Syd Barrett’s Solo Albums: A Long-Awaited Vinyl Release

July 9, 2023

3xLP Set Features the Madcap Laughs, Barrett and Opel in Custom Slipcase with Exclusive Artwork, Plus a 7” of David Gilmour Covering Two Barrett Originals

Third Man Records, in collaboration with Sony Music Entertainment, is thrilled to present a special treat for music enthusiasts and Pink Floyd fans alike. The iconic Syd Barrett’s solo albums – The Madcap Laughs, Barrett, and Opel – will be released together on vinyl as the 57th installment of the Vault subscription series. After nearly a decade of being out of print individually, this exclusive set showcases Barrett’s complete solo works on stunning 180-gram vinyl, pressed at Third Man Pressing in Detroit. The albums will be beautifully packaged in a custom slipcase featuring new exclusive artwork.

SUBSCRIBE BY JULY 31, 2023 AT MIDNIGHT CST TO RECEIVE THIS PACKAGE

For dedicated Pink Floyd completists, there’s an extra incentive to grab this collection. It includes a 7-inch single featuring David Gilmour’s cover of two Barrett compositions, namely “Dominoes” and “Dark Globe.” This bonus addition is sure to captivate fans and pay homage to Barrett’s enduring legacy. Sign-ups for the Vault subscription series are now open until July 31 at midnight CST.

With Syd Barrett’s departure from Pink Floyd in 1968, the band faced an uncertain future. Barrett had played a pivotal role in steering the group away from its blues-based R&B roots and into the expansive realm of the late 1960s psychedelic scene. His subsequent solo work, shrouded by Pink Floyd’s global fame, has taken on a mythical quality that continues to enthrall adventurous listeners over the past fifty years.

While Syd Barrett wasn’t the first or most commercially successful artist to explore the convergence of psychedelic and folk music, he undeniably represents the quintessential archetype against which all others are measured. His influence and reach cannot be overstated, and his body of work stands as a testament to his exceptional talent.

Individually out of print on LP for almost a decade, and never before available together on vinyl, Third Man Records proudly presents Syd Barrett’s solo albums – The Madcap Laughs, Barrett, and Opel – as the 57th installment of the Vault subscription series.

Originally released in January 1970, The Madcap Laughs stands as Barrett’s most renowned and fully-realized solo effort. Songs like the enchanting debut single “Octopus” showcase his whimsical lyrical explorations and expanded consciousness. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios with production assistance from former Pink Floyd bandmates David Gilmour and Roger Waters, the album surprisingly reached number 40 on the UK charts. The reissue of this masterpiece is pressed lovingly on golden hair-colored vinyl.

In November 1970, Barrett once again sought the production guidance of his former bandmates, this time enlisting David Gilmour and Richard Wright, for his second solo album, simply titled Barrett. The album features surreal gems like “Baby Lemonade” and the introspective and hazy “Gigolo Aunt.” Barrett’s introspection on this record is soft and focused, pulling listeners into a dreamlike state. The reissue of this album is presented on baby lemonade-colored vinyl.

Released in 1988, Opel comprises outtakes and previously unreleased material from the period between 1968 and 1970. This album fills in the gaps left by the two previous releases and provides a comprehensive view of Barrett’s studio work, where no two takes were ever the same. Opel is not only significant for showcasing Barrett’s talent but also as an early example of a record label responding to the demands of an underground cult following. The album renders countless bootlegs obsolete and is now offered on milky way opal-colored vinyl.

All three LPs will be pressed on high-quality 180-gram vinyl at Third Man Pressing in Detroit. The records will be housed in a newly-designed slipcase featuring a captivating recursive portrait of Syd Barrett, created by the talented New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Greg Ruth. The artwork, executed in one continuous line without lifting the pen, is mesmerizing and invites listeners to delve into Barrett’s musical world.

As an additional treat, this collection includes a 7-inch single with David Gilmour’s heartfelt covers of two Barrett compositions. “Dominoes,” recorded at Royal Festival Hall in January 2002, exudes an undeniable playful charm and freshness. The rendition of “Dark Globe” was captured live a few months after Syd’s passing in 2006, evoking a mix of celebration, heartfelt emotions, and a touch of melancholy. This sparse and unfiltered rendition serves as a sincere tribute to a departed friend.

The long-awaited vinyl release of Syd Barrett’s solo albums is an exciting event for music lovers and Pink Floyd enthusiasts alike. It not only allows fans to rediscover Barrett’s exceptional artistry but also provides a chance to complete their collections with this comprehensive and beautifully presented set. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own a piece of music history.

VAULT PACKAGE #57:
THE SOLO WORKS OF SYD BARRETT 3xLP BOX SET

TRACKLISTING

The Madcap Laughs

1. Terrapin

2. No Good Trying

3. Love You

4. No Man’s Land

5. Dark Globe

6. Here I Go

7. Octopus

8. Golden Hair

9. Long Gone