Worth it for the extra tracks
10/23/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The extra tracks on this version - with Barrett just accompanied by his guitar - show how the original was almost completely ruined by a completely awful production; horrible, weeny organ, weedy drum playing, pointless noodling guitar. In contrast, the sparse, haunting versions of 'Rats' and 'Dominoes' in the extra tracks section show how it should have been done in the first place; just Barrett alone, voice and guitar. Its a pity that the original producers (I think it was David Gilmour) didn't have the fore-sight to at least try this approach. To me, Barrett's songwriting contains elusive moments of brilliance, and is somewhat reminiscent of another great English singer/songwriter Nick Drake."
Barrett
10/24/1999
(2 out of 5 stars)
"The album cover gives a good indication of the music. Scratchy little insects like a child's drawings. Thanks to the producers the collection of songs hangs together but one has the feeling that Syd isn't really too bothered if the whole thing disintegrates. That's what makes him so special! Lyrics like no-one, (except maybe Beefhart), could pen set to unpredictable music and sung out of tune. Anyone can write a song about Dominoes but Syd did it. You can keep over-production and meaningful words sung by nice, predictable 'musicians'. I prefer my popstars cracked and off the rails. And the good news is he's still alive."