This paper examines the 1988 CD reissue of Pink Floyd’s sixth studio album,
, with a focus on its technical profile as a digital archive extracted via Exact Audio Copy (EAC) into Free Lossless Audio Codec (FLAC) format. Overview of
Released on October 30, 1971, in the US and November 5, 1971, in the UK,
is considered the "bridge" between Pink Floyd's psychedelic 60s roots and their era-defining success with The Dark Side of the Moon . It is most famous for its 23-minute closing track, "
," which occupies the entire second side of the original LP and showcased the band's transition into cohesive, long-form atmospheric rock. The 1988 Digital Reissue
The 1988 CD release (often identified by catalog numbers like Capitol/Harvest CDP 7 46034 2
) represents one of the earliest digital masterings of the album. Mastering Characteristics
: Unlike modern remasters that may employ heavy dynamic range compression, the 1988 edition is prized by audiophiles for its "original" sound, derived from early West Germany master tapes or similar high-quality sources. Peak Levels
: In EAC logs, this specific mastering typically displays peak levels such as 54.3 / 38.2 / 68.8 / 62.5 / 28.2 / 53.3
. These low peak values indicate a mastering with significant "headroom," preserving the natural dynamic peaks of the instrumentation. Technical Analysis: EAC & FLAC
The metadata "EAC - FLAC" indicates a high-fidelity digital extraction process: Exact Audio Copy (EAC) Pink Floyd - Meddle -1971- 1988 -EAC - FLAC--oa...
: A specialized "ripping" software used to ensure bit-perfect copies of CD data by reading every sector multiple times to correct for potential errors. FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec)
: A compression format that reduces file size without losing any audio data. For an album like
, which relies on subtle textures—such as the "seagull" guitar effects in "Echoes" or the acoustic delicacy of "A Pillow of Winds"—lossless archiving is essential for maintaining the intended sonic atmosphere. Track Listing of the 1988 Edition The digital tracklist follows the original 1971 sequence: One of These Days
: An instrumental driven by a double-tracked bass and distorted vocal. A Pillow of Winds : A rare acoustic love song for the band.
: Notable for its use of the Liverpool F.C. anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone." San Tropez : A jazz-inflected pop track written by Roger Waters. : A blues parody featuring a howling dog.
: The centerpiece epic that defined the band's future direction.
For further details on specific pressings, collectors often use the Pink Floyd Archives to verify matrix numbers and mastering variations. and the more recent 2011/2016 remasters Meddle - Pink Floyd
This string refers to a digital archive or high-fidelity music rip of Pink Floyd's 1971 album,
. The specific technical terms indicate it is a high-quality "lossless" copy likely shared within audiophile communities: 1971 / 1988 : The album was originally released in 1971. The
date refers to a specific Japanese reissue (often known for its superior sound quality among collectors) or an early U.S. pressing from the late 1980s. EAC (Exact Audio Copy) This paper examines the 1988 CD reissue of
: This is a popular software used to "rip" CDs into digital files with near-perfect accuracy.
: A "lossless" audio format that provides CD-quality sound without losing any data, unlike compressed formats like MP3.
: This appears to be part of a file name or a specific uploader's tag (possibly related to a site or group) used to track the release's origin. Album Significance
It looks like you’re referencing a specific file or release of Meddle by Pink Floyd, likely from a torrent or file-sharing naming convention:
"Pink Floyd - Meddle -1971- 1988 -EAC - FLAC--oa..."
Here’s what the parts of that name typically mean:
Would you like me to:
Let me know which angle you’re looking for, and I’ll write a detailed, review-style response.
Pink Floyd – Meddle (1971) [1988 Release]Format: FLAC (Level 8) | Rip: EAC (Exact Audio Copy) | Includes: Log, Cue, Audiocheck
Released in 1971, Meddle marks the moment Pink Floyd truly found their sonic identity, bridging the gap between their psychedelic roots and the masterpiece of Dark Side of the Moon. This particular 1988 pressing is highly regarded by audiophiles for its dynamic range and "breathable" mastering compared to more modern, compressed remasters. 1971 – Original release year
From the driving bass lines of "One of These Days" to the 23-minute masterpiece "Echoes," this FLAC rip captures the full warmth and atmospheric detail of the original recording. Tracklist: One of These Days A Pillow of Winds San Tropez Technical Specs: Source: CD (1988 Reissue) Codec: Free Lossless Audio Codec (FLAC) Rip Tool: EAC (Secure Mode) Integrity: Log and Cue files included for verification.
Enjoy one of the most essential progressive rock albums in bit-perfect quality.
It looks like you’re referencing a lossless audio rip of Pink Floyd’s Meddle (1971), likely from a 1988 CD pressing, ripped with Exact Audio Copy (EAC) into FLAC format—possibly part of a torrent or sharing naming convention (--oa... might be a fragment of a release group or uploader ID).
Here's a solid guide to understanding and verifying this type of release:
The keyword string is common on file-sharing networks. However, Pink Floyd’s catalog is commercially available. The 1988 CD can still be found second-hand. Ripping your own legally purchased copy with EAC gives you the same quality without copyright infringement. Support the artists – buy official releases, then rip them for personal use.
FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) reduces file size (typically 50-60% of WAV) without removing any audio data. Unlike MP3 or AAC, FLAC is:
A complete FLAC rip of Meddle (1988 master) includes tracks like:
File sizes typically range from 200 MB to 400 MB total for the album, depending on compression level (usually level 5 or 8).
Few albums occupy as strange a crossroads in rock history as Pink Floyd’s Meddle. Released in October 1971, it is the bridge between the psychedelic scatter of Ummagumma and the monolithic zenith of The Dark Side of the Moon. For the casual listener, Meddle is simply the album with “Echoes.” For the audiophile and the digital archivist, however, Meddle is a minefield of sonic nuance—specifically regarding the 1988 CD pressing, the EAC (Exact Audio Copy) workflow, and the FLAC container.
If you have ever typed the string "Pink Floyd - Meddle -1971- 1988 -EAC - FLAC--oa..." into a search bar, you are not looking for a low-bitrate MP3. You are hunting for a specific digital fingerprint: a perfect, error-checked, lossless representation of the 1988 mastering. This article explains why the 1988 version matters, how EAC changed archiving forever, and what to look for in a genuine FLAC rip.