The Madcap Laughs

This is proving to be the hardest album I've found to review so far, not because I'm confused by my opinion of it, but because I don't know whether to consider it accidentally exploitative. Bruef summary: Roger Waters and Nick Mason forms the Architectural Abdabs at art college (a standard incubator for artsy British bands), Syd Barrett joins and changes the name to Pink Floyd after two blues musicians he loved, they achieve their first success with Piper at the Gates of Dawn, tragically Syd suffers from serious mental health issues and cannot continue with the band, Syd records two solo albums, Syd quits music and lives reclusively until his death in 2006. I was not prepared for how grim the experience of listening to this album would be. Yes, by inclination Syd Barrett was a whimsical songwriter with an obviously far better sense of humour than Roger Waters, and on the surface this album showcases that to the point of incoherence, but this album isn't just a mess, although it is an absolute casserole of an album. The first side is okay, exercises in Barrett's warm eccentricity, but not spectacular. Sadly, the last few tracks degenerate into essentially studio outtakes, revealing an ugliness to the whole exercise. It felt slightly sordid listening to this album. It didn't feel like the demonstration of a lost genius; it felt like a ramshackle using of a talented but troubled man. This is not to say that a work by someone with significant mental health issues is by its nature compromised either aesthetically or morally. Barrett's contemporaries Brian Wilson and Nick Drake both made excellent albums whilst struggling with debilitating mental illness. But one can wish an album show its creator a little more dignity. So, I can't recommend. I have to give this one star, but please understand it's a highly qualified one star in no way reflective of Syd Barrett's talent.

GOOD LORD WHO THE FUCK CARES.

A hard album. The music of a great talent deteriorating. You can hear this is someone who is damaged. It's rough and raw but there are some good songs even if it's all tinged with a sadness and tragedy. "wouldn't you miss me at all?!". Heartbreaking stuff. Here we go is a bit more upbeat and a cute song.

Fuck me. This guy is considered a genius?! I find this mostly un-listenable. Its like the Beatles had a breakdown. One of the worst to dates. 1/5

I like Piper at the Gates of Dawn quite a bit, but this sounds like a Monty Python skit making fun of psychedelic folk. Barrett even sounds like Eric Idle on some songs.

Groovy, melodic, whimsical & very Beatlesque...so cool I’ve never heard of Syd or even seen this album cover over the years. Juts learned he is a co-founder of Pink Floyd. Sweet! So far The Madcap Laughs is one of the best discoveries yet. No Good Trying, Love You, Octopus, Long Gone & Late Night are my favs!

I like Terrapin, No Good Trying, Octopus, and Late Night. At it's best the album is acoustic dreamy psychedelia... but the rest of it is stripped down poetry that kind of sounds like a demo tape.

Wow this is great

Just weird enough to be interesting without being insane.

I actually like this. It's what we in the business call a vibe

He may have fronted one of the greatest bands ever, but this album was incredibly average and frankly, quite irritating at points. The obnoxious use of the voice at times, poor production, sloppy and lazy delivery overall.

Controversial opinion(?) but Syd Barrett without Pink Floyd sucks. Especially all the outtakes at the end of the album. I don’t care what kind of genius he is, I don’t need to listen to him cough into the mic.

Turns out Syd wasn’t as mental as the guy who decided to give him a solo album. A tedious mess of an album.

This is the region of psychedelia that has never been my cuppa tea. Circus clown music. People with undiagnosed mental health issues and access to recording studios but no access to help or treatment. Skip Spence comes to mind. Sometimes it's brilliant. Most of the times it's a miss for me. More open minded listeners can hear the genius underneath Syd's playhouse. Wish I could. Never could get into his Pink Floyd albums. Couldn't get into his solo stuff. Also why does this type of psychedelia get closely lumped with LSD? Listening to this on LSD would be rough. F

Syd Barrett’s talent is apparent. He has a talent for contracting whimsical unsettling songs with unusual melodies and chord changes. His lyrics are ruminating and surreal with a touch of childlike naïveté. Some of these songs are simply better constructed than others and makes me wonder how these recording sessions went. This album can be seen as a contraction of his work with Pink Floyd, but it often veers into darker territory where the psychedelic whimsical facade falls to reveal the extreme anguish and mental illness beneath. The music has tinges of proto punk and some musical elements would sound at home in modern indie rock.

