Pink Floyd

The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn

That Cat's Something I Can't Explain...

Review Score:

(10/10)
You want to talk about where punk comes from? Well, throw away those VU records and listen to this gem of an album. Incredible experimentation. Recorded in the same building as the Beatles "Sgt. Pepper's", simultaneously, the Floyd go above and beyond the sonic experimentation of the Beatles to create a wonderful and enduring piece of music (not saying that the Floyd could come close to the Beatles in musicianship at this time). The only unfortunate part of this album is that it was the only one with Pink Floyd that Syd made before the onset of schizophrenia.

What's most amazing is that the songs, apart from all the sonic noise, are great songs in and of themselves. "Astronomy Domine" might be the first punk song ever. From the opening radio crackle to the closing drone, this is a beautiful piece. "Matilda Mother" is infectious pop with great lyrics (and a cool Waters bass riff!). "Flaming" is another great stream-of-consciousness piece. The most underrated song on the album is "Pow R. Toc H.". The only song that has the noise-jam feel of their early concerts is "Interstellar Overdrive", and it has many great moments itself. This is one of the best rock albums around.

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