THE PIPER AT THE GATES OF DAWN

Before reviewing this album, it is appropriate to state that I simply do not like the Barrett-led era (or pre-Atom Heart for that matter). With that said, this is the more tolerable of the two Barrett albums. The songs are just average musically, but they invoke a sound unlike anything Pink Floyd does later: The songs are cheery and somewhat poppy in areas, but most are very psychedelic. Unfortunately, a lot of the album is prone to experimenting which often simply loses me at times.

Piper opens with the decent 'Astronomy Domine' and 'Lucifer Sam' which are my favorite songs of the album. The guitar dominates in both songs with some relatively heavy riffs throughout.

'Matilda Mother' and 'Flaming' are really nothing special, but 'Pow R. Toc H.' does feature some nice keys from Wright which give the song a jazzy feel; something I'm inclined to like.

'Take Up Thy Stethoscope' has some good keyboard playing, but is plagued by more of Barrett's psychedelic noodling. This is the same problem that 'Interstellar Overdrive' has as well. It does have a great intro, but the middle section just falls apart into an incoherent mess.

The remaining songs, 'The Gnome,' 'Chapter 24,' 'The Scarecrow,' and 'Bike' are all poppy songs, which are pleasantly happy and English, but nothing amazing musically.

Overall, this album is NOT a good representation of the true Pink Floyd sound. The psychedelic moments and Barrett's idiosyncrasies make this album unique, but not something I enjoy nearly as much as later Pink Floyd.

3/10