Pretty dope. Pared down. Unpolished. I’ve always preferred Pink Floyd without Sid Barrett but solo I like him. He’s got a psych-folk-proto-punk thing going. I hear Donovan, The Iggy and the Stooges, Brian Eno. “No good trying” is some proto punk with thrumming guitar and great drumming. A couple of the more proto-punk songs were real bangers but nothing else stood out, kind of faded into hypnotic, cool background music. Better than expected. B-

This is called The Madcap Laughs but there are no laughs. It's a self-indulgent stream of dirge that doesn't elicit any emotion from the listener and it's only on the list because of its place in the history of Pink Floyd. It's rubbish.

not sure how this made the list. it is just ok, I find it unremarkable

Classic alert! I heard this one a few times growing up. The songwriting is so consistently creative and varied, it really shows good one of these older folky rock albums can be if its done right. It reminds me of the earlier pink floyd stuff also written by him, which is equally great. It's a shame he released so little music, and that pink floyd went down a less interesting route without him

Sounds like a continuation of the type of songs Syd Barrett was making while in Pink Floyd but even more chaotic. It's a wild listen.

I kind of feel like the myth of syd barrett might outweigh the reality.

Psychedelic folk is interesting, but not something I can listen to a lot of. Sad Syd went bonkers, but I guess this is a glimpse into what Pink Floyd would’ve sounded like if he hadn’t.

If his band didn't go on to make one of the best selling albums of all time, would this be relevant?

This album is a collection of odd track from Syd Barrett, one of the founding members of Pink Floyd. After he was kicked out of the band for erratic behavior - due to mental issues (perhaps) related to excessive drug use - Barrett had a brief solo career. This is the first of his solo albums. For those that worship Barrett as a music genius, this album could be seen as something interesting. For the rest of us, this sounds like a collection of out-takes and first drafts of songs. The few tracks that seem remotely complete are reminiscent of early Pink Floyd, but they do not give the impression that the songs have been well practiced or produced. There are a few points where you can hear the imagination that made Barrett central to early Pink Floyd, but these moments are rare. The majority of the album is disappointing - little more than a reminder of lost potential.

As he sings in Here I Go, “a big band is far better for you,” and I have to heartily agree. This album from the original front man for Pink Floyd is lacking: lacking musicianship/talent, lacking cohesion/, and lacking a editing/discerning ear. I found the whole thing undercooked, underwhelming, and in some parts downright irritating. Not my cup of tea for sure. I find it hard to believe that if Syd wasn’t connected to Floyd, any record producer would have allowed him anywhere near a studio.

Weird - this album sounds like someone ushered a sad, mentally ill, doped up dude off the street into a small room, gave him an untuned guitar, then turned on an old tape recorder and said GO! Oh wait... "....informing the music press that Barrett was suffering from nervous exhaustion..." -wiki Nervous exhaustion? I've got nervous exhaustion every damn day - who doesn't? I didn't get a major label release. It would be a far fking sight better than this tripe. Sorrynotsorryabit to sound unsympathetic but the excuses made for Syd Barrett and this pile of dog shit recording can get real tiring to read about. I've no patience for this twaddle - guy couldn't sing, couldn't play, had trouble putting shit together to make even somewhat of a cohesive song - SHOCKING that Pink Floyd took off after his dismissal... That was sarcasm. This is awful. 1/10 1 star.

Laughable.

syd is god

10/10 love me some psychedelic art rock

I'm a sucker for a mad musical genius, and Syd was the king of mad musical geniuses. It's a shame he burned out so young. These songs are brilliant, fractured masterpieces. Shine on you crazy diamond. 5 stars.

OMGOMGOGMOMGIMGIGKNFJDJEJRJFJKTOGKG i love this one i love sydbarett I jump for joy and screamed when i seen this on my 10001 albums page

Love it from the bottom of my heart

Sad. Beautiful. Majestic. Chaotic. The Van Gogh of music.

Proto freak folk

Trip trip even ho, up down high and low

Mesmo cada vez mais identificado com as criações do Pink Floyd, não conhecida nada do Syd Barret. Ele pode ter deixado o Pink Floyd prematuramente, mas sua influência no som e estilo da banda é evidente. Este álbum solo é uma prova da sua genialidade musical e criativa. O álbum é uma jornada fascinante pela mente genial e, ao mesmo tempo, atormentada de Barrett, com letras profundas e instrumentais arrebatadores que criam uma atmosfera única.

