An Introduction to Syd Barrett [Original recording remastered]

Syd Barrett | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 9, 2010)
• Original Release Date: 2010
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: EMI
• ASIN: B003YP7NAI
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #63,770 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

2010 collection that brings together, for the first time, the tracks of Pink Floyd and solo Syd Barrett on one compilation. David Gilmour, who originally worked with Syd Barrett on the solo albums by co-producing The Madcap Laughs and as producer of Barrett has taken the role of executive producer for the album and has remixed five tracks including 'Octopus;, ;She Took A Long Cool Look;, 'Dominoes' and 'Here I Go', on which Gilmour has added and played bass guitar. Pink Floyd's 'Matilda Mother' also receives a fresh 2010 mix. Brand new artwork has been provided by Storm Thorgerson and his estimable studio.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great testament to Syd's music, November 9, 2010

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Pen Name? "fluxus" - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

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This review is from: An Introduction to Syd Barrett (Audio CD)

I have been looking forward to this new set for a while now, even though I've had all of Syd's 3 solo albums and his work with the Floyd. This whole package is very well done, with great new artwork from the studio of long-time Pink Floyd artwork designer, Storm Thorgerson. The insert includes all of the lyrics and some fun artwork. There's a nice photo of Syd with his cat and an acoustic guitar. It's a nicely designed package.
As for the track selection, I think it makes for a nice playlist. I believe it does well to cover all of the tracks which would have to be on such a compilation. The new remasters sound really great and the 5 tracks that are newly mixed, or re-mixed, are relatively subtle enhancements which tend to make the tracks sound fresh and a bit more vibrant. I am personally quite glad for the bit of variety to go alongside the older masters and original mixes.

The download to "Rhamadan" is also going to be a real treat for hardcore Barrett fans. I'm just getting into it, but it is really trippy and groove oriented, but with lots of playful weirdness. I had read that the track was pretty much a sprawling shambles, but it sounds to me fairly structured... for the most part. But this is the kind of rarity that I think so many Floyd fans, like myself, wishes there were more of to be unearthed. If you like the extended, Interstellar style jams of the early Floyd, you will likely be up for the journey of listening to "Rhamadan" (though it is nowhere near the classic of a track like Interstellar Overdrive itself.)

My only complaint, I suppose, is that this would have made a great chance to officially release "Vegetable Man." Ah well...

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kudos to Gilmour and team on the mastering, November 10, 2010

By 

Mark D. Wita "Markbot" (Palm Harbor, FL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: An Introduction to Syd Barrett (Audio CD)

We could talk all day about what tracks should or should not have been included in this collection which is intended to introduce someone to the masterful work of a sick genius. I like many others need no introduction as I'm a die-hard Pink Floyd and Syd Barrett fan. I got this package to see what the new mixes would sound like especially the version of Matilda Mother included here.

The first thing I did was rip the entire contents to the hard drive to examine the wave file format in audio editing software. Thankfully none of these songs have been "brickwalled." It has not fallen prey to the loudness war. This was surprising and very good news. The 2010 mixes sound excellent and I'm picking up detail I haven't heard since the original vinyl releases or the 2007 remaster of Piper at the Gates of Dawn.

Bravo to all involved in the creation of this sonic masterpiece. One can only hope Gilmour will go back and remaster the rest of Syd's materiel using the same standards and release it soon.

More on the loudness war for those not in the know.
[...]

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Instant Desert Island Candidate, November 13, 2010

By 

Heavy Theta (Lorton, Va United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: An Introduction to Syd Barrett (Audio CD)

Just finished listening to the Bob Dylan Blues. (Lennon must have loved that one.)

Not only are the songs well mastered, but when you read that Apples and Oranges is being presented in it's "Stereo Version" you get the feeling that David Gilmour was careful in not only selecting the best nuggets to fill a disc, but making sure you get the best format for the earlier stuff, where there is a choice which is not insignificant.

So it really comes down to how much you like Syd Barrett. If you're new to it, don't think twice, this is brilliant mad stuff. Even if you're a long time fan, you would be hard pressed to come up with a better CD for regular rotation.

OK KIDS, HOW TO DOWNLOAD THE EXTRA TRACK
Put the disc into your computer. And then click:
[...]
They will ask you for some pushy info, and then let you download your mp3