14 November 2020

Artist: Syd Barrett
Album: Barrett
Released: 14 November 1970 – 50 years ago today

AllMusic: “On his second solo album, Barrett was joined by Humble Pie drummer Jerry Shirley and Pink Floyd members Rick Wright (organ) and Dave Gilmour (guitar). Gilmour and Wright acted as producers as well. Instrumentally, the result is a bit fuller and smoother than the first album, although it’s since been revealed that Gilmour and Wright embellished these songs as best they could without much involvement from Barrett, who was often unable or unwilling to perfect his performance. The songs, however, are just as fractured as on his debut, if not more so. “Baby Lemonade,” “Gigolo Aunt,” and the nursery rhyming “Effervescing Elephant” rank among his peppiest and best-loved tunes. Elsewhere, the tone is darker and more meandering. It was regarded as something of a charming but unfocused throwaway at the time of its release, but Barrett’s singularly whimsical and unsettling vision holds up well.” Score: 4.5/5.

Turn Up The Volume: Probably still with his head in the clouds, Barrett showed again his songwriting skills and recorded them with two Pink Floyd’s. A mix of folk, pop, and psych-rock twists. Too bad it was already over after this second and final studio LP. Wish the crazy diamond had produced some more magic. R.I.P.

Full album…
(#1 – #12)

.
SYD BARRETT: Bio