Truly enveloping and weirdly comforting. Easy listening, but not as a slur.

Very nice album

5/5

This is what they mean when they scream ‘inject it into my veins.’ This guitar tone is fucking enticing. Had to go back and immediately listen to the first song again. Can’t get enough.

Psychedelic Folk, Singer-Songwriter, Psychedelic Rock. Dark but playful. It's a very vulnerable album. Like what I'm hearing is someone heart laid bare. It's sad but beautiful. A tough album to listen to but it's special because of that. Like what I'm hearing will never be recreated. I loved it, any flaws it may have melt away because it's just so real. Would love to revisit. 5/5

i actually really enjoyed this! gave me very much coctaeu twins vibes

Love a bit of Syd ❤️

I have always loved this album for its whimsical nature and interesting lyrics. Sadly, Syd was somewhat of a mad genius and the architect of early Pink Floyd. It is a shame that he succumbed to mental illness. His predicament influenced many classic Pink Floyd albums to come. With an unfiltered and raw production, this album is a lot of fun to listen to and can elicit many emotional responses. RIP Syd!

Frickin' great.

(nothing to add - one of these superclassic albums that obviously belong to any list)

I loved this! It's funny I always liked the early kitsch little songs by Pink Floyd like "Bike" and "The Gnome" from Piper at the Gates of Dawn and knew they were Syd Barrett but never thought to follow up his solo stuff. It all got overshadowed by the more "serious" stuff like Meddle and Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here. And also, this is when I was first getting into music and if I wanted to hear Syd Barrett I would have had to have sought out the vinyl at a second hand record shop. No Spotify then! Whereas all the Pink Floyd albums were in my Mum and Dad's record collection or swapped between friends. Anyway, I really "dig" this. It's got a very naïve sound and that sort of outside aesthetic, like Ivor Cutler or someone. Giving it five stars is probably too much but I'm going to because this has actually opened up a new little musical avenue for me.

Love it

Exactly what one would expect if they know the history of Syd. I love this kind of plodding, psychedelic music. You're not playing this at an upbeat party but it really is an outstanding example of this kind of music.

A sad genius

I love this album and Syd, but even still it's a difficult listen. Obviously it's very much a mood piece, and after the first couple of tracks I generally find the mood established, and the album really gets it's hooks in. Barely anything here really sounds like Floyd. Golden Hair the most obvious exception. Was first introduced to Barrett via REM covering Dark Globe on a B side, my introduction to so much music, either working with REM, covered by them or simply mentioned in interviews. I would go on to love another of these musicians, Robyn Hitchcock, who himself was hugely influenced by Syd. I find it impossible to disentangle my love for those influenced by this from the album itself. It's so fragile, and essentially a load of demos (If it's In You is just all over the place). I'm also reminded of Oar by Skip Spence, another spectacularly fragile album, one I found a bit harder to get on with, but which is also definitely beautiful in places. I love the follow up album Barrett as well, although I would suggest that's patchier, with more obvious peaks and troughs, the standard on Madcap is very much of a piece. Favourites, Dark Globe, Golden Hair, Octopus, No Good Trying. Please lift a hand, I'm only person.

Love it!!!

4.0 + This album probably isn't a crowd pleaser - definitely rough in parts ("If It's In You") but there are also so many catchy tunes here! Also, the bedroom recording vibe feels vital to me, especially for the era when so many bands were obsessively layering on the studio lacquer.

Right, this definitely drifts at times and can appear a bit messy, but overall I think it’s great. Find it more interesting than some of the Pink Floyd records thats for sure. And, dare I say it, more interesting than some of the Beatles’ records. It has that surreal, trippy sound without trying to hard to get there. Clear that it is from the 60s, and equally clear that he probably had a little bit of drugs when he wrote this, but it’s all to its credit. I’ll definitely be back

alternativo not bad solo ecuche una cancion

Never listened to this solo material before. I enjoyed the album,

Weird in a good way. Very Beatles influenced but the chord progressions were very ahead of their time, most of the tunes went off in directions I wasn't expecting. Reckon Graham Coxon is a fan. You really get a sense that Syd is functioning very differently to most people, I imagine that's where a lot of the creativity comes from but it does lead to a lot of the songs barely holding together, particularly the later tracks. Really compelling listen but I'm unlikely to stick it on again, I'd say 3.5.

