In 1967, Pink Floyd released their first album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, which was the only one to feature the guitar, vocals, and songs of Syd Barrett. Needless to say, the band went on to much bigger and better things following Barrett's departure and the arrival of David Gilmour. But Barrett's legend lives on, despite (or more likely because of) the fact that his entire post-Floyd output consisted of two obscure solo albums, after which he descended into mental illness and obscurity, referenced only in Pink Floyd tributes like "Wish You Were Here" and "Shine on You Crazy Diamond." The documentary The Pink Floyd and Syd Barrett Story, completed before Barrett's death in July 2006, covers the whole story using the standard formula of interviews, photos, annoyingly brief video and audio clips (truth to tell, precious little of Barrett's reputed brilliance is apparent), and so on. But at least the talking heads include all of the other members of Pink Floyd: not just Gilmour, Roger Waters, Rick Wright, and Nick Mason, but even guitarist Bob Klose, whose tenure lasted just one year. What's more, three hours of extra material (including the unedited interviews and performances of Barrett songs by Robyn Hitchcock and Blur's Graham Coxon) are compiled on a bonus disc that is sure to satisfy ardent fans. Presented in DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1, this is recommended for larger music history collections, but optional elsewhere. Aud: P. (S. Graham)
The Pink Floyd and Syd Barrett Story
(2006) 2 discs. 49 min. DVD: $24.95. Music Video Distributors (avail. from most distributors). Volume 23, Issue 1
The Pink Floyd and Syd Barrett Story
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