Barrett, Syd - Under Review: An Independent Critical Analysis (Limited Collector's Edition)

Year of Release: 2006
Label: Chrome Dreams
Catalog Number: CVIS398
Format: DVD
Total Time: 60:00:00

I had a history lesson on Pink Floyd and Syd Barrett through watching this DVD. There is one problem, however; is any of what I absorbed true? This is an independent critical review and any interviews, opinions and/or information provided on this DVD is not authorized by Syd Barrret, his family, or members of Pink Floyd. Well, there is your typical CYA disclaimer before we even get started eh? It is the limited collector?s edition, so that may entice you a bit anyway.

Well that may sound a bit discouraging but fear not, this DVD is very enjoyable with some rare footage of Barrett performing and interesting tidbits of information nevertheless. Whether what I found out about Barrett and Pink Floyd is based on fact or not really does not matter to me at this point. It made me realize how important he was to Pink Floyd; well, without him there would not have been a band, period. I knew he was a key component in getting the band off the ground in the late 60s but this DVD just magnified that importance and meaning tenfold.

I am skeptical and doubtful that Barrett was what the media portrayed him as, the genius gone mad. He may have left the limelight simply because he wanted to be alone and had no desire to play the game any longer and there is nothing wrong with that. He was brilliant; there is no question of that. I have to wonder what the true story is behind this enigma called Syd Barrett.

I was a bit discouraged that there was no booklet with the DVD or a track listing, quite unusual; actually, it is not unusual to have a booklet missing with a promo copy, but no track listing?* It did come with a slipcover though. I guess the entire package was a 50/50 hit or miss any way you look at it. Even so, I did get a lot of enjoyment out of it and that is the main objective now isn?t it?

[*The press sheet at the US distributors website is where is found a partial listing. ... On July 11, 2006 it was revealed that Syd had passed away a few days earlier. - ed.]

Tracklisting:
Includes: Arnold Layne / See Emily Play / Bike / Interstellar Overdrive / Apples And Oranges / Jugband Blues / Octopus / Terrapin / Dominoes / Opel / Baby Lemonade

Musicians:
Syd Barrett, Pink Floyd

Discography:
Pink Floyd - Piper At The Gates Of Dawn (1967)
Pink Floyd - A Saucerful Of Secrets (1968)
Pink Floyd - Tonite Let's All Make Love In London (1968)
Underground (1969) (US only)
The Madcap Laughs (1970)
Picnic (1970)
Barrett (1970)
Pink Floyd - Relics (1971)
Masters Of Rock (1974)
A Nice Pair (1974)
Syd Barrett (1974)
Harvest Heritage (1977)
The First XI (1979)
Works (1983)
The Harvest Story, Volume 1 (1984)
Syd Barrett - The Peel Sessions (1988)
Opel (1988)
Pink Floyd - The Singles Collection (part of the Shine On boxset) (1992)
Pink Floyd - Shine On (1992)
Pink Floyd - 97 Vinyl Collection (LP boxet) (1997)
The First Four Singles (1997)
Harvest Festival (1999)
Wouldn't You Miss Me? - The Best Of Syd Barrett (2001)
Pink Floyd - Echoes: The Best Of Pink Floyd (2001)
The Radio One Sessions - Syd Barrett (2004)

Under Review - An Independent Critical Analysis (2006)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin UK

Added: February 20th 2006
Reviewer: Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck
Score:
Artist website: www.sydbarrett.net
Hits: 2450
Language: english