I had no expectations and loved every second of this. Where has this album been all my life? Whimsical and groovy and light and clever and fun. Go, Syd, go! Kinks / Beatles / Eno and Floyd vibes all at once.

4.0

the whiteboy sangs

This is where we discuss the true brilliance of Pink Floyd being Syd Barrett, but getting into it will deliver us to madness. Instead, we'll just enjoy the work.

The essence of a list suggesting albums one "should listen to before you die" goes far beyond the mere statement: "This sounds good." The richness of music isn't merely about the melody, rhythm, or lyrics. It's about the history it carries, the influences it exudes, and the legacy it leaves behind. Take "The Velvet Underground & Nico," for instance. On a personal note, I'd rate it 4 stars. Yet, if look at its history, one could reasonably argue it's among the most influential albums ever. To genuinely appreciate music, one must embrace the journey of its creation, the roots of its inspiration, and its impact on subsequent generations. It's not just about the question, "How does this resonate with me?" but also, "How has it shaped the musical landscape?" Even if you don't care about musical history, you can't truly rate how good an album was when it came out if you don't understand what came before it. If, say, a Model T Ford was invented in 1800, that would be amazing! If it was invented in 2000 (long after modern cars were common), it would be a poor "invention". A creation depends on what came before it. But based solely on the sound I'd wouldn't give this more than 3 stars. But I know the role that Syd played in creating one of the greatest bands ever. No, this album didn't do that, but given that David Gilmour and Roger Waters helped complete it, it's certain that Syd continued to influence them after just the one Pink Floyd album that Syd was an active part of. Having said all that, even with the history and influence that this album had, I'd probably only give it 3.5, maybe 3.75 stars, but given that I believe some reviewers are just listening and asking "Do I like it?" w/o asking if there's more to why an album would be on the "1001 list", I'm rounding up. 4 stars.

Best thing about this was hearing the rhythm of the pick against the strings of his guitar. Real odd album in a good way, sounds like Bowie and Syd influenced each other a lot maybe

I don’t even care about the Syd Barrett story man, this is just wacky, totally nutty, absolutely bonkers.

I know of the tragic story of Syd Barrett so I had some trepidation listening to this album but honestly I didn't think it was too bad.

4/5 There is something good about this one. It's old, never heard of him or any other music before but I dig it, baby...yeah... Standouts: Terrapin, No Good Trying, Others: Love You, No Man’s Land, Dark Globe, Here I Go, Golden Hair, Long Gone, She Took A Long Cold Look, Feel, If it’s in You

It's so easy to get lost and loose yourself in this album, it's perfect for vinyl

8/10. Huh, I didn't even know Syd Barrett made a solo album, but I guess he actually made two in one year and then stopped. Pretty good, though.

Album 83 of 1001 Syd Barrett - The Madcap Laughs Rating : 4 / 5 Favorite Track : Here I Go Timely, as he has been popping up lately in posts from various music pages I follow. I heard this for the first time a few weeks ago as I was listening through the playlist. Didn't stick with me all that much, though I don't often stop and put much time into thinking on an album as I'm doing the playlist. I save that for the album a day generator. Have seen many other reviews that just totally panned this album. After my first listen, I was prepared to come back and do the same, but I listened closer and gave it a bit more consideration. I feel that one has to listen to this while forgetting that Syd Barrett was once an integral part of Pink Floyd and the direction they took and how far they went after he was gone. Then again, you have to listen to this while not forgetting the same. Dude was in a bad place, mentally. Some say that this album is just the result of him being humored in his thought that he still had something to offer musically. I like it. I hear the man and his creativity. It may not have the polish of the Pink Floyd albums that many seem to compare it to (even if subconsciously) but it is what it is and I like it...as unorganized as it may seem...I like it.

Eh not bad, not my kind of “rock”. 7/10

Uh, ovo je baš sirovo, baš se vidi droga na ovom albumu. Koliko je tužno u neku ruku (hehe), tako je zapravo dosta i dobro. Meni se sviđa, i to mi je ako ćemo već govorit, najbolji solo album od nekoga iz Pink Floyda. Amen.

