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"Atom Heart Mother" is the fifth studio album by Pink Floyd, released in 1970. Here are some interesting facts about the album:
Title Track Collaboration: The album's title track, "Atom Heart Mother Suite," is a 23-minute-long composition that takes up the entire first side of the LP. It was a collaborative effort between all four members of Pink Floyd and composer Ron Geesin.
Orchestra and Choir: To enhance the orchestral elements of the title track, Pink Floyd collaborated with the EMI Pops Orchestra and the John Alldis Choir. This marked one of the earliest instances of a rock band working extensively with a large orchestra.
Cow Album Cover: The iconic album cover features a cow standing in a field. The cow, named "Lulubelle III," was photographed by Storm Thorgerson, a long-time collaborator with Pink Floyd on their album covers. The lack of any text on the front cover was a departure from their previous albums.
No Singles: Unlike some of their other albums, none of the tracks from "Atom Heart Mother" were released as singles. The band felt that the nature of the compositions, especially the title track, made them unsuitable for the typical single format.
Post-Syd Barrett Era: This album represents Pink Floyd's move away from the psychedelic sound associated with their earlier work, particularly the Syd Barrett era. It marked a shift towards a more experimental and progressive rock style that would define much of their later work.
Mixed Critical Reception: "Atom Heart Mother" received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its ambition and experimentation, while others found it disjointed. Despite this, it went on to become a commercial success, reaching the top of the UK Albums Chart.
Live Performances: Although the full "Atom Heart Mother Suite" was rarely performed live in its entirety, Pink Floyd often incorporated sections of it into their live shows during the early 1970s.
"Atom Heart Mother" is a unique and ambitious album that reflects Pink Floyd's willingness to explore new musical territories during a period of significant evolution for the band.