A Saucerful of Secrets

After their very successful debut LP things were looking up for the Floyd. It wasn't just "Piper at the Gates of Dawn" that had the band on rise but several single releases were hits as well. Singles such as, "Arnold Layne" and "See Emily Play" we're huge and great things were expected from the band.

However something was dreadfully going wrong with Syd at the time shortly after the release of their first album. It was the late 60's after all and drugs were everywhere, especially in the music circle. The band members, like many of those around them found themselves experimenting with anything that they could get their hands on. While the other band members were losing interest in drugs, Syd was stuck on LSD.  He was quickly addicted and his drug use began effecting his mind and soon his quick wit and inventive and unique song writing came crashing to a halt.  The band tried carrying on with him hoping his erratic behavior would fade away, but it simply got so bad he could barely perform live, let alone write meaningful songs.  Roger Waters turned to David Gilmour for help. Gilmour joined the band and was asked to "mirror" Syd on stage.  When Syd would stop playing Gilmour would carry on in his place. This was a struggle for the band and especially Gilmour but they worked at it as long as they could. The only album released during this time period was 1968's "Saucerful of Secrets". All five members of the Floyd are here for the first and only time.  Syd is relegated to guitar on a few of the songs and only sings on the finale, "Jugband Blues". 

My Favorite Songs

Lets get on to the album now.  It opens with "Let There Be More Light". This is Roger Waters taking over for the mentally missing Syd and from this first song we know we are in good hands.  There is a great space rock sound to this one. Obviously Waters and his band mates are not be feeling story for themselves. 

Much like the previous LP this one is a little uneven as well. Mixed in with some great instrumental and experimental rock there a tunes like Rick Wright's "Remember A Day" that sound like typical late 60's radio single material. 

Then there is "Set The Controls for The Heart of the Sun" once again by Waters. Typical Floyd and with the band we are taken in their spaceship for a flight to the sun. Very eerie and strange. 

David Gilmour is truly in the background here, playing guitar and fading to the rear, probably hoping Syd would be OK. Anyway Syd was getting worse and he would be left behind by the band very soon, but not before writing and singing the last song on this album, "Jugband Blues". This song is poignant and sad as Syd is obviously aware of his fate, just take a look at his lyrics.

"Jugband Blues"
(Barrett)

It's awfully considerate of you to think of me here
And I'm much obliged to you for making it clear that I'm not here.
And I never knew the moon could be so big
And I never knew the moon could be so blue
And I'm grateful that you threw away my old shoes
And brought me here instead dressed in red
And I'm wondering who could be writing this song.

I don't care if the sun don't shine
And I don't care if nothing is mine
And I don't care if I'm nervous with you
I'll do my loving in the winter.

And the sea isn't green
And I love the Queen
And what exactly is a dream
And what exactly is a joke.

My Rating

3.5 out 5.  While there is a lot to like here, if you a not a Pink Floyd fan it will fly high above you with little meaning. The band was still trying to find itself and Syd would soon be completely absent. With David Gilmour now firmly on board, the good ship Floyd would continue it's journey to find themselves musically with their next release.