Relics

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Customer reviews

review by: date: 2009-06-21 rating:
Classic Floyd At Their Best
I bought this 'Bizarre Collection Of Antiques And Curious' (as quoted on the cover) on cassette and vinyl back when I was just 13 years old and thanks to 'The Wall' album and their recent No.1 hit I was quite new to the Pink Floyd experience. So I couldn't resist getting these classic and quite rare tracks (because I instantly loved 'See Emily Play' after hearing it on the radio) on digitally remastered CD too. So I could put them on my i-pod, or listen to the actual CD via my DVD and the 5.1 surround sound system. I just wish they'd release an album featuring all the rare early tracks that their hardened fans have been crying out for, but without having to pay silly money for boxsets featuring all the albums we've already bought. So come on guys, please give us fans just what we want? And yes buy this album as it's a real box of delights, with beautiful rarities and of course the original version of 'Careful With That Axe Eugene' (which was originally a 'B' side to their 1968 single 'Point Me At The Sky' and it's strange how that was not added to this collection too?)

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review by: date: 2008-04-04 rating:
Essential - for fans and casual explorers alike
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. br / br /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.

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review by: date: 2007-05-28 rating:
Precious Relics
This is an excellent compilation album for those who wish to investigate Pink Floyd's highly productive early years, especially those with Syd Barrett. br / br /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. br / br /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. br / br /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. The song is almost unnerving, and is a sign of Pink Floyd evolving both musically and thematically. Additionally, the hard-rocking, 'The Nile Song', is reminiscent of The Who and shows the band in a new light, adding greatly to the variety of the album. br / br /The album concludes appropriately, ending where it began, with a Barrett pop song, 'Bike', which typifies the initial Pink Floyd's quirky sound. This serves to emphasise what a well-constructed compilation 'Relics' is and, resultantly, the album is perfect for both seasoned Floyd fans and newcomers, as there will be something to satisfy everyone on here. My only (minor) gripe is the lack of two oft-forgotten Barrett songs: the winter 1967 single, 'Apples and Oranges', which would ultimately be Syd's final single; and the b-side to 'Arnold Layne', 'Candy and a Currant Bun'. br /

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review by: The Madhatter date: 2007-02-27 rating:
A Floyd album for Non-Floyd fans
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 an "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. br / br /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!


review by: date: 2007-01-06 rating:
5 stars simply for track 7!!
Pink Floyd's 'Careful with that Axe, Eugene' has got to be one of my favourite Floyd tracks of all time. Having been a fan for nearly 20 years I find my enthusiasm for some of their music/tracks has waned but not here. For me, it really is one of the most engaging 5 minutes and 46 seconds of music they've created, although I'm not sure most Floyd fans would agree. br / br /As for the rest of the album it contains a fantastic range of diverse music/styles which remains as listenable now as it probably was when it was released (can't say for sure as I wasn't born till 73!!). br / br /Whilst Relics doesn't occupy my record player as much as my other Floyd LP's it is still a special album none-the-less and I am surprised that it has not been more sucessful.

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