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Rating: I have always tried to put myself in the mind of someone who doesn't know Barrett and try to understand the reactions they'd have after reading this embarrassingly beautiful book.
A book that unnerves because of the story it tells. Because of the subject in question. And because of the infinite potential suppressed in a man who could have changed the history of world music with each potential album or art exhibition. Roger Barrett's charisma was so high that whatever he did "moved" things.
The account by the two authors retraces with extraordinary clarity and fluidity the childhood, adolescence, and incredible fate that befell this incredible artist of our time (and beyond).
You will find anecdotes about his private life, both before and (especially) after his musical experience in the band of which he was a part. Exclusive interviews with his ex-girlfriends, waiters who had the privilege of receiving great gifts from him during the years he lived at Chelsea Cloisters in London (1974-1980-81), and much, much more.
The first edition was released in 1993 in the pre-internet era, and seeing the rare images published inside was like opening Pandora's box. Everything you dreamed of seeing was there, increasing the infinite regret for having lost a man and an artist whose infinite nuances of personality would take ten centuries to fully appreciate.
The book has been decidedly surpassed by "A very irregular head," recently released. A true bible for Barrett fans.
But this 1993 "Crazy Diamond" was a boomerang from which there was no return.
In the good sense of the term this time.
The only discordant note is the junkie-like cover. Syd Barrett was not only what many believe. But also much, much more. A different and less stereotypical image would have been perfect.
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