THE PIPER AT THE GATES OF DAWN

If you define "progressive" music as sounds that break down listener's preconceived barriers, then "Piper At The Gates Of Dawn" succeeds on all counts. Although often characterized as naive, Syd Barrett's songs portray life in all its wide-eyed wonder. Rather than reflecting psychedelic trends, pieces like "The Gnome" and "Bike" demonstrate a world view as original and transcendent as Tolkien or Lewis. Instrumentally, the embryonic band provides the proper soundscape - lounge piano, propulsive bass, atonal guitar leads, and moments of symphonic wonder on "Astronomy Domine." Sadly, the final moments of "Bike" - which are both childlike and terrifying - outline the final destination of Syd's journey. More than an artifact, "Piper" is a unique and challenging work that still inspires to this day.