all I have to say is that how could anyone say the album doesn't have soul when it has a track like the Great Gig In the Sky on it, Matt have you actually listened to the album? You are a joke.

ubermom wrote on Apr 18, 2008 at 8:58PM

I never listened to Dark Side of the Moon on drugs and I love it. I will not vilify you for not liking it, because not everybody does. I respect you for having the chops to say so.

gabgossip wrote on Feb 18, 2008 at 5:51AM

Matt- If a person needs drugs to enjoy a piece of music its not saying anything about the music its just telling you that person does drugs. As far as your review of this album I can live with it, the only thing i'm left wondering is after the 1st time hearing this album why did it take you 7 years to realize you just didn't like this album and just let it go after the 1st year. Anyway Matt may I suggest a different album from that era that you might enjoy and also less complicated for you and you don't need drugs to listen to it and also one of my personal favorites Van Halen's first EP. If by chance you have this cd or go out and purchase it I sure would like to know what you think Later Matt

Kristy wrote on Oct 24, 2007 at 9:47PM

Oh bite your tongue, man, bite your tongue!! Although, having my son listen to and play it on his guitar over and over and over..... does make me want to scream at times LOL

GeorgeChabot wrote on Oct 10, 2007 at 10:02AM

Matt - you are certainly an iconoclast but you make your points well. Part of Pink Floyd's appeal was their ability to perform it live note for note with an impressive light show. Hi from another Eps refugee. ;>

bkovacs wrote on Oct 9, 2007 at 8:48PM

I'm not a Floyd fan. Everything about the group is calculated to appeal to its audience and its this cold calculation that strips the music of any charm. From thick cockney accents to boringly extended and toneless intros, PF sounds like the guys sat down and said, "How can we appear arty in this song?"

Nice review!

--Bob

CyndiA wrote on Oct 9, 2007 at 6:10PM

OK. I think you're right. I did go to an all night Pink Floyd party in college, and THAT almost cured me though.

Buggheart wrote on Oct 9, 2007 at 5:59PM

Is Time the one with all the clocks that ring at the same time? One time I was playing that song and my cousin fell asleep and when the clocks went off she fell out of her chair. Pretty funny.

I've never tried the Wizard of Oz thing either. In fact I forgot about it until you mentioned it.

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