Pink Floyd | Dark Side of the Moon | 1977 Repress

**Pink Floyd – The Dark Side of the Moon (1977 UK Fifth Pressing – Harvest SHVL 804)**

A superb example of Pink Floyd's legendary *The Dark Side of the Moon*, originally released in 1973 and presented here as a probable 1977 UK fifth pressing on the Harvest label, catalogue number SHVL 804.

Featuring the distinctive black Harvest labels with the blue outline triangle, this copy has the A-11/B-10 matrix combination and an HTM inscription associated with renowned EMI mastering engineer Harry T. Moss.

The vinyl is graded Near Mint (NM), while the original gatefold sleeve is graded Very Good Plus (VG+).

This is an attractive example of one of the most celebrated albums in rock history, particularly appealing to collectors seeking a well-preserved 1970s British analogue pressing.

**The Album**

Originally released on 1 March 1973, *The Dark Side of the Moon* is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential albums in the history of recorded music.

Pink Floyd's eighth studio album marked a defining moment in the band's career, combining progressive rock, experimental recording techniques, atmospheric instrumentation and thought-provoking lyrics into a continuous musical journey.

Recorded at EMI Studios, Abbey Road, London, between 1972 and 1973, the album was engineered by Alan Parsons and produced by Pink Floyd.

The classic line-up of David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Richard Wright and Nick Mason created an extraordinary recording exploring themes of time, mortality, money, conflict, mental health and the pressures of modern life.

From the heartbeat opening of *Speak to Me* through to the closing moments of *Eclipse*, the album flows almost seamlessly, with recurring musical themes, innovative sound effects and some of the band's finest performances.

Highlights include *Time*, featuring David Gilmour's extraordinary guitar solo, the atmospheric *The Great Gig in the Sky* with Clare Torry's unforgettable vocal performance, the commercially successful *Money*, and the beautifully restrained *Us and Them*.

The album's distinctive prism artwork, designed by Hipgnosis, has become one of the most recognisable images in music history.

More than five decades after its original release, *The Dark Side of the Moon* remains an essential recording for collectors of progressive rock, classic rock and original analogue vinyl.

**1977 UK Fifth Pressing Identification**

This copy belongs to the UK Harvest pressing family generally identified by collectors as the fifth UK issue, dating from approximately 1977.

It features the blue outline triangle label design, which replaced the solid-blue triangle found on the earliest 1973 UK pressings.

The matrix inscriptions indicate the A-11/B-10 cutting combination, with an HTM inscription on Side One.

The HTM initials are associated with Harry T. Moss, the respected EMI mastering engineer responsible for numerous important British vinyl releases.

The matrix combination, label design and sleeve characteristics are consistent with this later 1970s UK pressing family.

However, some secondary stamper markings differ from published Discogs examples. This record is therefore identified as a probable 1977 fifth UK pressing rather than being claimed as an exact match to a particular documented variant.

**Record Details**

Artist: Pink Floyd

Album: The Dark Side of the Moon

Original album release: 1973

Pressing year: Approximately 1977

Country of manufacture: United Kingdom

Label: Harvest / EMI

Catalogue number: SHVL 804

Format: 12-inch vinyl LP

Speed: 33⅓ RPM

Audio: Stereo

Sleeve: Original gatefold

Label design: Black Harvest label with blue outline triangle

Pressing: Probable fifth UK stereo pressing

Mastering inscription: HTM (Harry T. Moss)

**Matrix / Runout Information**

Side One:

SHVL 804 A-11 1 C1 HTM

Side Two:

SHVL 804 B-10 34, with an additional crossed-out 3 and a 1 marking.

These inscriptions have been transcribed from the markings on this particular copy. Spacing and secondary stamper characters may differ from published Discogs variants.

**Track Listing**

Side One

1. Speak to Me
2. Breathe (In the Air)
3. On the Run
4. Time
5. The Great Gig in the Sky

Side Two

1. Money
2. Us and Them
3. Any Colour You Like
4. Brain Damage
5. Eclipse

**Condition Report**

**Vinyl: Near Mint (NM)**

The vinyl is in outstanding Near Mint condition, displaying exceptionally little visible evidence of previous handling or use.

Both playing surfaces have been carefully visually inspected and present extremely well for a record approaching fifty years old.

The condition of the vinyl is undoubtedly one of the strongest features of this particular example.

The record has been visually graded using the Goldmine grading system and has not been play-tested. The grading reflects its visible condition rather than a guarantee of playback performance.

**Original Gatefold Sleeve: Very Good Plus (VG+)**

The original UK gatefold sleeve is in Very Good Plus condition.

There are some minor scrapes and signs of storage and handling consistent with its age, but the sleeve remains in attractive overall condition.

The sleeve retains the SHVL 804 catalogue information, including the international catalogue reference printed on the rear.

Please examine the accompanying photographs for an accurate representation of its condition.

**Original Posters and Stickers: Not Included**

UK copies of *The Dark Side of the Moon* were originally supplied with two posters and two stickers.

These inserts are not present with this copy.

The album is therefore offered with its original gatefold sleeve but without the posters or stickers. It is not advertised as a complete original package.

**Why This Pressing Is Collectable**

British Harvest pressings of *The Dark Side of the Moon* remain particularly desirable among Pink Floyd collectors and enthusiasts of analogue recordings.

Although this is not the original 1973 solid-blue triangle first pressing, the 1977 UK fifth-pressing family is an interesting part of the album's British manufacturing history.

The A-11/B-10 matrix combination and HTM inscription distinguish this copy from earlier UK cuts.

Harry T. Moss was one of EMI's most respected mastering engineers, and his initials appear in the runouts of numerous sought-after British records.

The principal attraction of this particular copy is its exceptionally well-preserved Near Mint vinyl, combined with an attractive original VG+ gatefold sleeve.

For collectors seeking a clean, period British pressing of one of the most important progressive rock albums ever released, this represents an excellent opportunity.

**Important Information**

All vinyl records sold by Comfortably Spun Records are visually graded according to the Goldmine grading system. Records are not play-tested, and visual grades should not be interpreted as guarantees of playback quality.

The photographs accompanying this listing show the actual record and sleeve being offered for sale. Please examine them carefully before purchasing.

Every record is carefully cleaned before dispatch and securely packaged to help protect it during transportation.

Orders are dispatched within two working days. UK orders are sent using Royal Mail Tracked 48, with international delivery times varying according to destination.

**Comfortably Spun Records – Where Rock Lives on Vinyl.**