Syd Barrett – The Madcap Laughs

His solo debut, The Madcap Laughs, in particular, revealed his diverse, sometimes revolutionary ideas, which he would have preferred to implement all at once. But the album is also a document of his philosophy, according to which the first take, even if bungling, should always be the best and a repetition of the recordings should be rejected on principle, as it would only rob the songs of their spontaneity. No wonder that the responsible people at the label were worried about the success of the album, which after weeks in the studio was only finished in its basic features. So it happened that David Gilmour and Roger Waters helped in a few concentrated sessions to mix and complete the album.

His second was released in 1970 and is a lot stronger than the debut On the one hand, the album contains a wealth of brilliant song ideas - some of them almost bordering on madness. On the other hand, Barrett fails because of his lack of ability to execute his ideas musically. Thanks to renewed support from former Pink Floyd comrades-in-arms, this album could at least be completed - it represents nothing more and nothing less than a mirror of Barrett's torn psyche. After that, Barrett completely retired from the music scene. 

On "Opel" you will find unreleased songs and alternate takes from the sessions to the two albums. Whether you think Syd Barrett is a charlatan or a genius, "Opel" is an interesting collection of tracks that are more spontaneous snapshots than perfect music. Like the title track, many pieces are acoustic. The Native American saga "Swan Lee" is delivered by Barrett in an abysmal bass voice and set to striking guitar accents and psychedelic organ. "Golden Hair" is already familiar from the debut album - here it is heard in a sparsely orchestrated vocal version and alternatively as an instrumental. "Lanky Part 2" combines mantric drum rituals with guitar and vibraphone accents - and seems so childishly playful and comes across as childlike and playful as this mentally torn artist himself was.

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