re: So popular opinion is that Dark Side of the Moon is the best PF Album...

I think Dark Side of the Moon is my favorite. I was born a few years after it was released but recall listening to it in high school with friends and adding it to the never-ending debate of 'Best Album of All-Time'.

In college, I tried the Wizard of Oz thing and was immediately convinced it was intentional. Most of my friends doubted it to different extents. I watched again (search Youtube for Dark Side of the Rainbow) recently completely sober and now more convinced than ever.

The Great Gig in the Sky synched to the tornado scene is all of the evidence I need. I read the wiki page about this song recently and describes how the female vocalist was brought in suddenly during the latter stages of production. Alan Parsons recommended her and they 'coached' her on the type of singing they wanted. She did three takes and then they combined them for the final version of the song. I don't think she knew anything about The Wizard of Oz thing and I'm not sure if all of the PF members knew.

Parsons has claimed that he tried watching and did not see much of a connection, pointing out only the balancing act by Dorothy. The leads me to believe that he was deeply involved with the 'project' and is attempting to defer speculation.

Or maybe God had something to do with it. The album is divine whether or not there is The Wizard of Oz aspect. It's about life, death, time passing you by, and also happens to have beautiful instruments and varied sounds throughout.