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albums
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- The Madcap Laughs
- Released 1970
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- The Best Of Syd Barrett: Wouldn't You Miss Me?
- Released 2001
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- Barrett
- Released 1970
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- Opel
- Released 1989
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biography
Like a supernova, Roger "Syd" Barrett burned briefly and brightly, leaving an indelible mark upon psychedelic and progressive rock as the founder and original singer, songwriter, and lead guitarist of Pink Floyd. Barrett was responsible for most of their brilliant first album, 1967's The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, but left and/or was fired from the band in early 1968 after his erratic behavior had made him too difficult to deal with (he appears on a couple tracks on their second album, A Saucerful of Secrets). Such was his stature within the original lineup that few observers thought the band could survive his departure; in fact, the original group's management decided to keep Syd on and leave the rest of the band to their own devices. Pink Floyd never recaptured the playful humor and mad energy of their work with Barrett.
After a period of hibernation, Barrett re-emerged in 1970 with a pair of albums, The Madcap Laughs and Barrett, which featured considerable support from his former bandmates (especially his replacement, David Gilmour, who produced most of the sessions). Members of Soft Machine also play on these records, which have a ragged, unfinished, and folky feel. Barrett's eccentric humor, sly wordplay, and infectious melodies range from brilliant to chaotic on his solo work. Lacking the taut power of his recordings with the Floyd in 1967, they nevertheless remain fascinating and moving glimpses into a creative psyche gone awry after (it is theorized) too much fame and too many drugs too early. With increasing psychological problems, Barrett withdrew into near-total seclusion after these albums and never released any more material.
Although they attracted little attention upon their release, his albums also attracted a cult audience. Barrett's music and mystique achieved a lasting influence that continues to grow over two decades later. Latter-day new-wave psychedelic acts like Julian Cope, the Television Personalities, and (especially) Robyn Hitchcock acknowledge Barrett's tremendous influence on their work. The Barrett cult became large enough to warrant the release of an entire album of previously unreleased material and outtakes, Opel, in the late '80s, as well as his sessions for the BBC. As for the man himself, after 1973 he remained hidden away at his mother's home in Cambridge, turning away both curious fans and any offers to play music (though he did show up at sessions for Pink Floyd's 1975 album Wish You Were Here, and once the band recognized him, they declined his offer to participate). The occasional photo of Barrett surfaced over the years, revealing him to be a perfectly normal, if grumpy, looking fellow. After battling diabetes for several years, Barrett died peacefully in July 2006 at the age of 60. ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide
After a period of hibernation, Barrett re-emerged in 1970 with a pair of albums, The Madcap Laughs and Barrett, which featured considerable support from his former bandmates (especially his replacement, David Gilmour, who produced most of the sessions). Members of Soft Machine also play on these records, which have a ragged, unfinished, and folky feel. Barrett's eccentric humor, sly wordplay, and infectious melodies range from brilliant to chaotic on his solo work. Lacking the taut power of his recordings with the Floyd in 1967, they nevertheless remain fascinating and moving glimpses into a creative psyche gone awry after (it is theorized) too much fame and too many drugs too early. With increasing psychological problems, Barrett withdrew into near-total seclusion after these albums and never released any more material.
Although they attracted little attention upon their release, his albums also attracted a cult audience. Barrett's music and mystique achieved a lasting influence that continues to grow over two decades later. Latter-day new-wave psychedelic acts like Julian Cope, the Television Personalities, and (especially) Robyn Hitchcock acknowledge Barrett's tremendous influence on their work. The Barrett cult became large enough to warrant the release of an entire album of previously unreleased material and outtakes, Opel, in the late '80s, as well as his sessions for the BBC. As for the man himself, after 1973 he remained hidden away at his mother's home in Cambridge, turning away both curious fans and any offers to play music (though he did show up at sessions for Pink Floyd's 1975 album Wish You Were Here, and once the band recognized him, they declined his offer to participate). The occasional photo of Barrett surfaced over the years, revealing him to be a perfectly normal, if grumpy, looking fellow. After battling diabetes for several years, Barrett died peacefully in July 2006 at the age of 60. ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide
news
No news for this artist.
comments
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the shit
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- By the brew dude
- 7/19/2009 02:28:30
- Barret he was and will remain the best jolly/madman genius in music history. i would of give my left nut to see him play any song from the piper at the gates of dawn, he is that good in my eyes and ears.
....i bet he had some bad ass trips,
i would of done the same thing.....and wish i would of took some with him kuh!!
Barret to me was a mythical figure - Be the first person to rate this comment!
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A Creative Artist
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- By AsHighAsHonor
- 6/27/2009 00:44:50
- Syd Barret was very much a creative person - it is apparent by listening to his music. But you must also take into consideration that he had much help from other people ( especially 'Pink Floyd' members ) in performing and editing his music. That is what you hear on his albums. Other-wise, they would be too fractured. He may not be the greatest musician, but his songs are enjoyable to listen to, and are better than most artist now-adays. Which is saying much, as Barret had many psychological problems. But that is what makes his music so interesting. He does deserve more listens, as 'xErikEx' has said, just different words.
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A Legend
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- By xErikEx
- 5/21/2009 06:13:12
- Syd was quite a musical leader and an under-rated music guru.
It is quite depressing how such a great artist has Top Listeners with only about 10-30 plays per week.
Along with the fact that no one has posted one comment of his work but me ;( - 2 out of 2 people
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most played
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- 170 plays
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- 158 plays
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- 152 plays
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- 150 plays
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- 141 plays
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