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carefulwiththataxeEugene · 01-07-2005 02:59 PM

The best pre-Meddle album, indeed (in my opinion), the best Floyd album is A Saucerful of Secrets. The reason I think it is so great (besides the high quality of the songs) is that it is arguably the most diverse in terms of contributions from the band; three from Roger, two from Rick, one from Syd, and one band number (the title track). It could also be termed the one "true" Floyd album, the one with all five members (although Syd's presence was increasingly metaphorical); and Syd's "Jugband Blues" is, simply, brilliant. This is the last album that Rick really made a major contribution in terms of songwriting.

If you're hankering for Syd's glory days, then Piper at the Gates of Dawn is a must-have. This album is the exact opposite of "Jugband Blues;" it showcases Syd's brilliance in a collection of jaunty (if blatantly 60s) tunes (as well as two space jams and one Roger piece). Syd's stuff is just...amazing; you might not even recognize it as Pink Floyd, because they certainly deviated from Syd once he went off.

But I can't say I wouldn't recommend Atom Heart Mother; the title track is 23 minutes of brilliance (though not as brilliant as Echoes), and the tracks on the other side are kind of like Ummagumma (in that one is by Roger, one by Rick, and one by Dave). Rick's "Summer 68" alone makes this album a must for any Floyd fan. Roger and Dave's contributions are a little subpar (in my opinion), but Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast is a nice little piece (not little in terms of time, mind).

Depending on your definition of "early Floyd" (I guess it would be pre-Dark Side), then the two soundtracks are also great (Obscured by Clouds more so than More).

So, I guess I'm saying they're all great. But if you need a single answer, I would recommend them in the following order:

A Saucerful of Secrets
Obscured by Clouds
Atom Heart Mother
The Piper at the Gates of Dawn
More

So there you are. Hope that helps.

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