OPEL

Had this been an EP containing only those songs not released in different versions on Syd's other studio albums, I'd have probably given this one an extra star; as it is, it's needlessly rounded out with alternate takes of material from The Madcap Laughs and Barrett, and unless you are an absolutely devoted fan of Syd's solo material there's really little need to have so many alternate takes of songs you already own - especially considering that these versions don't really reveal any hidden beauty or previously untapped magic to the material. (It gets even more silly when you consider the CD versions of this album and Syd's solo albums include *even more* alternate takes as bonus tracks.) Hardcore collectors only, I'm afraid.