Written by Susie Salva
The legendary band Pink Floyd has released “The Discovery” Box set on EMI Records. Floyd are still one of the most successful and iconic artists of all time. Proving that Pigs do fly the band has recently signed an agreement with EMI which has allowed the development of multi-formant program of packages, many containing archived material that has been collated during an extensive process between EMI and Pink Floyd.
The releases, under the banner Why Pink Floyd? are designed to appeal to a wide cross section of dedicated fans, with music to excite first time listeners, while super-deluxe box sets will cater to dedicated fans, allowing them to immerse themselves in multi-disc sets, containing alternate takes, unreleased tracks, restored live concert screen films and a live recording of the legendary “The Dark Side of the Moon” performance at Wembley in 1974.
The nice thing about the “Discovery” box set is having all Floyd’s music in one location. These re-mastered gems are sonically pleasing and visually appealing. Inside the box you will find complete studio recordings collection of re-mastered & repackaged discs including an exclusive 60 page booklet featuring rare sketches and works in progress. The booklet also includes explanations of each piece of artwork the band used over the decades. There are 14 CD’s in the box starting off with “The Piper as the Gates of Dawn,” and finishes off with “Division Bell.” One downfall to the box set would have to be the lack of plastic jewel cases instead using cardboard covers for the CD’s.
A series of different listening experiences have been specially created for this release in addition to re-mastered CD’s called “Discovery,” and the “Immersion” CD/DVD/Blu-ray memorabilia box sets will be a series of “Experience” editions – coupling one classic album with a further disc of related content from that album to offer a deeper listening experience.
“This is a unique collaboration between EMI and one of the most creative and influential bands in history. We have worked together for more than a year on this program, which incorporates all the elements that have made Pink Floyd one of the most inspiring forces in modern music. Why Pink Floyd? because their music is without equal and these exciting new releases will allow music fans to rediscover their legacy and demonstrate that an appreciation for artistic quality never goes out of fashion,” says Roger Faxon, CEO of EMI Group.
The bands longtime art director Strom Thorgerson has overseen the visual design, including new booklets for all the CD’s, new artwork for the box sets and menus for the DVD content. Respected photographer Jill Furmanovsky has edited books of original unseen photographs. Pink Floyd collaborators James Guthrie (in the US) and Andy Jackson (in the UK) have been in charge of digital re-mastering to the highest audio and audiovisual standards.
Other initiative will include a digital marketing plan utilizing user-generated content to allow fans to make their own creative contributions to the bands’ music, plus iPhone Apps which will give a unique insight into Pink Floyd’s recorded legacy.
Pink Floyd’s official website, PinkFloyd.com will be given a substantial relaunch and their facebook page now has over 11 million followers. In 1967 the band comprised Syd Barrett, Roger Waters, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright. Barrett left in 1968, to be replaced by David Gilmour. Syd Barrett died in 2006; Richard Wright died in 2008. Pink Floyd have sold over 200 million records worldwide to date.
www.pinkfloyd.com
