Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Pink Floyd - The Piper at Gates of Dawn (1967)


Pink Floyd's first album from when they were led by the iconic Syd Barrett is nothing short of a psychedelic masterpiece. Syd's genuine and somewhat childish lyrics such as Matilda Mother and Bike combined with the erratic power of his guitar as in Interstellar Overdrive combine together making one of the greatest albums in Pink Floyd's spectacular career. The album starts with Astronomy Domine which is a beautiful trip into the far reaches of outer space. Then Lucifer Sam with its James Bond-esque riff drenched with acid. Pow R. Toc H. is a instrumental featuring Roger Waters' trademark "animal noises." Following is Take Up Thy Stethoscope and Walk with its frantic vocals and long psychedelic interlude. Then we have Interstellar Overdrive. This is one of the greatest instrumentals ever. First that killer riff then off into uncharted territory. Ending the album is Bike which is a beautiful love song where Barrett offers up all of his worldly possessions.

Band Lineup:
Syd Barrett - Vocals, Guitar
Roger Waters - Bass, Vocals
Richard Wright - Keyboards, Vocals
Dave Mason - Drums

My favorite tracks: Astronomy Domine, Pow R. Toc H., Take Up Thy Stethoscope and Walk, and Interstellar Overdrive.

Track List
1. Astronomy Domine
2. Lucifer Sam
3. Matilda Mother
4. Flaming
5. Pow R. Toc H.
6. Take Up Thy Stethoscope And Walk
7. Interstellar Overdrive
8. The Gnome
9. Chapter 24
10. Scarecrow
11. Bike

RIP Syd Barrett 1946-2006
Syd Barrett was a great musician and it is sad that he lost himself but please try and remember him not for his craziness but rather the music.

DL

JOn

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