A SAUCERFUL OF SECRETS

Okay, Pink Floyd. For your second album, you will be, for the most part, without your songwriter/guitarist/leader and your manager. You will bring in the guitarist that you've had warming up in the bullpen for the past season. And you'll try to make a successful album. How does that sound?

It sounds great!

While Syd Barrett had his talents, but his erratic behavior was a distraction. So by letting him go, the rest of the band was allowed to flourish, and imprint more of themselves on the music.

From the start the music has a darker feel. And while Barrett's sonic experiments were unique, the sounds used here mesh better into the music (let's not mention the kazoos, however).

Highlights are the eerie Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun and A Saucerful Of Secrets.

Now, as for the single Barrett-penned tune on the album, Jugband Blues. It seems to be a bittersweet farewell to the band. With lyrics like: "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 "And I'm grateful that you threw away my old shoes And brought me here instead dressed in red And I'm wondering who could be writing this song."

He seems to be resigned to his departure, while not entirely happy about it. But in the long run, it was our gain.