Review: The Solo Works of Syd Barrett, Third Man Records ★★★★★
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Third Man Records, in collaboration with Sony Music Entertainment, released Syd Barrett’s solo albums – The Madcap Laughs, Barrett, and compilation Opel. Third Man Records have a subscription Vault and made this three LP and one Single EP available as their 57th instalment of the Vault series.

What’s in the Syd Barrett Solo Works Box?
Having been out of print individually for almost a decade, much to fan’s disappointment, the solo albums of Syd Barrett are now available together on 180-gram vinyl in this great looking box package.
The release also included a bonus 7-inch single by David Gilmour when he performed covers of Syd Barrett’s compositions “Dominoes” and “Dark Globe.”
All albums and the single fit nearly into a custom designed slipcase box featuring new exclusive artwork. I think it is an excellent package and really enjoy playing mine whenever the opportunity presents itself.
The collection celebrates Barrett’s influence on the psychedelic and folk realms and his iconic leadership of Pink Floyd and is an important piece in the development of music since the skiffle bands of a bygone era right through to where we are today.
Syd Barrett’s Solo Albums
Originally released in January 1970, Syd Barrett’s first solo album The Madcap Laughs contains classics such as “Dark Globe” and “Octopus” which was released as the single for the album.
Syd Barrett’s second solo album, the self-titled Barrett, was released in November 1970 and contains classics such as “Dominoes” and “Gigolo Aunt”. There were no singles released for Roger Keith Barrett’s second solo album.
Opel, a Syd Barrett compilation with additional unreleased songs and outtakes, was released in 1988.
Recommendation:
Highly recommended for collectors, long-time fans of Syd Barrett, and those new to his solo work seeking to explore his artistic legacy.
Other than the single and graphic design of the box, there is no new material released here which is a shame. There was a real opportunity to dig through the archives and find something, a snippet of something that would send many Syd Barrett fans over the edge! That said, I do highly recommend the boxset for the quality of the thing but also because it has Syd’s albums available on LP which has been out of print for some time.
Gallery of Photos





Video of Pack
Some of the credits on the album include:
Bass – David Gilmour
Composed By – Syd Barrett
Design [Cover], Photography By – Hipgnosis
Drums – Jerry Shirley
Engineer – Jeff Jarrett, Mike Sheady, Peter Mew, Phil McDonald, Tony Clark
Engineer [Recording] – Peter Bown
Illustration – Greg Ruth
Liner Notes – Brian Hogg
Organ, Piano, Harmonium – Richard Wright
Vocals, Guitar – Syd Barrett
Links – News Announcement, Syd Barrett Discography, Third Man Records Vault 57 Details,