A SAUCERFUL OF SECRETS

Pink Floyd's second album,the only album to congregate all the ones that already had passed for the Pink Floyd marks the end of the age of Syd Barrett. A Saucerful of Secrets is more mysterious and really seems to showcase more of the qualities of the other band members, in particular Roger Waters and Rick Wright. Another interesting aspect of this disk is that we see (or rather hear) Syd Barrett contributing to Pink Floyd for the last time, while David Gilmour is now part of the band, replacing Syd.

1. Let there be more light - exciting piece of psychedelic space rock. Intelligent lyrics. Very good! 4/5

2. Remember a Day - Rick Wright's somber and nostalgic, while the soft piano part elicits the peaceful mood of childhood.... "Why can't we reach the sun?" 5/5

3. Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun - I absolutely love Waters' bass playing in this- it adds to a great atmosphere. Great! 4.5/5

4. Corporal Clegg - a good song. I don't think the two solo´s of kazoo completely ruined it but I'll admit that it seem like a bit of a fart in the face the first time I heard it.3.5/5

5. A Saucerful of Secrets - the title track, Saucerful of Secrets, is far from a collection of strange noises followed by mellow organ music. This track IS the concept. It begins with unorganized chaos, very ugly to listen to, very annoying and irritating. Then a transformation occurs. A metamorphasis if you will, into a mellow, beautiful soundscape which builds up to a point which lifts the soul upwards and away... This song is about the life of a butterfly. From destructive, ugly, caterpillar, to a beautiful butterfly. Once trapped on the ground, hated by all, now flies free upon the breeze, to be appreciated and admired by everyone. Now, listen again to the music, and enjoy. Excellent! 4/5

6. See-Saw - is a smooth, summer childhood fantasy, and the chaotic middle bridge.A fantastic work by Rick Wright. 5/5

7. Jugband blues - a song so hauntingly sad he almost makes you want to cry. I miss you Syd! Goodbye! 4.5/5

Final Note : Pink Floyd's second album is called a masterpiece by some and a total flop by others. Actually it's not either. It certainly isn't as coherant or as inspired as the debut. Instead it is a fascinating document of a band that is partly in disintergration and partly in rebirth. It definately contains some good songs and is a very promising pick-up-the-pieces job by the band. Recommended!

4+5+4.5+3.5+4+5+4.5 = 30,5

30,5 : 7 = 4.3

Excellent addition to any prog music collection

Curiosity: In "Jugband Blues", that Peter Jenner classified as "the auto-diagnose definition of a schizophrenia state", Syd Barrett laughs:" It's awfully considerate of you to think of me here/ And I'm much obliged to you for making it clear that I'm not here/And I'm wondering who could be writing this song..."