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Review
This low-priced 'Bizarre Collection Of Antiques and Curios', originally released as a stop-gap between Pink Floyd's first No.1 album, Atom Heart Mother and the yet-to-be released Meddle, acted as a perfect introduction to the band, especially when, several years later, the success of Dark Side Of The Moon sent new fans back to investigate their earlier work. Relics put listeners in a reverie of strangeness. It was hard to imagine that this was the same group. And of course, in many respects, it wasn't, for, on six of the album's eleven cuts, mercurial former leader Syd Barrett was present.
The album demonstrates how Pink Floyd evolved, giving a neat précis of the group as they exchanged Barrett's psychedelic whimsy ("Bike", "See Emily Play") for space rock ("Careful With That Axe, Eugene”), before moving on to rock of a more conventional kind ("Biding My Time", "The Nile Song"); all in the space of four years. For years, this was the only way you could get the group's first two singles, "Arnold Layne" and "See Emily Play" on long-player. On listening today, they still generate great excitement – this is the sound of musical boundaries being stretched. As Relics meanders through rare B-sides and Rick Wright-penned album tracks, it pauses on the overlooked album More as well as the then-previously unreleased studio trifle, “Biding My Time”, recorded in July 1969. The album closes with The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn closer, "Bike", and gives us a final glimpse back into Syd's world. For all the weirdness and variable nature of the material, Relics holds together very well, adding further to the mystery of the legend of Pink Floyd. --Daryl Easlea
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Product Description
1. Arnold Layne2. Intersteller Overdrive3. See Emily Play4. Remember A Day5. Paintbox6. Julia Dream7. Careful With That Axe, Eugene8. Cirrus Minor9. The Nile Song10. Biding My Time11. Bike
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By Chris G.
Format:Audio CD
This is an excellent compilation album for those who wish to investigate Pink Floyd's highly productive early years, especially those with Syd Barrett.
Two of Barrett's most renowned and revered compositions are included, 'Arnold Layne' and 'See Emily Play'. The former is a curious tale depicting a barmy fellow who enjoys stealing women's undergarments, and is a characteristically idiosyncratic cut from Barrett, being both delightfully playful and flawless musically. 'See Emily Play' is even better; a psychedelic masterpiece, made distinctive due to the hallucinatory organ sounds and Barrett's blithe and effervescent lyrical imagery. These are two fantastic examples of Floyd's Syd Barrett era, where the band was able to churn out playful, childlike, almost whimsical slices of psychedelic pop, which were quintessentially English. The inclusion of Barrett's 'Interstellar Overdrive' also demonstrates his experimental and progressive leanings, aptly underlining the many dimensions of early Floyd.
This compilation isn't all about Barrett, though. Also included are early tracks from keyboardist, Rick Wright, 'Remember a Day' and 'Paintbox' (although Barrett plays guitar on the former). These tracks undoubtedly intended to recapture the Barrett-era zeitgeist of psychedelic sounds and dreamlike lyrics. Though whilst Rick has a pleasant voice, the songs lack the distinctiveness of Barrett's work. However, they are still interesting artefacts from the band's distant psychedelic past.
On 'Careful With That Axe, Eugene', Pink Floyd's successful progression away from the Barrett sound is evident. The song is a hugely atmospheric jam, driven by Rick Wright's wondrous eastern-sounding organ playing and interpolated forebodingly with ghostly shrieks from Roger Waters.... Read more ›
Two of Barrett's most renowned and revered compositions are included, 'Arnold Layne' and 'See Emily Play'. The former is a curious tale depicting a barmy fellow who enjoys stealing women's undergarments, and is a characteristically idiosyncratic cut from Barrett, being both delightfully playful and flawless musically. 'See Emily Play' is even better; a psychedelic masterpiece, made distinctive due to the hallucinatory organ sounds and Barrett's blithe and effervescent lyrical imagery. These are two fantastic examples of Floyd's Syd Barrett era, where the band was able to churn out playful, childlike, almost whimsical slices of psychedelic pop, which were quintessentially English. The inclusion of Barrett's 'Interstellar Overdrive' also demonstrates his experimental and progressive leanings, aptly underlining the many dimensions of early Floyd.
