MASTERS OF ROCK VOL. 1

A better comilation than Relics, although it's missing "Biding My Time" and the studio version of "Careful With That Axe, Eugene." I had Masters of Rock Vol. 1 on vinyl (as far as I know, it hasn't been released on CD), and it's a joy to listen to. Even though it repeats a few tracks from Piper, the way its sequenced and mastered makes for a thouroughly enjoyable psychedelic record. "Arnold Layne", "Paint Box", and "Julia Dream" are here, as is the still very psych even when censored "Candy and a Currant Bun" (original lyrics were "let's roll another one"), the trippy "Apples and Oranges", and Richard Wright's "It Would Be So Nice," yet another great, great song of his that's notably different from all of his other early songs, as they all are. Interestingly, the song itself is comprised of three completely different yet completely original sections, one startlingly whimsical section, a really trippy pre-chorus with great volume swells in the guitar to compliment dreamy falsetto vocals, and a powerful, bombastic chorus that's quite catchy. These three sections when repeated, contrast with each other to a kaliedoscopic degree, making for a very engaging and totally unforgettable experience. As a whole, these are some of their most psychedelically written and produced songs, and if you see it in a used record store and want to hear some early Floyd, you would not do wrong to pick it up. 4.5 stars.