BARRETT

Syd Barrett's second solo album doesn't give me the same satisfaction as the first, even though the composition of the songs is almost Identical to that of The 'Madcap Laughs.' Again this album is very minimalist and in most songs the only backing is a guitar. Many of the songs, however do have backing which is provided by several different people, including the members of Pink Floyd. It is interesting listening to the remaster of this album as it includes many alternative versions of the songs. He obviously had great difficulty recording this album. Barrett isn't a boring album in any respect and it has many interesting songs, the best of which are "Rats"," Dominoes", "Baby Lemonade" and "Wolfpack."

1. Baby Lemonade (4/5) 2. Love Song (3/5) 3. Dominoes (4/5) 4. It is Obvious (3/5) 5. Rats (4/5) 6. Maisie (3/5) 7. Gigolo Aunt (2/5) 8. Waving My Arms in the Air (3/5) 9. I Never Lied to You (3/5) 10. Wined and Dined (3/5) 11. Wolfpack (4/5) 12. Effervescing Elephant (3/5) Total = 39 divided by 12 (number of songs) =3.25 = 3 stars Good, but non-essential

"Barrett" is an enjoyable album and if I had to label it anything I'd call it a toned down version of 'Piper at the Gates of Dawn.' It has that distinctive Syd Barrett feel to it which is noticeable by the why he writes the lyrics and music. A song will flow and then randomly the pattern in the music will be broken. I'd recommend Barrett to Pink Floyd fans.