Syd Barrett

The Madcap Laughs

Barking beautifully at the moon One of the greatest myths in rock is the story of Syd Barrett. The magical bard that drove the early Pink Floyd and then cracked up under the chemical influence of too many acid trips. The Madcap that got lost in the woods, then turned into a fat bald man carrrying shopping home to his mothers house in a brown paper bag.

The truth of the matter may be a whole different story, but nobody really cares. The hope of many fans is that he will re-emerge from his privacy to create beautiful music again. But given the template of Peter Green, I hope he doesn't.

His work with Pink Floyd was magnificent, the singles Arnold Layne, See Emily Play and Apples And Oranges are amazing. And his work on Piper At The Gates Of Dawn provided the real spark that diepelled the blandness that was to become Pink Floyd. When he became unable to function within the confines of the band, and was dumped, he was still able to complete some solo work. Only just say some sources.

The results were one of the greatest albums ever. It has a fragility to it that creates a delicate collection of songs. Terrapin is the most breathtaking song I know of. His singing has a tension to it that creates real longing. The whole album is verging on the disturbing, but never tips over that line. All in all an album that explains just why Barrett is such a legend. The music that leaves the myth cowering in the shadows. shadows