This compilation isn't all about Barrett, though. Also included are early tracks from keyboardist, Rick Wright, 'Remember a Day' and 'Paintbox' (although Barrett plays guitar on the former). These tracks undoubtedly intended to recapture the Barrett-era zeitgeist of psychedelic sounds and dreamlike lyrics. Though whilst Rick has a pleasant voice, the songs lack the distinctiveness of Barrett's work. However, they are still interesting artefacts from the band's distant psychedelic past.
On 'Careful With That Axe, Eugene', Pink Floyd's successful progression away from the Barrett sound is evident. The song is a hugely atmospheric jam, driven by Rick Wright's wondrous eastern-sounding organ playing and interpolated forebodingly with ghostly shrieks from Roger Waters.... Read more ›
32 of 36 people found the following review helpful
By Moz
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This isn't 'The Wall' or 'Meddle' or 'Dark Side' or even 'Saucerful of Secrets' - this is largely Syd's Pink Floyd and gives full expression to our favourite Crazy Diamond. I'm proud to admit that this and "Piper at the Gates" are the only Floyd albums I now own and I play this often. Someone will doubtless point out Syd isn't involved on all of these tracks but they're all brushed with his influence and tainted by his maniacal vision. This is England's version of Roky Erickson & the 13th Floor Elevators but much better recordings.
Axe (as soundtracked on Zabriskie Point) is good, the singles Arnold Layne & Emily Play a perfect marriage but it's the mellow Cirrus Minor, Julia Dream, Paintbox and Remember a Day that really take me back to the years immediately after the Brit's summer of love. They're blissful (the perfect adjective here). Maybe I should give due credit to Roger Waters here. The Nile Song & Interstellar both rock and Paintbox ends up making you want to rip off all of your clothes, no matter who's in the room with you. Oops - time for me to be on me Bike!
Axe (as soundtracked on Zabriskie Point) is good, the singles Arnold Layne & Emily Play a perfect marriage but it's the mellow Cirrus Minor, Julia Dream, Paintbox and Remember a Day that really take me back to the years immediately after the Brit's summer of love. They're blissful (the perfect adjective here). Maybe I should give due credit to Roger Waters here. The Nile Song & Interstellar both rock and Paintbox ends up making you want to rip off all of your clothes, no matter who's in the room with you. Oops - time for me to be on me Bike!
16 of 18 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Audio CD
This is a lovely, carefree little CD of some of Floyds 60's works. And the fact that it contains the fantastic non-album Syd Barrett compositions "Arnold Layne" & "See Emily Play" make it indispensible. Elsewhere the songs here are very strong, the Gothic-hippyishness of "Julia Dream" & "Cirrus Minor" are wonderful. Well worth having.
19 of 22 people found the following review helpful
By J. Parsons
Format:Audio CD
"Relics" is an early 'Best Of' album, featuring some of Pink Floyd's most popular songs of the time. This, however the first time that "See Emily Play" and "Careful With That Axe, Eugene" have appeard on an album. (Unless you own the Japanese version of "The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn" which has "See Emily Play")
This is a great album by a great band. A must have.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By M. G. Wilson
Format:Audio CD
Covering the period 1967 to 1971, 'Relics' was originally released to capitalise on the success of the 'Atom Heart Mother' album. It now stands as the perfect introduction to the band's early work (alongside 'Piper At The Gates Of Dawn') for those who only know 'Dark Side of the Moon' or 'The Wall'. A selection of tracks from the early LPs are presented alongside the two big Syd Barrett period singles 'Arnold Layne' and 'See Emily Play' not included on albums of the time. For fans, 'Biding My Time' is not available anywhere else, and 'Julia Dream' and this version of 'Careful With That Axe, Eugene' are only otherwise available on 'The Early Singles' disc available only in the 'Shine On' box set.
But what about the music? If you only know Floyd's later work, the sound may be something of a shock. 'Arnold Layne' and 'See Emily Play' are pure sixties pop while 'Interstellar Overdrive' is the sound of Rock in its first flush stretching out and feeling for the possibilities of a more complex, experimental neo-classical approach. Elsewhere there is that peculiarly English mixture of whimsy and the blues, pastoral and psychedelia, and of course no-one should be without 'Careful With That Axe, Eugene' with its menacing whispers and screaming.
