A SAUCERFUL OF SECRETS

4.5 stars. After "Pipers At The Gates Of Dawn" Syd Barrett was displaying some really bizarre behaviour, so much so that they brought in a friend named David Gilmour to play guitar during concerts. Gilmour became a permanent member of the band taking part in this their second studio record. Again like "Pipers..." this was recorded at Abbey Road Studios and Norman Smith is again the producer. This is a transitional album of sorts with Barrett being phased out. He did write one song though that recalls their debut album and he takes part in three songs overall. I'm looking forward to Finnforest's review of this album because he knows much more than I do about what was going on behind the scenes at this point. Love the album cover done by another friend of the band, namely Storm Thorgersen.

"Let There Be More Light" is such a good tune. It opens with Waters great bass lines as drums and synths come in. I really like the first part of this song. The song then changes as we get more of a sixties sounding vibe with vocals leading the way. The instrument work is powerful for the last minute and a half. Gilmour and Wright share vocal duties on this one, the latter is heard on the verses. "Remember A Day" is a Wright tune that looks back on what it was like to be a child. Almost sad lyrics like "Why can't we play today ? Why can't we stay that way ?". This is a hazy and dreamy psychedelic tune. Great song. "Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun" is one of my two favourites on this album along with the title track. The vocals (Waters) on this one are almost whispered as synths, organ, drums and vibes are played. You can hear the seagulls at times. This is a classic FLOYD track written by Waters. "Corporal Clegg" is Waters' first anti-war track. The guitar is aggressive and sharp sounding. This one really sounds like THE BEATLES. It also has some silly moments that recall the first record.

"A Saucerful Of Secrets" reminds me of so much music I listen to. The dark, haunting and eerie atmosphere with organ drones, synths and mellotron and experimental sounds continue for 4 minutes. Then a change as drums roll in. Dissonant sounds come and go. Very freaky low rumbling sounds take over before the scary vibe is back. Organ, vocal melodies and mellotron to end it. "See- Saw" is another Wright tune. This is a dreamy, psychedelic tune with some mellotron. I like this one. It could have fit well on the future "Meddle" album. "Jugband Blues" is Barrett's last song with PINK FLOYD. As Finnforest mentioned to me, the lyrics are to be studied. The first two lines are poignant "It's awfully considerate of you to think of me here. And i'm almost obliged to you for making it clear that i'm not here." Sad actually. Acoustic guitar and vocals lead the way in this unmistakeable Syd song.

For me this is a step up from their debut. I know i'm in the minority with those feelings, but I love the variety and the direction they are now going. So while this may be a transitional album it's an important step for the band. Richard Wright certainly stepped up to the plate here along with Waters of course. I love this album.