WOULDN'T YOU MISS ME?

Now THIS is how you make a compilation! Containing healthy doses of the best of Syd's debut and sophomore albums, and as well as a few from Opel, "Wouldn't You Miss Me?" is an excellent addition to anyone's music collection, whether you are familiar with Syd Barrett's musical catalogue or are just discovering it. 3.5/5 stars really

Besides getting 22 tracks and close to 71 minutes of Barrett music, you are also treated to a few rarities. Barrett rarities are pure gold to his obsessed fan base. For the purposes of this review, I'll just comment on the three rare tracks found on this compilation, as the remaining tunes can all be found on Syd's main studio albums.

'Two of a Kind': Recorded live for the BBC in 1970 (and also available on both 'The Peel Sessions' and 'The Radio One Sessions') this is a great acoustic guitar and percussion piece from Syd. Sharp vocals, good rhythm guitar, overall an above average Syd tune.

'Bob Dylan Blues': A direct to stereo demo recording for David Gilmour (and offered by Gilmour for this compilation specifically), this song is easily a masterpiece of musical creativity. Quite possibly the first recorded instance of 'dissing' (putting down another artist) in the music industry, Syd wrote a satirical song about good ol' Mr. Zimmerman. Echoing Lennon and Dylan himself with simple acoustic guitar, biting almost poetic lyrics (lots of puns, alliteration and double entendres), and Syd's easily delivered vocals make this tune quite catchy. "I'm a poet, don't you know it, And the wind, you can blow it..."

'Golden Hair' (Instrumental): A short, instrumental alternate version of the original.