OPEL

A sort of 'studio' album, "Opel" was released in 1989 with a plethora of previously unheard Syd Barrett tunes. This is not an attempt to release recycled material and 'cash-in' at the expense of fans, this album is an attempt to get out more, and ostensibly new, music to those fans. So although it is labelled as a 'compilation' think of this as a long lost Third Syd studio album as it is quite creative, and of decent quality.

The album was named (quite rightly) after the title song, 'Opel', a powerful and haunting poetic piece. Again, Syd's familiar format is followed: His voice, an acoustic guitar, and his songwriting genius. Nothing uplifting here to be sure though.

'Word Song' is one of Syd Barrett's MOST unique musical pieces, and it illustrates how easily he can put words to music. Indeed this entire song is made up of only single words, strung together with a melody. No word is repeated, and no word has anything to do with what precedes/follows it.

'Wouldn't You Miss Me?' is a heartwrenching opus, ostensibly aimed at his former bandmembers who left him, and worth the price of admission alone. "Please lift a hand, I'm only a person. Wouldn't you miss me? COULDN'T you miss me at all....?"

There are a few stinkers on here as well: 'Rats' and 'Birdie Hop' in particular, but not enough to ruin the album. 2.5/5 stars, rounded up because of my blatant Barrett bias! ;-)

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