ALBUM REACTION: Pink Floyd - The Piper at the Gates of Dawn

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Psych-era Beatles vocals over Animal Collective compositions. Wild stuff for '67.
Intro - 0:00
01. Astronomy Dominé - 4:28
02. Lucifer Sam - 6:09
03. Matilda Mother - 7:08
04. Flaming - 8:34
05. Pow R. Toc H. - 9:50
06. Take Up Thy Stethoscope and Walk - 11:38
07. Interstellar Overdrive - 12:54
08. The Gnome - 15:35
09. Chapter 24 - 16:42
10. The Scarecrow - 18:41
11. Bike - 19:23
Outro - 20:28
►FOLLOW-UP: • FOLLOW-UP: Pink Floyd ...
music by City Girl
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►Albums I'll Be Reacting To: docs.google.com/document/d/1y...
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[@alexisgalvan3908]

He said apples and oranges 😂

[@branchleader73]

That was BRILLIANT

[@nightshadespectre409]

I knew I wasn’t the only one that picked up on that! lol

[@thinginground5179]

did he know of the song at the time or was it purely coincidential??

[@misterkite]

"what instrument can you play?" "I can go 'doi doi'!" "perfect!"

[@kevtruth]

Lucifer Sam is one of the coolest songs ever - almost a spy movie soundtrack

[@Malady]

You really should hear Pink Floyd's first two singles "Arnold Layne" & "See Emily Play", they are both essential listening!

[@edpowers443]

How many British 70s groups mention See Emily Play?

[@davidramonemorrison2652]

I remember hearing See Emily play in a night club in Glasgow, mid eighties, incredible at volume the floor was bouncing.I took a real interest in them after that

[@iridescent-frog1059]

I think if you would have listened to Piper before you composed your 100 favorite albums list i think you would have this on it. Btw this is definitely one of if not my favorite Floyd album. Its just so raw. And you can really hear the odd mindset of Barrett while writing it. Such an imaginative album and so ahead of its time.

[@cazgerald9471]

1967 - 1973 is only six years, but the evolution in recording technology and artistic expression in popular music during those years was significant.

[@lackerbiten9909]

This is definitely my favorite Pink Floyd album. In case you didn't know the story behind Syd Barrett he got hooked on psychedelics and it more or less ruined his psyche. During some live shows he would just play one chord on his guitar with his back faced against the audiance. He began isolating himself and was acting very weird. The band kicked him out because of how unreliable he had become. He then made two very strange but good solo albums and then just isolated himself. I would recommend that you listen to his last song with floyd Jugband Blues. It's a very interesting song and it really shows that even though he was so far gone he was still very aware of what was happening to him.

[@misterkite]

You'll have to wait for Relics to hear See Emily Play and Arnold Layne which are two excellent singles from 67 that they never put on an album. edit: also, give the stereo mix a listen when you get a chance. There's a really great fader effect they added to Intersteller Overdrive.

[@ono1dij]

Looooooooooooove this album, just like little stories made music... and love the solo albums by Syd... An incredible trip to the seminal low-fi, excentric, psichedelic music that a lot of bands took ideas... And if you want to do something mor of Pink Floyd, I think you must to catch their early singles like "See Emily Play", "Arnold Layne" (theres a compilation from those singles, it would be great you take a chance with that), the 2nd album "A Saucerful of Secrets" is a mix between the Syd era with the next chapter, and the firt album with Gilmour... And the album "Meddle" is a must, really... Oh, Lucifer Sam is one of my favourites ever from Piper... Great reaction as always!!!

[@aldersleysteven]

I'm glad you found something that you like. I don't think you will get anything at all out of Ummagumma or Atom Heart Mother. If I had to listen to three albums from the remaining list, I would choose The Division Bell, A Momentary Lapse Of Reason and Meddle. However, from what I know about you to this point I would almost guarantee that you would like The Final Cut more than any remaining albums. It's closest in tone to The Wall which you liked a lot more than I do. I'm pretty sure you would enjoy The Madcap Laughs too because of its charm. Barrett loved unusual structures and time signatures.

[@ginalmarton2002]

AHM is amazing, I think he’d like it

[@rockisrad3088]

I personally think it sounds tons better and fuller in stereo. It's great either way though in my opinion. I love Barretts wayward poppy psych melodies

[@anahatatutu]

Agree. The stereo mix is good.

[@psychedelicpiper999]

Disagreed. The mono mix is way better and fuller than the stereo. Not to mention more psychedelic with more effects and overdubs.

