Curious to know what you guys think/like about Pink Floyd's early work


Listening through Pink Floyd's entire studio album discography these days. I mostly know their work from the 70's to 90's. I will admit, I haven't quite connected fully with their early psychedelic years from Piper to Ummagumma yet. I suppose I'm a bigger fan of their "BIG sound" that would evolve later on with David's important guitar riffs, solos, conceptual records, unique production and Waters' lyrics. Those first records honestly do not really delight me always. I'm really open to hearing thoughts, discussing factors and history of these records that could give me a more open perspective, and maybe understand the importance of these works. Why do some of you like them? Is it the history of the band forming? Starting out with Syd? Any documentaries or books that focus on the early years?
 

britt5

Oddly, I was much more of a Pink Floyd fan before DSOTM, which I considered a bald if understandable bid to finally make some real money. It's the only Pink Floyd release where it truly took several months before I went to the record store to buy it.

I haven't listen to them in 30 years, and I don't miss it. They were trendy for a while but I never understood why.

Yeah, I own all of the early pre-DSOTM albums, and I try.  But they just don't interest me either.

Their first release was "Arnold Layne" (45rpm single) and it reached #20 on British charts. Bside was "Candy & a Current Bun". I have a copy of Aussie release and the B side is "See Emily Play". The songs were written by Syd Barrett. "Arnold Layne" was a song about a cross dresser stealing women's underwear from clotheslines at night (Go figure)

I think most people would agree that early Floyd was pseudo-experimental and the band finding their sound in the music of the day. I listen to the early albums more out of respect and to learn about their developing sound that culminated with the massive albums of the 70's. Surprised this chat did not spur more excitement about one of the truly great bands of all time. Their Big 4 are legendary and IMHO The Wall is one of the best 5 albums in rock history--just fabulous music from start to finish, After the Final Cut their music seemed less inspired but love Waters & Gilmour's solo albums.