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.