A newly released tribute album - Return To The Dark Side Of The Moon - looks at Pink Floyd's 1973 classic, courtesy of a set of legendary musicians who bring their own touch to the music.

Amongst those contributing to the album are Rick Wakeman, Steve Howe, Robby Krieger, and Adrian Belew, all helmed by the very capable Billy Sherwood. In stores now (and available to order online), BD regular Michael Mastropaolo has reviewed it for us...

Dark Side Of The Moon tribute album

Overall, Return To The DSOTM is a very well done and nice sounding tribute. I was a little disappointed with their recycling of a few tracks that they've recorded previously (for "An All Star Lineup Performing the Songs of Pink Floyd" from 2002).

However, only parts of these songs were recycled, i.e. they may have used the same guitars and drums from Money, but have a different singer and bass player this time around.

Here's a track-by-track breakdown:

Speak To Me/Breathe: Jeff Baxter's pedal steel leads and Adrian Belew's vocals for this version make it all worth while. Very beautifully done.

On The Run: This is a very lacklustre, no frills rendition. It appears they may have just done this song just because their intention was to remake the entire album.

Time: The rototoms don't sound good at all. Almost bad enough to make you turn the album off. They have a very strange sound to them that is very unfitting to this song. That aside, this is a great cover, with some really cool Rhodes piano playing.

The Great Gig In The Sky: Rick Wakeman takes some artistic licence with the piano. Sometimes a little over the top though. Especially being that the beauty and feeling of the original comes from Wright's simplicity and softness with the chords. The vocals are very well done by C.C. White. Almost as moving as Torry.

Money: This is basically the same as the All Star Lineup version, but a fabulous one it is. The only difference here is Gary Green is on guitar instead of Ritchie Kotzen.

Us & Them: Another All Star Lineup recycled track. The exception here being an amazing lead by Dweezil Zappa.

Any Colour You Like: Though another reused song, this may be the best song on the tribute (IMHO). The sound of all the instruments is amazing, clean and really sends you off on another plain. As with Wright and Gilmour, there is plenty of great interplay between the instruments.

Brain Damage/Eclipse: This is another highlight. Robby Krieger adds some fantastically trippy sitar and guitar work to enhance the brain damage.

Bonus Track - Where We Belong: This song is an original by Billy Sherwood. It's a nice song, but I'm unsure of why it would be included with this tribute. Besides the sound of the organ, there is little resemblence to Floyd.

Sounds like a fascinating album, and worth checking out. Our thanks to Michael for his review.

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