OCTOPUS

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