Meddle (1971)
"Meddle" is the sixth studio album by Pink Floyd, released on October 31, 1971, by Harvest Records. It's considered one of the band's most experimental and critically acclaimed works.
Background
After the success of "Atom Heart Mother" (1970), Pink Floyd began working on new material, which would eventually become "Meddle". The album was recorded at Island Records' Basing Street Studios in London, and AIR Studios, with the band members actively involved in the production process.
Music
The album features six tracks, each with its own unique character:
Echoes
The final track, "Echoes", is notable for its use of innovative recording techniques, such as:
Impact and Legacy
"Meddle" received generally positive reviews from critics upon its release. Over the years, it has been recognized as a classic of progressive rock and one of Pink Floyd's best works. The album has been re-released several times, including a 1988 CD release, which helped to introduce the album to a new generation of fans.
EAC (Exact Audio Copy) and FLAC
In the context of digital audio, EAC (Exact Audio Copy) is a software tool used for creating perfect copies of audio CDs, while FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) is a format for compressing audio files without losing any quality. A "top" or "complete piece" like "Meddle" would be highly sought after in these formats, ensuring that the music can be preserved and enjoyed in high-quality digital form.
This specific string of keywords refers to a highly sought-after digital archival of Pink Floyd’s 1971 masterpiece, Meddle. Specifically, it points to a "perfect" rip of the 1988 Japanese 1st Pressing (Catalog No. CP32-5032), which many audiophiles consider the definitive digital version of the album. The "Holy Grail" Mastering
While Meddle has been remastered many times (notably in 1994 and 2011), the 1988 Japanese CP32 pressing is legendary in the hi-fi community.
The Sound: Unlike modern remasters that often increase volume (loudness war) or tweak the EQ to sound "sharper," the 1988 Japanese pressing is praised for its warm, wide dynamic range. It sounds closest to the original master tapes, preserving the subtle ambient textures of "Echoes."
The Source: It was mastered before digital limiting became standard, meaning the peaks and valleys of the music remain intact. Deciphering the Metadata
If you are looking at a file with the name "Pink Floyd - Meddle (1971) [1988 JP CP32-5032] EAC FLAC Log", here is what those tags tell you:
1971 / 1988: 1971 is the original release year; 1988 is the year this specific CD was manufactured in Japan.
EAC (Exact Audio Copy): This indicates the software used to rip the CD. EAC is the gold standard for "secure rips," meaning the software checked every sector of the disc multiple times to ensure the data is bit-for-bit identical to the physical CD.
FLAC: A lossless audio codec. Unlike an MP3, a FLAC file doesn’t lose any audio data during compression.
Log/Cue: These are companion files created during the rip. The Log proves the rip was successful without errors, and the Cue file allows a listener to burn the files back to a CD with the exact original track spacing. Why Meddle Matters
Released between the experimental psychedelic era of the late 60s and the massive success of Dark Side of the Moon, Meddle is the moment Pink Floyd found their signature sound.
"One of These Days": A masterclass in atmosphere, featuring double-tracked bass and eerie wind effects. pink floyd meddle 1971 1988 eac flacoa top
"Echoes": Taking up the entire second side of the original vinyl, this 23-minute epic is the cornerstone of progressive rock.
For the listener, finding the 1988 CP32 version is about hearing "Echoes" with the maximum possible depth and clarity, free from the digital "sheen" of later re-releases.
Here’s a ready-to-post template for a forum or tracker (e.g., Reddit, What.CD, HydrogenAudio, or a private music tracker). It’s clean, informative, and follows common sharing conventions for a high-quality EAC rip of the 1988 CD issue of Meddle.
