LONDON '66-'67

This EP contains the first known live recordings of PINK FLOYD. They are taken from Peter Whitehead's short motion picture "Tonight Let's All Make Love in London" (although out-of-print it still available on Laser Disc, and VHS formats). The two tunes are also found on the "Tonight Let's All Make Love in London" Original Soundtrack. A 'special collector's edition' of this "London Live 66-67" CD was also released with an accompanying CD-ROM video of PINK FLOYD's performance. (I actually saw the imported version of this CD/CD-ROM initially priced at 85$ Cdn when first released!) So as you see, many different formats are available of these somewhat rare recordings.

As for the songs themselves, both are actually quite unique in their own way. The live version of 'Interstellar Overdrive' is far superior (and much longer) to the "Piper at the Gates of Dawn" offering. Syd Barrett's improvisational guitar work is appreciated here, and is definitely more representative of what the PINK FLOYD sounded like live early on in their psychadelic career.

Very uncharacteristically, Nick Mason takes centre stage for the only known version of the percussive 'Nick's Boogie', a wandering cacophony of a song. Although sounding a bit at times like a scary-movie soundtrack, this song has its moments, if you can stay focused as it noodles its way to the 11 minute mark. If you like the song 'A Saucerful of Secrets' than this might be for you.

The special edition (released in 1995, not 1999) cardboard cd case for "London Live 66-67" is quite exquisite. It has some contemporary still pics of Syd from the recording session, as well as the other 'cast members' of the "Tonite..." Movie.

For collectors and diehard FLOYD/BARRETT fans only! 2/5 stars