OCTOPUS

Basically "Octopus" is a half-assed attempt to put a Syd Barrett 'Greatest Hits' compilation on the market for someone (hopefully Syd!) to make a quick buck. In 1992 there was no such thing available and so it became, by default, a good purchase.

The only problem with this compilation is that there are no rare tracks, alternate takes, or 'previously unreleased' material and so is barely of interest to collectors. "Octopus" should be bought only as a last resort, but it can be used as a decent introduction to Barrett's work. You'd be better off buying Syd's 2-3 official albums (Madcap, Barrett and Opel) instead or one of the two other compilations available.

A superior compilation to "Octopus" is "Wouldn't You Miss Me?" released in 2001, and containing not only more tracks, but a few rarities as well. If you can find it, the best purchase is "Crazy Diamond", the phenomenal reissue/remaster boxed set of Syd's three main (only) albums replete with close to 20 outtakes and rarities.

This one, of many best of albums from Syd Barrett is particularly useless as there was already a Barret complication released in "Opel" As the previous reviewer mentioned there are no alternate tracks or retakes which can be found on Syd Barrett studio albums which, in my case turned out to be cheaper than this album. What's worst is the fact that this compilation is missing very crucial Syd Barret songs in "Terrapin" and "Dark Globe" which best characterizes the meanings and style of Syd Barrett's works.

I'm pretty sure this compilation was made after Barrett went back to his home town, and cut himself off from the rest of the world which basically means that someone (not Barrett) was looking to make a quick few dollars. Even more annoying is the fact that another two compilation albums where released after this one, making a grand total of five compilation albums to just two actual studio albums. Is that flogging or what? That goes without saying that "Crazy Diamond" is a very good compilation as it features all of Syd Barrett's songs and more.

So, in summary this really isn't the best thing floating around and one is much better of getting the remastered studio albums or the "Crazy Diamond" compilation as they are much more complete and fulfilling. I'd only recommend this album to collectors, although it isn't too bad for a newbie to Barrett, hence the two stars. Collectors/fans only