[Album Share] Pink Floyd – Meddle (1971) [1988 CD Issue] – EAC FLAC (Level 8) + CUE + Log
Artist: Pink Floyd
Album: Meddle
Release Date (original): 1971
Release Date (CD): 1988 (Early UK / EU CD issue)
Label: EMI / Harvest (varies by region – CDP 7 46017 2)
Catalog # (example): CDP 7 46017 2
Source: Original 1988 CD pressing (no remaster, no loudness war)
Ripper: EAC (Exact Audio Copy) v1.3
Codec: FLAC (Level 8)
Cue: Yes
Log: Yes (100% accurate)
Artwork: 300/600dpi scans (front, back, disc, inlay if available)
Tracklist:
Why this rip:
The 1988 CD issue is widely preferred over later remasters (e.g., 1992, 2011) because it retains the original dynamic range and has no additional noise reduction, EQ boost, or clipping. This rip was made with secure mode, accurate stream, and all passes verified. Log included for verification.
Download (base64 encoded – decode with base64decode.org):
aHR0cHM6Ly9leGFtcGxlLmNvbS9tZWRkbGUtMTk4OC1mbGFj (replace with real link)
Rip log summary (partial):
EAC extraction logfile from [date]
Pink Floyd / Meddle (1988 CD)
Used drive : HL-DT-ST DVD-RAM (rev 1.00)
Read mode : Secure with NO C2, accurate stream, disable cache
Combined read/write offset correction : 0
Range status and errors : No errors occurred
All tracks accurately ripped (confidence 4+) [CRC: F5A3B2C1]
Notes:
Optional comment (for discussion):
"Many people know Echoes, but the 1988 CD of Meddle is the quiet, dynamic master that’s often overlooked. Compare the cymbal decay in ‘Fearless’ to the 2011 remaster – you’ll never go back."
The 1988 Japanese reissue of Pink Floyd's 1971 album Meddle (catalog number CP32-5032) is highly prized by audiophiles. This specific release is known for its "Black Triangle" or "Black Face" design and features a mastering that many collectors consider superior to later versions. Key Mastering & Technical Details
Original Source: Uses the same Sony (Japan) mastering as the first 1985 Japanese issue.
Audio Quality: Known for being "natural and uncompressed" with a deep, warm soundstage.
EAC Peak Levels: While exact percentages vary by specific pressing sub-variants, this 1980s mastering typically peaks well below 100% on all tracks, avoiding the "loudness war" clipping of later remasters.
Tracklist Continuity: Unlike some bootlegs or early US CDs, this version maintains the seamless wind transitions between tracks like "One of These Days" and "A Pillow of Winds". Technical Specifications Feature Catalog Number CP32-5032 (3rd Issue Japan) Release Year 1988 (Original album 1971) Format CD, FLAC (Lossless) for digital archiving Mastering Sony / Toshiba-EMI Japan Matrix Info Often includes "CP32-5032" in the runout 👂 Why Collectors Seek the 1988 FLAC Rip
Audiophiles often perform "Secure Rips" using Exact Audio Copy (EAC) to ensure a bit-perfect copy of this specific Japanese mastering.
Pink Floyd - Meddle (1971) release you are referencing is likely the
1988/1989 Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MFSL) "Ultradisc" 24kt Gold CD (Catalog No.
), widely considered one of the definitive digital masters for audiophiles. "EAC FLAC" refers to the common community standard of ripping the CD using Exact Audio Copy (EAC) to ensure a 1:1 bit-perfect digital copy. Historical Significance (1971) Transitional Landmark Meddle (1971) "Meddle" is the sixth studio album
is viewed as the bridge between Pink Floyd's early psychedelic experiments and their "Golden Era".
: Occupying the entire second side of the original vinyl, this 23-minute track established the band's signature atmospheric sound and use of "novel experiments" like sonar pings. Sonic Identity
: The album art features a close-up of a human ear submerged in water, suggesting sound waves traveling through a liquid medium. Technical Breakdown of the 1988/1989 MFSL Release
The 1971 Pink Floyd masterpiece Meddle represents the pivotal moment where the band shed their psychedelic skin and embraced the expansive, progressive sound that would define their legacy. For audiophiles and collectors, the 1988 Japanese "Pastmasters" CD release (Catalog No. CP32-5032) remains a legendary benchmark. When ripped using Exact Audio Copy (EAC) to a Free Lossless Audio Codec (FLAC) format, this specific pressing is often considered the "top" tier listening experience for the digital realm. The Significance of Meddle (1971)
Before Dark Side of the Moon, there was Meddle. Recorded at several studios including Abbey Road and Morgan Studios, the album served as a bridge between the avant-garde experiments of Ummagumma and the polished concept albums of the mid-70s.