[@geoffreybrunell5592]

Maybe it's because I'm used to the stereo version, but to me the mono version doesn't sound as high quality as the stereo version and I also feel like it has a lot more unnecessary sound effects that don't make the music any more enjoyable. However, I do wish the stereo version had the same layers of instrumentation that the mono version has. Also, the panning at the end of Interstellar Overdrive is a little annoying

[@TritnewNG]

For early 50's to late 60's rock before '68, mono is the way to go, no question.

[@epitaph3988]

The stereo version sounds thin and weak due to the way the instruments are hard panned, the mono version is much fuller and puncher. Also on a few songs there are some additional overdubbed guitar and organ tracks that simply aren’t on the stereo version.

[@radioguy1667]

I personally believe Piper is one of the few 60s albums that are better in Stereo. I HIGHLY recommend Interstellar Overdrive in Stereo. It is easily one of the best on the album.

[@eostwix]

Yeah it sounds like a whole new universe

[@psychedelicpiper999]

I could not disagree more. I personally believe Piper is literally the one 60's album with the most differences between mono and stereo, to the point the stereo is almost unlistenable. It sounds like a demo album in stereo with all the missing effects and overdubs. Give me the fuller-bodied heavier "Interstellar Overdrive" without organ missing for the first minute of the track, and with Syd's full participation, over some rushed-through primitive pot pan stereo mixing.

[@shewolfcub3]

I really love this album, its top 5 material definitely and it's really fantastic. Syd's songwriting is nothing short of genius wth his use of imagery!

[@jelly3374]

Nice, my favorite PF album. So great!

[@condimentking414]

This is the seminal psychedelia album that grew The roots of bands such as Swedish fellas Düngen and Tame Impala themselves. The stereo version of "Interstellar Overdrive" is absolutely dope! You really got it when talking about Fleetwood Mac and The Velvet Underground references. Of course, most of us got introduced to Pink Floyd through 'The Dark Side of The Moon' or 'The Wall', but listening to albums like this one or 'UMMAGUMMA' is a sort of punch in the face. If you couldn't hook up with 'Dark Side' or 'Animals', No wonder you dug this one. Personally, this is one of my favourite Pink Floyd albums along with 'Dark Side of The Moon', 'Meddle' and 'Animals'.

[@johncollier9280]

Very interestin' that you said "it's like apples 'n oranges." They have a single from the same period called Apples 'n Oranges. Check out the version broadcast on the Dick Clark tv show durin' their first US tour-on you tube. My favorite Pink Floyd album is their next-A Saucerful Of Secrets-the first with David Gilmour. It continues in a similar psychedelic style 'n the songs are tremendous. Barrett's last appearance as a band member.

[@ritoion5120]

This album got me into music lol, loveeee it favorite PF by far. Definitely check out the madcap laughs as some others said

[@finlayeasson263]

If you want some strange psychedelic folk/baroque stuff full of strings, brass and some pretty menacing lyrics, listen to Forever Changes by Love from 1967

[@AlexHaitz]

That ones been on my to-do list for at least a year now. Looks pretty interesting.

[@shacharh5470]

definitely. Their second album Da Capo is also very good but Forever Changes is the big classic must-hear album.

[@daveholly9005]

@@AlexHaitz The Band where bigger than the Doors at one point. Early Morrison quote was that he wanted to be as big as them ! Also listen to Safe as Milk by Beefheart if you haven't already

[@daveholly9005]

Just checked release dates and it seem that Safe as Milk , Forever Changes and Piper at the Gates of Dawn where all released in 67... What a year

[@JulioLeonFandinho]

Oracle and Odessey by The Zombies, Ogden's Nut Gone by the Small Faces... there are literally tons of crazy amazing albums made between 1967 and 1968...

[@sydhamelin1265]

I agree, this is the best Floyd album. It might not have the ease of listening that something like Wish You Were Here has, but it's so much more passionate. Warning, there's a vacuum of writing that rears its head in the next several albums. They started picking it back up around Meddle, but the inbetween stuff is noticeably lacking in writing, and they fall back on repetition and kind of generic "psyche" sounds. Meanwhile, Syd Barrett had a wildly interesting solo selection. He toned down the plethora of instruments and instead just had this very unique acoustic rock sound, which was still just as experimental.

[@rockisrad3088]

Two albums (both from 1967) that are very remeniscent of this one are Incense and Peppermints by Strawberry Alarm Clock and Kaleidoscope by Kaleidoscope (UK band not US). Both incredible albums in my opinion, but Incense and Peppermints might be just a little bit more brighter than The Piper at the Gates of Dawn. Kaleidoscope has actually been described as a poppier version of The Piper I think. I highly recommend.

