If anyone was expecting Roger Waters to replicate or outdo The Dark Side Of The Moon, then they’re probably not up to speed with how the former Pink Floyd bassist and lyricist operates these days. Simply put, The Dark Side Of The Moon Redux is a new, fresh interpretation of Pink Floyd’s 1973 opus, complete with additional spoken-word recitals and slow-moving parts. It doesn’t have the soaring guitar work of David Gilmour or Rick Wright’s fluttering keyboards. And that’s entirely by design.
Despite Waters bitter parting with Pink Floyd and his former bandmates, he hasn’t been shy boasting about his contributions to the group, especially when it comes to The Wall and The Dark Side Of The Moon. He took The Wall on the road for three years, broke concert box-office records, made a movie around it, and even invited David Gilmour and Nick Mason to the stage for a show at London’s 02 Arena. In 2023, The Dark Side Of The Moon celebrated its 50th anniversary with a flurry of reissues and celebrations. Waters wasn’t about to sit idly by without doing something to mark the occasion, so instead of a grand tour, he went into the studio and carved out a new Redux version.
The best way to listen to The Dark Side Of The Moon Redux is to forget everything you love about the Pink Floyd version. After Waters recites a few lines from Floyd’s “Free Four” from 1972’s Obscured By Clouds. “Breathe” plods forth before a few more thoughts are added to “On The Run.” Always a “word” man, Waters makes a conscious effort to veer away from any splendiferous instrumentation, instead putting the emphasis on the pentameter of oration.
Of course, he sings the same melodies on “Time,” “Us And Them,” “Brain Damage,” and “Eclipse,” and retains the basic musical passages for “The Great Gig In The Sky,” “Money,” and “Any Colour You Like.” He adds spoken-word commentaries wherever there’s an opening. Waters’ crusty, solemn voice somehow lends itself to the mood and pace. It’s not for everyone, but it works for the most part.
Previews of The Dark Side Of The Moon Redux have elicited a lot of negative feedback from fans and critics. This is mostly coming from those who don’t understand where Waters is coming from, have preconceived notions about the musician from various controversial statements he’s made, or simply detest the idea of re-recording a version of one of the most beloved albums in history. Like many of the great, longstanding works of Bach, Beethoven, and the Beatles, The Dark Side Of The Moon has already been covered and twisted out of shape by any number of artists. Waters’ take may lack the punch and dynamics of the original album, but it deserves a serious examination from anyone who can appreciate new flavors and variances on a treasured classic.
~ Shawn Perry
