THE PEEL SESSIONS

A very rare live set performed at the BBC studios by Syd Barrett with the help of Jerry Shirley and Dave Gilmour in February 1970 and later broadcasted. (Don't remember seeing/hearing anything about Rick Wright being in the studio though? Indeed, no keyboards are heard on the recordings...) This (bootlegged?) version of "The Peel Sessions" was packaged in 1988 and sold under the Strange Fruit label.

The relatively few songs offered up (only 5) are merely adequate offerings of studio versions, as Syd had already started his downwards decline by this stage. Sound quality is below average. The total music on the disc adds up to a mere 12 minutes, but still, finding anything 'live' by Mr. Barrett is pretty challenging, hence the market for this kind of release.

This album was actually only officially launched in 2004 with a few extra tracks (an alternate take of 'Baby Lemonade', as well as versions of 'Dominoes' and 'Love Song'), and with a different title, "The Radio One Sessions". The sound quality on these three extra tracks are pretty poor, in fact even worse than the initial five.

If you've got to have just everything available from Syd, then by all means pick up "The Peel Sessions". Otherwise, buy the 'official' BBC version mentioned above: "The Radio One Sessions" for the three extra tracks. FOR DIEHARD COLLECTORS ONLY. 1/5 stars

Syd fans rejoice! Don't be put off by low ratings or the fact that this disc is a mere 12 minutes long. It's short but very sweet and very rare.

Recorded live in studio in 1970 Syd is joined by David Gilmour and Rick Wright, and also Jerry Shirley on percussion. I have great respect for Dave and Rick to help out Syd as late as 1970 as I'm sure that this was a very busy time for Pink Floyd. Another reviewer says he can't hear any evidence of Rick which is strange because I can clearly hear organ on more than one song although my cd release doesn't credit Rick. Hmmm.another Floydian mystery.

So what about the music? Easy. If you love Syd's two studio albums then this is an essential purchase. He is in an upbeat mood and able to perform well and interact musically with the other players which was not always the case. He quickly (in 12 minutes) rattles off charming versions of Terrapin, Gigolo Aunt, Baby Lemonade, Effervescing Elephant, and Two of a Kind.

Gilmour does his best to augment Syd's rather straight performance with little vocal and guitar flourishes here and there and all of the backing is rather loose and laid back. You kind of had to be with Syd because he could be so unpredictable live. Although in this case he stayed on course very well. The sound quality is quite decent given the period.

I think Barrett is a one of a kind, truly uniquely talented vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist. A poet able to use words to create often startling images in the listener's mind. I also feel it took great strength for him to hold it together enough to make his small collection of solo albums in the face of obviously difficult personal issues. He would soon leave the music business to be a simple painter and live with his family in the privacy of their Cambridge home.

3 stars for the site, but essential for people who love Syd's music and already have his studio work.