Syd Barret's 'The Madcap Laughs"(1970) is an incredible yet fragile work. It was Syd Barrett's first solo release after his departure from Pink Floyd. This is a true masterpiece of psychedelic rock. It is the portrait of a mind taken to the point of no return by LSD...a mind that is too far gone to ever come back. Syd Barrett's vocals are very fragile and brittle. Barrett sounds as if he has already fallen into the abyss and there is no way for him to get out. The lyrics are incredible, dealing with day to day realities filtered through Barret's mind. They are also extremely poetic. Barrett has a way with words that is completely his own, reminding me at times of the writing of James Joyce. The music is tuneful, delicate, and saddening, heightened by the musicianship of some of his ex-Pink Floyd band mates that helped him record the album.
"The Madcap Laughs" is not a perfect release and it is somewhat rough around the edges at times. Yet, that adds to the album's appeal. It is a beautiful and devastating portrait of a broken, alienated mind and spirit. Highly recommended.
Here's "Terrapin" and "Octopus". Enjoy.
"The Madcap Laughs" is not a perfect release and it is somewhat rough around the edges at times. Yet, that adds to the album's appeal. It is a beautiful and devastating portrait of a broken, alienated mind and spirit. Highly recommended.
Here's "Terrapin" and "Octopus". Enjoy.
2 comments:
Artist Dimthingshineon recently did a cover of Syd Barrett songs: “No Good Trying” and “Baby Lemonade” on his lastest 4 CD project called "Nostalgia" released in 2009. Check out http://www.myspace.com/dimthingshineon
or http://www.geocities.com/dimthingshineon
Thanks for the comment. I will check it out.
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