A SAUCERFUL OF SECRETS

The second album from Pink Floyd is a clear indication of the direction the band decided to take. I don't know if the problems with Syd Barret were the main reason beside this but the band continued the direction from "The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn" on songs like Astronomy Domine or Intersterllar Overdrive in a more intense manner. The first album is a bit too psychedelic for my taste. This is one is a little more spacey and enjoyable. This one could be easily categorized as one of the earliest progressive rock albums(even if there is a long debate about this). David Gilmour joined the band smoothly and this is the only album where all 5 are performing. The best songs here are the first three, in order: Le there be more light, Remember a day and Set the Controls for the heart of the sun and these songs are indicating the direction the band will take in the next years.

When the first song is starting I have the impression that I'm not in '68. Only the organ is denoting this a little. It is the first song when David Gilmour is using his unmistakable guitar effects with distortion and echoes.

Remember a day is a very good song and the piano parts are very enjoyable and it is again with a very precocious sound. Different effects are used and the song is very melodic. Syd Barret is playing guitar on this one.

The third song("Set The Contols For The Heart Of The Sun") is along with the first one probably the best here. Pulsatory and repetitive effects with an electronic and oceanic feel, beautiful and relaxing vibraphone sounds. One important characteristic of the song is that this is the only song with all five members performing

"Corporal Clegg" is dealing with war aspects and it has a "beatelesque" atmosphere. The song is a bit sarcastic and ironic in terms of lyrics but musically also. It has a sound of a gormless military march.

The longest track here is "A saucerful of secrets" is instrumental, dark , psychedelic and it has a touch of of an horror movie soundtrack on the first part. Different kinds of abstract sounds are making this song very experimental. It is probably a very characteristic Pink Floyd psychedelic composition from the first part of their carrier. According to Roger Watters this song has four parts and is dealing with a battle(setting up, the battle itself, the view of the dead and bewailing of the dead). The last part has the impression of a funeral march.

"See saw" is a enjoyable rock and roll ballad with an experimental background. Inspired keys arrangements splashed with vibraphone sounds.

The last song is the only Syd Barrett composition. The lyrics are indicating a kind of indolence and thoughtlessness and is somehow indicating Syd's status inside the band at that time. Syd Barrett had for sure a great deal of influence and inspiration even if he wasn't part of Pink Floyd after this one. Later, one of the most important and enjoyable songs from Pink Floyd was written with Syd Barrett image in mind. Probably such a song wouldn't have been possible without his departure. Unfortunately we don't know what could have been Pink Floyd with Syd in the seventies. As a conclusion I want to think about this as an highly influential album, very diverse, with clear progressive elements(experimental, unusual instruments). Historically this is for sure a milestone of the progressive rock genre.