RELICS

A compilation, a good one indeed, with material from previous albums and singles - some stuff were amongst the earliest FLOYD's works dating back to 1966.

Another point is the possibility to hear (and enjoy) the acting of both band guitarrists: Barrett and Gilmour - and the album should be even better if the tracks were disposed chronologically.

However, this is not a collection of greatest hits or well-known songs although they appear too; this album contains some obscure and exquisite songs and it accordingly fills some blanks band's history. Musically speaking there are some weak moments but they are not capable to spoil the work entirely.

Best tracks: 'Arnold Layne', a typical proto-psychedelic rock of the 60s very agreeable to hear; 'See Emily play', very pleasant, with touches of psychedelia and a close resemblance with some contemporary HOLLIES' tunes; 'Careful with that axe, Eugene', intriguing and mindful; 'The Nile song', a kind of dirty rock that I appreciate much - the atmosphere is the same of Beatles' 'Helter skelter' or some Stones or Who songs in the same vein; 'Bike' is strange but listenable (although the final is weird).

Concluding: that work isn't a masterpiece but in fact it's an excellent addition to any prog collection. Total: 4 stars.