RELICS

In mid-1971, Pink Floyd released Relics, an album which collected some non-album singles, B-sides, and unreleased songs. However, five of the eleven songs had already been released on other records. I was conflicted over whether or not to include this release in this article, but if I addressed Living in the Past in my Jethro Tull piece, I'd argue that this falls in the same category.

In addition to the five album tracks, I've already discussed "Arnold Layne" and "See Emily Play", but there are four more cuts to cover here.

"Paintbox" was originally released as a B-side to the disjointed, less-than-stellar "Apples and Oranges", and it far outshines its A-side. It's a Richard Wright composition and features his usual light, jazzy compositional tendencies, intercut with some sinister minor-key moments. "Julia Dream" is another B-side I prefer over its A-side, "It Would Be So Nice". (Though it was stronger than "Apples and Oranges", this single's verses are a bit too childlike for my taste.) "Julia Dream" is a spooky, simple acoustic piece that utilizes Wright's organ excellently.

"Careful with That Axe, Eugene" opens as a slow organ-based jam, featuring some noodling in an uncommon mode. After the title is whispered, there's a shriek, followed by an extended, dark solo. This is one of many songs in Pink Floyd's early repertoire that was vastly improved in live settings. The shriek and opening of the solo were given much greater impact during live performances, resulting in a more effective, arresting experience. The version on Ummagumma is especially noteworthy.

The final song on Relics to be discussed is the previously-unreleased "Biding My Time". This song was performed live as a part of The Man and the Journey, but Relics was the first time the studio version was heard. Jazz and blues are the primary influences displayed here, with warm piano and guitar tones taking the lead during the first part of the song. This song features prominent trombone, played by Rick Wright, and the final two-plus minutes are an enthralling blues jam. It's clear why this wasn't previously released?it would have sounded odd on any album Pink Floyd had put out up to this point?but it's a solid piece overall.

Review originally posted here: theeliteextremophile.com/2021/03/01/deep-dive-pink-floyd/