In many ways I wish I was around when this record arrived in 1967. I question whether I would have enjoyed it as much as I do now, yet, it would be a known fact that after listening to it back then, the whole music world was set to change...forever. The debut of Pink Floyd came with Piper at the Gates of Dawn, the only record which boasted the late Syd Barrett as the leader of the band. Though, Syd may have gone AWOL after the release of Piper, his impact and influence remained through the duration of the band. One of the first psychedelic rock records, unlike most Floyd records that play out like a story, this unfolds as a cosmic trip about outer space, gnomes, forests and fairytales. A drug fueled trip to the unknown, Piper at the Gates of Dawn was an instant classic upon its release and brought Pink Floyd right to the center of the psychedelic movement of the late 1960's. After its release, Barrett departed from the band, which resulted in David Gilmore and Roger Waters in a power struggle for leadership of the band till the very end. Piper at the Gates of Dawn may not be one of the most recognizable records in the Floyd catalogue, but truly one of their finest efforts, a record that was released 40 years ago and light years ahead of its time.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Underrated Classic -Pink Floyd "Piper at the Gates of Dawn"
In many ways I wish I was around when this record arrived in 1967. I question whether I would have enjoyed it as much as I do now, yet, it would be a known fact that after listening to it back then, the whole music world was set to change...forever. The debut of Pink Floyd came with Piper at the Gates of Dawn, the only record which boasted the late Syd Barrett as the leader of the band. Though, Syd may have gone AWOL after the release of Piper, his impact and influence remained through the duration of the band. One of the first psychedelic rock records, unlike most Floyd records that play out like a story, this unfolds as a cosmic trip about outer space, gnomes, forests and fairytales. A drug fueled trip to the unknown, Piper at the Gates of Dawn was an instant classic upon its release and brought Pink Floyd right to the center of the psychedelic movement of the late 1960's. After its release, Barrett departed from the band, which resulted in David Gilmore and Roger Waters in a power struggle for leadership of the band till the very end. Piper at the Gates of Dawn may not be one of the most recognizable records in the Floyd catalogue, but truly one of their finest efforts, a record that was released 40 years ago and light years ahead of its time.