[@psychedelicpiper999]

I think you're thinking of "Tangerine Dream" by Kaleidoscope. The UK band never had a self-titled album.

[@LucyOLastic]

There's a strong Velvet Underground influence in their music. From the "Arnold Layne" B-side "Candy and a Currant Bun/Let's Roll Another One" which takes off "Run Run Run" with its cheeky drug references and innuendo, and some very Lou Reed-ish guitar licks. "European Son" is definitely a forebear. In 1968 the Velvets began to sound very much like Pink Floyd, when Doug Yule took over on organ. His sounds were quite like Rick Wright's at times. Lou was as experimental a player as Syd. His playing was insane, going from Roger McGuinn 12 string to out and out atonality and fuzz. I think they took after the Floyd, even wearing paisley shirts and slacks and the like. Not to mention the Hendrix perm modelled by Syd! Also the Electric Prunes. Hear "Are You Loving Me More (But Enjoying it Less) which features the same "holes" in the music, and the creepy build of "Astronomy Domine." That was released in 1966. "Set the Controls For the Heart of the Sun" is preceded by "Rollercoaster" by the Thirteenth Floor Elevators. The Blues Magoos were another group who were active at the same time doing more or less the same thing as the Pink Floyd when they were playing R&B covers, going on extended "psychedelic" jams/freak outs on songs like "Tobacco Road" which I first heard on "Nuggets." Then of course there was "Freak Out" by the Mothers of Invention. So much crazy music in so little time.

[@luth7050]

THIS IS WHAT LSD DOES TO YOUR UNI BAND

[@psychedelicpiper999]

As a long-time fan of this album, who's been obsessed with it for well over a decade, I commend you for doing the mono mix of "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn". I'm a millennial, and neither of my millennial and zoomer friends like the stereo mix. The mono mix is fuller-bodied, heavier, and has way more effects and overdubs than the stereo mix. People talk about "Interstellar Overdrive" in stereo. Let's see, "Interstellar Overdrive" in stereo is missing Rick Wright's organ for the entire first minute of the song, it's missing additional guitar effects and fuzz during the intro, the drums sound very wimpy in stereo, and there's missing echo on some of the effects later in the track. Meanwhile, apart from stereo separation, all the stereo mix has to offer is some primitive pot pan mixing during the climax of the track. There are loads of examples of this throughout the album. You did right choosing the mono. It was the version Syd worked on.

[@croesrob]

When doing the follow up, Have a listen to the two Syd Barrett Pink Floyd singles that weren't included on the album. Arnold Layne and See Emily play. I think you'll enjoy them.

[@maculka999]

Yes! He liked it! 😎 as a teenager i could never imagine pink floyd had ever been young, everything i knew (dark side, wish you were here) sounded like an old men music to me at the time. Then i heard this and i was smitten. Check syd's solo work, very very different from piper, perhaps even a let down at the time of its release, but so good and such powerful lyrics. When you said apples and oranges, it is also syd's pink floyd song too, it is not on any regular album, also check 2 singles they released before piper - arnold layne and see emily play. The following album - a saucerful of secret is also fine, but it contains what to me is the most beautiful "pink floyd" (does not sound like pink floyd) song - jugband blues (syd's swan song).

[@duckface524]

I wish I was as open minded as you when I first heard this album, took me like two years to get it, now it's one of my favorites

[@timothyamerman7033]

Hey, man. I just got into your channel a couple days ago, and I dig your content. You seem like a good dude, and you got some good takes on things. I think you might appreciate brian jonestown massacre. I would suggest the record "take it from the man!" Or maybe "thank god for mental illness" they have a wonderful documentary that you can watch in full on youtube called "dig!" That was my first experience with them, and they're so cartoonish that I half thought they were a low budget spinal tap. Hope this finds you well man.

[@AlexHaitz]

Thanks!

[@tigerlillyfeelfree1695]

Syd Barrett is the ultimate mysterious music legend. He left the music scene when he was very relevant and on the precipice of world stardom to later working on trolleys in sainsburys without batting an eye ❤

[@shacharh5470]

Don't forget the two Syd Barrett solo albums, very good stuff, on par (if not better) than Pink Floyd IMO

[@psychedelicpiper999]

Still waiting for someone to do a reaction to these someday.

[@Bevtone]

Better than Floyd? There not even good albums let alone better than Floyd.

[@shacharh5470]

@@Bevtone They are excellent albums, whether they're better than PF is up to anyone's preferences/taste

[@franciscodiaz5511]

¡Saludos desde Chile!