One of These Days: A heavy, bass-driven instrumental featuring the iconic double-tracked bass lines of Roger Waters and David Gilmour.
Fearless: A fan favorite incorporating the Liverpool F.C. anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone."
Echoes: The 23-minute magnum opus that occupies the entire second side of the original vinyl, widely regarded as the blueprint for the band's future success. The 1988 Japanese "Pastmasters" Pressing
While many remasters have been released over the decades, the 1988 Japanese CP32 series is uniquely prized by the "Steve Hoffman" school of audiophiles. Unlike modern remasters that often suffer from "loudness wars" (excessive compression), the 1988 pressing is celebrated for:
Flat Transfers: Many believe this version uses a flat transfer from the master tapes, preserving the original dynamic range.
Warmth: Despite being a digital medium, the 1988 CD captures the analog "air" and depth of the original 1971 sessions.
No Noise Reduction: Unlike later EMI versions, this pressing does not use aggressive noise gating, allowing the subtle textures of "Echoes" to breathe. The "Top" Standard: EAC and FLAC
In the world of high-fidelity digital archiving, "EAC FLAC" refers to a specific standard of quality. To achieve the "top" status mentioned in enthusiast circles, the process involves:
Exact Audio Copy (EAC): This software is the industry standard for "secure" ripping. It reads the CD multiple times to ensure there are zero bit-errors, providing a perfect 1:1 clone of the audio data.
FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec): This format compresses the file size without losing a single bit of information. It is the preferred choice for those who want CD quality with modern metadata convenience.
Log & Cue Files: A "top" rip always includes an EAC log file (proving the rip was perfect) and a CUE sheet (preserving the original gap timings between tracks). Why Audiophiles Seek This Specific Version
The search for the "Pink Floyd Meddle 1971 1988 EAC FLAC" combination is driven by a desire for the most authentic soundstage possible. In the sprawling underwater sonics of "Echoes," the 1988 mastering allows the listener to hear the precise decay of Richard Wright’s "ping" on the piano and the subtle rasp in Gilmour’s vocals.
Later remasters, such as the 2011 Discovery edition or the 2016 Pink Floyd Records reissues, are excellent for casual listening, but they often feature boosted frequencies. For the purist, the 1988 digital capture of the 1971 soul of the band is the definitive way to experience the album.
If you are looking to build the ultimate Pink Floyd digital library, I can help you:
Identify the exact catalog numbers for other "Holy Grail" pressings (like the Wish You Were Here Gold CD).
Explain how to configure EAC settings for a perfect secure rip.
Compare the dynamic range scores between the 1988 and 2011 versions. One of These Days (1:47) - An instrumental
Do you have a specific hardware setup you’re using to listen to these high-quality files?
The Audiophile’s Holy Grail: Pink Floyd’s (1971/1988) For serious Pink Floyd collectors and audiophiles, the 1971 masterpiece Pink Floyd - Meddle
isn’t just an album; it’s the bridge that defined the band's identity. If you’ve been hunting for the specific version tagged as "1971 1988 EAC FLAC OA Top," you’re likely chasing one of the most revered digital transfers in existence. Why This Specific Version Matters The "1988" date usually refers to the first U.S. CD release
or early Japanese pressings that collectors often verify using Exact Audio Copy (EAC) . These early digital masters are prized for their high Dynamic Range (DR)
, avoiding the "loudness war" compression found in later remasters. EAC (Exact Audio Copy):
A tool used to ensure a "bit-perfect" rip from the original CD, often including a log file to prove technical accuracy.
