Syd Barrett

One must recognize his importance, even if he has done little compared to the other members. However, that little he has done has been immense for music and fundamental for the continuation of Pink Floyd's music. His works still sound hypnotic today; "See Emily Play" and "Arnold Layne" highlight the freshness of pure, youthful genius. "The Piper" is practically his first solo album, and here he expresses himself at the highest levels. "Jugband Blues" marks the end of a crazy, sick man, but it remains one of the most intriguing works from "A Saucerful of Secrets." Finally, the two solo albums are nothing short of magnetic; I much prefer "The Madcap Laughs," which is nearly perfect, while "Barrett" is less convincing, and you can feel that Barrett is definitively closing the door on Rock— a great loss for all lovers of the genre, which will be mourned for decades to come. Goodbye, Crazy Diamond!