But what about the music? If you only know Floyd's later work, the sound may be something of a shock. 'Arnold Layne' and 'See Emily Play' are pure sixties pop while 'Interstellar Overdrive' is the sound of Rock in its first flush stretching out and feeling for the possibilities of a more complex, experimental neo-classical approach. Elsewhere there is that peculiarly English mixture of whimsy and the blues, pastoral and psychedelia, and of course no-one should be without 'Careful With That Axe, Eugene' with its menacing whispers and screaming.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Anagnostic
Format:Audio CD
Although Relics is a compilation the tracks hang together in ways more satisfying than the bands first two albums.
Here are some gripes:
1. This CD offers a stingy package for a reissue. There is plenty of space on the CD format for gems which could not be squeezed on to the original vinyl. What about "It would be so nice" a great little song that was astonishingly equaled by Raymond (Captain Sensible)The Power Of Love. And what about those early blues numbers "King Bee" and "Lucy Leave" It would be so nice to give guitarist Bob Klose acknowledgement.
2. While the slick photograph of the model based on Syd's [Error see Comment] art work is a worthy endeavor it does not have the charm of the original pen and ink drawing which graced the original album.
3.A sub par re-master.
Here are some gripes:
1. This CD offers a stingy package for a reissue. There is plenty of space on the CD format for gems which could not be squeezed on to the original vinyl. What about "It would be so nice" a great little song that was astonishingly equaled by Raymond (Captain Sensible)The Power Of Love. And what about those early blues numbers "King Bee" and "Lucy Leave" It would be so nice to give guitarist Bob Klose acknowledgement.
2. While the slick photograph of the model based on Syd's [Error see Comment] art work is a worthy endeavor it does not have the charm of the original pen and ink drawing which graced the original album.
3.A sub par re-master.
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4.3 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
GREAT CD
A FANTASTIC EARLY PINK FLOYD CD,HIGHLY RECOMMENDED,ACD,PLUS,A MUST ORANY PINK FLOYD FAN OR COLLECTOR,WIERD AT FIRST BUT HEY IT WAS THE 60s
Published 3 days ago by gollumanelf63
5.0 out of 5 stars
What can i say...
A really piece full of joy, rock-space, and a lot of preDSOTM feelings..show us the way how Floyd started !
Published 2 months ago by Jose Lira
4.0 out of 5 stars
great discovery
it includes many Syd Barrett's tracks not included in the official albums, including the first ever Pink Floyd singles Arnold Layne and Emily Plays, and the ever-sweet Julia Dream
Published 3 months ago by Filippo M. Caroti
5.0 out of 5 stars
10-10
had it in plenty off time for my birthday and had it before the delivert date would recomend if you are a pinkfloyd fan
Published 3 months ago by babs
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ultimate Best Of
Absolutely spiffing collection of early Floyd from the great days of Syd to pre-"Wall" experimentation, I remember having this on vinyl when it first came out & played it... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Kev Johnson
3.0 out of 5 stars
Bought 'cos its cheap and can re-order if I like.
One of the better early Floyd albums albeit a compilation of sorts.
Here are eight more words for the Amaxon Dalek.
Here are eight more words for the Amaxon Dalek.
Published 4 months ago by n mills
5.0 out of 5 stars
Relics
This was one of the first vinyl album I bought in my youth so getting it on C.D brought back many memories.
Published 5 months ago by Sonya
3.0 out of 5 stars
Missed Opportunity
I could never understand why this first compilation of Floyd stuff never included unavailable tracks such as "Apples And Oranges", "Point Me At The Sky", "Candy And Currant Bun"... Read more
Published 10 months ago by M. Woods
5.0 out of 5 stars
Oldies but Goldies
If you don't know who Pink Floyd are and were by now then there is no use in my trying to impress on you quite how influential they have been. Read more
Published 15 months ago by GW
5.0 out of 5 stars
Relics
Pink Floyd.
Arnold Lane, See Emily Play, Interstellar Overdrive,
JULIA DREAM! This is the ONLY album it appears on.
Bike for a laugh. Careful with that naxe, Eugene! Read more
Arnold Lane, See Emily Play, Interstellar Overdrive,
JULIA DREAM! This is the ONLY album it appears on.
Bike for a laugh. Careful with that naxe, Eugene! Read more
Published 22 months ago by Joolz
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