204. Syd Barrett | The Madcap Laughs (1970)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Terrapin
2. No Good Trying
3. Love You
4. No Man's Land
5. Dark Globe
6. Here I Go
7. Octopus
8. Golden Hair
9. Long Gone
10. She Took a Long Cold Look
11. Feel
12. If It's In You
13. Late Night

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The Madcap Laughs is a claustrophobic album. The music is psychedelic folk. While the music is psychedelic, it's very stark and low-key compared to the psychedelic rock of 1967 and 1968.

There's an underlying tension on this album, especially on the second half. It's as if something is going to snap and all hell is going to break loose. When Syd Barrett speaks between takes on a song or two at the end, he sounds stressed.

This album is an acquired taste. There was a feeling that something was not quite right. The first time listening, the first couple songs were quite jarring and discomforting. After listening several times, I am used to it, but it's still unsettling.

I find this album intriguing. It's not the kind of album that will or should end up in regular rotation. Instead, it's an album to listen to when you're not feeling quite right. I think it's worth listening to, but not quite sure it should be on the 1001 Albums list. It's psychedelic music. In that sense, there's not much new to this album.

I also suspect there's always been a buzz about Syd Barrett because of his breakdown because of the popularity of Pink Floyd, and their references to him, after his departure. That is, if Pink Floyd had never amounted to anything, this album would be forgotten. And that is probably why we still talk about Syd Barrett.

The songs are good. I'm not sure if there are many stand outs since they all sound remarkably similar. But here are some notable ones: Terrapin, No Good Trying, Octopus, Golden Hair, Long Gone and If It's In You.

★★★★★★★★☆☆