THE MADCAP LAUGHS

It's unfortunate that so many in the press get hung up talking about Syd's private life, drug use, or mental state. What is relevant is his art. His music is not for everyone, but for those who can lock into his unique vision it is very rewarding. It is both complex and simple, ranging from childlike whimsy to some very dark places to oddities in between. It is acoustic music at heart with mostly quiet vocals and worlds away from the circus of Piper. While occasional mistakes are made by Syd and in the production I have no problem overlooking such technicalities to the wondrous and unique music at its core. The gentle rhythmic playing on some tracks here (and on his song Opel from the Opel compilation) can be meditative, while other songs have an upbeat cheery vibe. It is strange music and some Floyd fans who listen to this will be shocked by the difference, the unpolished rawness, the lack of cohesive image that his former mates rode to stardom. This is closer to a Nick Drake sound than it is to any Pink Floyd album, but much less calculated than Drake. One gets the feeling that often Syd was really just channeling what came to him on a given day which is a fascinating way to experience creativity. Think about it. I hope people can maintain an open mind to Syd because he deserves to be heard by a wider audience. I love all of his solo material, even the less successful stuff. For those who'd rather try Syd with a slightly different approach get his second record "Barrett" instead. You'll find similar material but instead of the various arrangements/musicians and producers, you'll get Gilmour on bass and Jerry Shirley primarily as well as Dave's consistent oversight. Madcap has a more outwardly adventurous sound while Barrett seems slightly more intimate and a bit insular. It's debatable which approach is better so do try them both.

And I love Syd's "my way or the highway" approach to his life and work. He lived it on his terms. He decided (or it was decided for him) that he should live a quiet life away from the music business and that's what he did without ever looking back. All of Syd's work never fails to make me smile and realize how rewarding it can be to thumb one's nose at the status quo both in life and in popular music. There's a deviant quality to this album and to his approach but behind it I believe was a simple and good person who just didn't fit into this society, or rather, society didn't quite jive with him. I think those who would label his existence a "tragedy" are frankly missing the bigger picture. True, part of his story is sad but according to his own family he lived his life as he wished, did the best with the circumstances he was handed, and was happy often. There are plenty of "normal" people out there who can't pull off those things.

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