The preferred lossless audio format for preserving every ounce of detail from the original master. "Top" / OA:
This often indicates a "top-tier" or "Original Aspect" rip, highly regarded in audiophile communities for its transparent soundstage and "golden" organic warmth. The Sound of : A Transitional Masterpiece
marked the moment Pink Floyd moved away from Syd Barrett’s psychedelic whimsy toward the structured brilliance of Dark Side of the Moon
The 23-minute centerpiece taking up all of Side B. It began as a single "ping" from Rick Wright’s piano passed through a Leslie speaker. "One of These Days":
A high-energy instrumental featuring Nick Mason’s only lead vocal line—a menacing, distorted growl. "Fearless":
A fan favorite that famously ends with the Liverpool FC choir singing "You'll Never Walk Alone". Buyer’s Guide: Finding Your Copy
If you are looking for physical media to match these high-fidelity standards, consider these options from Etsy - TheCuriousDesk How Pink Floyd Made Meddle : r/pinkfloyd
If The Dark Side of the Moon was Pink Floyd’s explosion into the stratosphere, Meddle was the rocket fuel being mixed. Released in 1971, this album serves as the critical bridge between the sprawling, experimental improvisations of the late 60s and the polished, conceptual mastery that would define their mid-70s peak.
Often overshadowed by the blockbusters that followed, Meddle remains a fan favorite for its raw atmosphere and the legendary side-two epic, "Echoes." It is the sound of a band finding its footing—David Gilmour and Roger Waters solidifying the sonic landscape that would soon conquer the world.
For Pink Floyd fans, the 1988 CD of Meddle is legendary. Many argue it sounds better than the 1994 "Oh By The Way" box set remaster, the 2011 Discovery remaster, or even the 2016 vinyl reissues. Why? The 1988 CD preserves the album's warm, analog, sometimes murky character. Later remasters boosted bass and treble (loudness war), losing the original atmosphere — especially on "Echoes," where subtle panning and tape hiss are part of the texture.
So when you see "1988 EAC FLAC," you’re looking at a carefully preserved digital time capsule — a near-identical copy of an early digital master that sounds closer to the original vinyl than most official modern releases.
If you have this file, you likely hold a version that audiophiles and Floyd collectors actively seek out.
The album opens with "One of These Days," a bass-driven juggernaut that remains one of the heaviest tracks in the Floyd canon. The slide guitar work here is impeccable, cutting through the mix with a ferocity that demands a high-fidelity system to truly appreciate. But the true heart of the record is the closing track, "Echoes." Clocking in at over 23 minutes, it is a masterclass in dynamics, space, and musical telepathy. From the infamous "ping" to the haunting middle section, it is widely considered one of the greatest progressive rock compositions of all time.
While tracks like "Seamus" divide purists, the remastering job breathes new life into the album, removing the veil of earlier CD pressings and bringing the listener right into the studio with the band.
It is important to note that downloading copyrighted music without paying for it violates the law in most jurisdictions. However, audiophiles argue that "bit preservation" is a different mission.
If you own the 1988 Meddle CD—perhaps found in a charity shop or eBay auction for $50+—ripping it for your personal server using EAC to FLAC is your legal right (fair use / backup). Sharing the "OA TOP" version is where legality ends.
That said, the reason the "1988 EAC FLAC OA TOP" remains a coveted torrent and file-share keyword is simple: Pink Floyd has never officially reissued the 1988 mastering in high-resolution digital. The 2011 "Why Pink Floyd?" Discovery Edition remasters are widely hated by audiophiles for excessive limiting. Until a future box set includes the original flat transfer, the 1988 CD rip remains the gold standard.
If you have found a file labeled with this keyword, do not just trust the filename. Verify it.
.log file. Open it. Look for "No errors occurred" and "Copy OK." If it says "Suspicious position," it is garbage.