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Win An Introduction To Syd Barrett from the Current

Posted at 9:59 AM on November 5, 2010 by Jim McGuinn (2 Comments)

Here at the Current we've got a real soft spot for the eccentric characters in rock history. From Keith Richards to Wayne Coyne, Robyn Hitchcock to Brian Wilson, Arthur Lee to Tom Waits, we tend to love the oddballs that create some of the most fascinating music.

One of the all-time leaders of this pack is the late Syd (Roger) Barrett, founder of Pink Floyd, creator of quirky solo albums, and the great acid casualty who dropped off the musical map from 1972 till his death in 2006. EMI has a new compilation, An Introduction to Syd Barrett that combines the solo work with the early Floyd, adds new graphic and liner notes, and highlights the madcap genius whose star shone brightly yet burnt out all too quickly. A true visionary, his work with Pink Floyd encapsulates the moment when pop-psychedelia was the toast of London (1966/7), and the Floyd were at the vanguard, quickly reaching peer status with the Beatles for a moment. but by mid-1968, Syd was out of the band, having struggled to cope with success, pressure, and his own prodigious drug intake.

Embarking on a solo career that yielded just two albums in his lifetime, he somehow created a timelessness in his work not unlike Arthur Lee and Love, to whom Barrett was often compared. More so than the music he made with Pink Floyd (which seems rooted in the era), Syd's solo releases still feel as unique, confounding, beautiful, and forward thinking some 40 years later.

David Gilmour is executive producer of the compilation - Gilmour, the friend who ultimately replaced Syd in the Floyd. Over the years both Roger Waters and David Gilmour kept the legacy of Syd alive, even as Syd the person retreated to his mom's house in Cambridge and took up painting and a hermatic lifestyle, hardly ever seen in public after 1975, and never having recorded any additional music, despite repeated efforts and offers.

One of the best Syd stories: While the band were working on the album Wish You Were Here (with songs about him - like Dark Side and the Wall as well), Barrett made an impromptu visit to the studio, during which he "sat round and talked for a bit but he wasn't really there," according to Floyd art designer Strom Thorgerson. He had changed in appearance - gaining weight and shaving his head - and the band did not initially recognise him. Roger Waters was reportedly deeply upset by the experience. Barrett eventually left without saying goodbye, and none of the band members ever saw him again.

Although Barrett had not appeared or spoken in public since the mid-1970s, reporters and fans still travelled to Cambridge to seek him out - British band Televsion Personalities recorded a single titled "I Know Where Syd Barrett Lives"). Despite his attempts to live a quiet life and public appeals from his family for people to leave him alone. Many photos of Barrett being annoyed by paparazzi when walking or biking, from the 1980s until his death in 2006, had been published.

Apparently, Barrett was not happy being reminded about his past as a musician and the other members of Pink Floyd had no direct contact with him. He did go to his sister's house in November 2001 to watch a BBC documentary made about him - reportedly he found some of it "too noisy", and enjoyed hearing "See Emily Play" again.

Listen to the Current this week as we highlight tracks from the Syd compilation, and sign up HERE to win your copy - we're giving away 5 copies, and a grand prize new bio by Rob Chapman—A Very Irregular Head: The Life of Syd Barrett. The contest rules are here.

Comments (2)

I love pink floyd, sid was the binding that held the group, and this continued past his leaving the band. he will always be loved and missed

Posted by jenny flower | November 6, 2010 4:14 AM

I'm glad that Syd is getting attention. It's amazing how many Pink Floyd fans have never heard of him.
It's good when new bands appreciate and honor his style. The band Tame Impala from Perth Australia is one such band. Die hard Barret fans should definitely go see Tame Impala at the 7th Street Entry saturday Nov. 27th.. First time i heard these guys, i was reminded of Syd's dreamy song writing style and spaced out vocals and innocent lyrics.... lot's of effects and reverb.
So much new music was exploding in 1966 and Syd was one of the most influential Pioneers. I'm glad The Current is covering these new releases. After all, Syd may have indirectly or unknowingly sold his soul for rock n roll. It only seems right that we pay homage to one of the greats.
Tame Impala has some of their songs on their MySpace page. Check it out and if you're a Syd Barrett fan, you'll know what i'm talking about.

Posted by christopher shepard | November 9, 2010 5:40 PM

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