Threaded Mode | Linear Mode

Miss Sassy-Frassy · 01-07-2005 02:03 PM

I want to get some of Pink Floyd's earlier albums, but I don't know much about them.

The earliest I have are Meddle and Ummagumma, and nothing by Syd except for what is on Echoes...

So....any help (please!)?

Possibly Related

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.

sea green queen · 01-07-2005 04:08 PM

PATGOD is a must have, as Careful said the music changed, Saucerful is great also, as is Relics....

**Kimbers Sheep** · 01-08-2005 12:55 AM

Eugene could not possibly have summed up my feelings any better in his descriptions, as far as opinion, I would go:

Piper
More
A Saucerful of Secrets
Obscured by Clouds
Atom Heart Mother

but that also changes sometimes, lol

01-08-2005 03:51 AM

The first two albums are IMHO opinion the best two. So get those.

Lumiere · 01-08-2005 04:25 AM

Get Piper At The Gates Of Dawn and MORE.

Possibly Related Threads...
Thread:		Author	Replies:	Views:	Last Post
	Echoes-Meddle/Pompeii Style	greenandsubmarine	0	301	09-17-2012 12:03 PM Last Post: greenandsubmarine
	Meddle Immersion Box	DeRick	3	799	09-16-2012 08:39 PM Last Post: greenandsubmarine
	40 anniversary of meddle today	Guitarist5260	9	638	10-31-2011 11:34 AM Last Post: Joe
	The Wall or Meddle - Which Deserves a rank in the Big 4	Grguitarfreek100	68	7,052	06-09-2011 10:59 AM Last Post: Joe
	best song in meddle besides echoes	russian	15	841	06-09-2011 10:27 AM Last Post: TilenHrovatic

Threaded Mode \| Linear Mode Need a suggestion - Best pre-Meddle album?
Author	Message