Mobtown Moon (2013)

I not only like this album, I like the whole concept behind it: get a bunch of local musicians from different musical backgrounds, form a non-profit collective, and record a cover album of Dark Side Of The Moon. From the (now defunct) Mobtown Moon website:

More than forty musicians, all from Baltimore. Classic Pink Floyd, thoroughly reimagined on a CD released just in time for the 40th anniversary of the original. This is not your typical “cover” project. Instead, it features fresh new arrangements: surprising grooves, eclectic instruments, gorgeous vocals. Glimmers of rock, jazz, classical, hip-hop, gospel, even opera.

This labor of love results in a unique combination of groundbreaking familiarity. This project was conceived by Sandy Asirvatham (now known as Sandhya) and ellen cherry; their attitude seems to be "if you can play something, come join us!" So we've got everything from banjo to bassoon to spoken word. And they're talented enough to pull it off. Familiarity with the source material is a plus, just so you can know how creative these guys are.

To me, the overall feel of the album is downbeat (think Roger Waters meets Zero 7) - stripped down, laid back, subdued, jazzy. Perfect for late night listening (preferably immediately following the Pink Floyd original). It's worth your time and money to go support the project with a download or CD purchase. Do it so we can get another album like this soon (I'm recommending Abbey Road for the collective's next project. Mobtown Road, anyone?).

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: Did not chart

Tracks: It's definitely worth a start-to-finish listen, but my favorite "re-imaginings" are Breathe, Time, Any Colour You Like, and Eclipse. My least favorite track on the original album, Money, is given new life here by Cris Jacobs, and is wonderfully followed up by the original Dream/Counterfeit.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None, although until now, I had no idea the one of Baltimore's nicknames was "Mobtown."