"Meddle" is the sixth studio album by the English rock band Pink Floyd, released on November 5, 1971, by Harvest Records. The album was produced between the band's touring commitments from January to August 1971 at various locations around London, including EMI Studios and Morgan Studios.
With no clear material or direction, the band engaged in experimental methods that ultimately inspired their signature track "Echoes." Unlike their later albums, which were unified by themes and lyrics primarily by Roger Waters, Meddle was a collaborative effort, marking a transition between the Syd Barrett-influenced sound of the 1960s and the Waters-led era of the 1970s. Fans often regard this album, especially "Echoes," as a significant step towards the band's musical potential.
The album cover, designed by Hipgnosis, was conceptualized as an ear underwater, although creator Storm Thorgerson expressed dissatisfaction with the final result. Upon its release, the album received positive reviews and achieved commercial success in the UK, but lackluster promotion by Capitol Records resulted in poor sales in the US.
The recording process began after the band returned from tours supporting Atom Heart Mother. At that time, EMI's equipment was limited to eight-track recording, which proved insufficient. The band moved their best recordings to 16-track tape at smaller studios, allowing for more flexibility. They experimented with various methods to ignite creativity, including playing on separate tracks without reference to each other, though this often resulted in unproductive sessions.
Despite the lack of a central theme, the album features several distinctive tracks. "One of These Days" is noted for its driving bassline and was developed using an echorec effect. "A Pillow of Winds" stands out as a gentle acoustic love song, while "Fearless" includes field recordings of Liverpool F.C. fans. The album closes with the ambitious 23-minute "Echoes," which evolved through multiple studio sessions, showcasing the band's experimentation with sound effects and progressive structure.
The title Meddle is a play on words, signifying both "medal" and "to interfere." The album cover was ultimately decided upon after some creative disagreements within the band. Upon release, Meddle reached number three in the UK charts, but only number 70 in the US due to insufficient promotion. "One of These Days" was released as a single in the US, with "Fearless" as the B-side.
The album has since been certified gold and then double platinum, reflecting the band's growing popularity in the years following its release.