[@paulkristovic]

The first time I heard this album I just didn't get it but I've grown to love it. It's not so much dated but moreso of a different time (exactly where that is who exactly knows!). It's a shame their first two singles aren't on the album Arnold Lane & See Emily Play which were more accessible tunes and consequently piqued the interest of the discerning record buyer.

[@JackCerro]

Would love to hear Alex take on Grateful Dead's Anthem of the Sun. They mixed the album for the hallucinations. ha ha

[@ethanc1719]

Best pf album

[@questioneverything-rf3yf]

trac 1 is pronounced Astronomy DOMAN-EE, so as to rhythm...just a lil tidbit. Barrett was fascinating, and a tragic loss. Shine On You Crazy Diamond 💎 💜.

[@luth7050]

Check the madcap laughs by barret, cool album

[@eostwix]

Bro. Stereo is essential. Interstellar overdrive sounds like a new world in stereo

[@psychedelicpiper999]

Not after you've heard the mono mix. "Interstellar Overdrive" is more psychedelic in mono. More effects and overdubs, heavier, and no organ missing for the first minute.

[@eostwix]

@@psychedelicpiper999 i have heard it, and it was awesome, but the crazy panning at the end is one of my favorites sections in any song ive heard

[@psychedelicpiper999]

@@eostwix idk I find the panning very primitive. It was done using pot pans. Sometimes I like hearing Syd's guitar effects more clearly in the stereo mix, but that's nothing that a good pair of headphones or speakers with clear separation can't fix with the mono mix. I loved the way the mono mix sounded on my old Sennheiser HD's. Not trying to be a downer, though, I don't think the panning was an ill-conceived idea. It would have been nice to hear a proper stereo remix if the multitracks weren't lost, and some of the overdubs weren't applied directly to the mono mixdown.

[@blahblahblaher]

Yay!!!!!! Such a good fucking album!!!!!!!!

[@afdarkentertainment4706]

Fuck yes. Vernor’s pairs well with Piper.

[@rochelleclough3895]

Only 1 and ahalf albums from Syd the genius. And you can here elements of that experimentalism right down threw the PF discography.Taken from the band too soon!

[@psychedelicpiper999]

And an instrumental EP, 3 solo albums, plus loads of singles and unreleased songs now included on the "Cambridge Station" set of the Early Years boxset.

[@edpowers443]

This would be Peter Greene Mac.

[@BeautifulRust]

Beefheart at some point? Safe As Milk good start

[@AlexHaitz]

Trout Mask Replica has been in the pipes for a while, will certainly do at least that one at some point.

[@michaelgarcia314]

Madcap laughs pleaseee

[@marcofalzone6469]

You miss so much of this LP in MONO.

[@AlexHaitz]

Is there a stereo that isn’t just hard panned?

[@marcofalzone6469]

@@AlexHaitz 😂 probably not. The record company wants to make certain you're suitably disoriented

[@epitaph3988]

The opposite is true, the stereo version is straight up missing a lot of the effects and overdubs on the mono version, not to mention the awful hard panning. Maybe if a proper stereo mix were released that would be the best way to listen to this album, but as it currently stands the mono mix is by far the definitive version.

[@marcofalzone6469]

@@epitaph3988 ok. I'm going to seek out the mono version now.

[@ktfjulien]

Why do you say stereo like that

[@sponge5417]

red

[@MidnightAssass1n]

Just so you know. We don’t speak of ummagumma

[@ThatFaceMelter94]

Meh, I’m not too into this album. I’m generally accustomed to prog rock, but this one’s a bit much for me.

[@Enrico.Sbardolini]

I just started listening and you already pissed me off. Why don't you read Wikipedia before showing your carelessness from your window? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Piper_at_the_Gates_of_Dawn#Release > I don't need Wikipedia because my copy was STEREO, I listened to it with my father's STEREO Grunding plate (I was 17) while I saved it "virgin on the first pass" at 19m/s on my father's STEREO Grunding recorder. What at the time was strictly MONO was the radio system ... but a lot of PF on the radio went little from the start.

[@MidnightAssass1n]

Bruh... chill

[@Enrico.Sbardolini]

@ STAHP I don't like "sicumera *" ... what can I do about it? * best translation: complacency in imposing self-assurance

[@AlexHaitz]

It wasn't apparent to me, an outsider, as to which version I should listen to. I was perfectly pleased with the mono mix, and will check out the stereo mix.

[@Enrico.Sbardolini]

@ Tobyy Let's say that the prologue and the debut > had already exhausted the tolerance at my disposal!

[@Enrico.Sbardolini]

@ Tobyy I leave you in the company of your securities. With mine I do not intend to continue in controversy.