ARNOLD LAYNE

Pink Floyd

Psychedelic/Space Rock

3.63 | 102 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

Conor Fynes
Prog Reviewer

'Arnold Layne' - Pink Floyd (Single)

Listening to one of my favourite psychedelic-era albums, I often wonder why 'The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn' never featured some of Pink Floyd' earliest gems. These including 'See Emily Play' and this, 'Arnold Layne', it seems counterintuitive that the band would leave off some of their catchiest and most charming early work from their official debut. In any case, Pink Floyd's early psychedelic pop is undeniably charming and fun. When Syd Barrett was in charge of the band's direction, they were a fairly different entity than the one they would become when David Gilmour joined the band. 'Arnold Layne' is a fun, three minute psychedelic relic that feels like a concise acid trip piled into a few short minutes. Although being very short, the song is very memorable, and not a second is wasted on filler. Unfortunately, the b-side for this single is not nearly as memorable.

'Arnold Layne' tells the story of a man with a 'strange hobby'- as to what that hobby is, may the listener venture to find out. Syd Barrett is the leading man here, and his quirk is what drives the song; the melodies here are strong and doused with psychedelic effects, most notably some vintage keyboard work from Richard Wright. Although it is perhaps not as great a song as 'See Emily Play', its charm makes the short journey more than worthwhile. To the single's misfortune, the b-side 'Candy And A Currant Bun' simply does not have the same level of strength to it, instead feeling like a loose attempt at a psychedelic pop song that truly lacks the melodic tact that 'Arnold Layne' did. That being said, this single is still a successful venture if even only for the first track.

Conor Fynes | 3/5 | 2011-6-5

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).

Share this PINK FLOYD review

Social review comments () BETA

Review related links

Send comments to Conor Fynes
Report this review (#457515)
Buy PINK FLOYD music online with PA partners
Show all PINK FLOYD MP3/Stream
Go to PINK FLOYD page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
Go to Arnold Layne page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
Search the Forum for PINK FLOYD related discussions