Odd that I got Syd Barrett’s solo album before any by Pink Floyd, but unlike those albums, I haven’t heard this one before. It really captures his degrading mind and insanity at this point - really sad. The music is great anyway, somehow. I really liked the songs ‘Terrapin’ and ‘Here I Go’, especially the latter’s sort of twist in the middle. Great album from a legend who sadly lost his mind at a young age.

With Gilmour and Waters producing a good chinch of this one, you can really hear where they were heading as well. Great album, practically Pink Floyd

Lol @ “children’s songs for people on acid” 😂😂😂 I was actually kinda lukewarm to start and then the weird campy offness started to really grow on me. Enjoyed it. 3.5/5

Mad jammer

Enjoyed this slightly of the wall musings didn't really say much or go anywhere but I didn't mind. Think he was addled on LSD at this point and the album defiently feels as though you are lost.

One my first playthrough I wasn't really sure about this album, having no idea who Syd Barret even was but was thinking this was a 3. Second listen made me realise how much I enjoyed No Good Trying, and Love You (where it sounds like he is actually saying "Ice Cream" instead of "I scream") and instantly made this a 4. After reading more about Syd I am keen to hear more.

Thank you Sydney

I need to see what else Syd has done besides Pink Floyd

Syd Barrett was a gifted musician and songwriter. Mental health is still poorly understood. But out of tragedy comes a great album.

The strange mix of Pink Floyd and The Beatles. Nice one!

To the best of my knowledge, The Madcap Laughs is the most comprehensive documentary of schizophrenia in music to date. Reading the background of this album make you cry.... similar to a bad trip... (7/10) Favourite Songs: Here I Go, Octopus

What a wonderful surprise of a record - reminiscent of the Beatles and Nick Drake but with a darker sound. At the core though Syd is writing earnest and heartfelt songs - and it feels real. The production also is subtly clever and it’s just the right length and the songs flow excellently into one another. It kind of tapers a bit on the last three songs which sound plasters on mindlessly - even though they’re not unwelcome.

Ostin tän levyn aikoinaan siksi, että Syd Barrett mainittiin Television Personalities -yhtyeen biisissä ”I Know Where Syd Barrett Lives”. Onneksi ostin, en enää muista, millaista elämäni oli ilman tätä levyä.

This little album >>>>>>>>>>>everything pink Floyd has ever done

Not sure when this album was released on the timeline of Syd's spiral into madness but this proves his songwriting capabilities outside of Pink Floyd

4 stars, could be a 5 star album but I'd need to listen to it more to know.

honestly i wasnt expecting to ever listen to this. not much of a pink floyd fan and the whole album seemed a tiny bit exploitative to me? upon listening it's actually really good! lot of nice melodies and pretty guitar here.

Good psychedelia that mostly makes me kind of sad. Sorry Syd.

good, creative, weird, interesting

Great psychedelic rock album from the legend that started Pink Floyd. Shame he went crazy.

Fragmented moments of expression from an artist locked outside of time. An album almost couldn’t be more expressive of an artist’s mind-state P.S. I have been addicted to this album recently, I have no idea how this website gave me this

Probably the most prog thing to ever happen - pretty good but very strange. I liked it, but preferred his work with his former band.

Very psychedelic

I really enojoyed this album. It was sort of weird. sort of engrossing. and in a very interesting way sort of lilted along. loved long gone.

I'm listening to a brilliant songwriter who didn't give two cents about commercialism and that's abundantly clear. It's getting better with every listen. On the 4th listen I still hear more amazing transitions. It's a very curious album that is walking a thin line between unbridled creative genius and rambly outtakes that could've stayed that way. I'm putting it on 4 stars but wouldn't be surprised if I find myself coming back to this album in a few years and giving it the full 5

Added to my Spotify library!

Nice sensitivity and fragility.

I think part of rating this a 3 over 4 is because I don't know much about Syd Barrett and it was interesting to learn a little more about the artist

A bizarre album, with some nice songs, though it feels a bit low production value, quite distorted in not a good way. Saved tracks: Terrapin, Love You, No Man's Land, Octopus