The Piper at the Gates of Dawn by Pink Floyd: A CD Review

The Piper at the Gates of Dawn was produced by Norman Smith and released on August 7, 1967. It was the first release in the career of Pink Floyd. The title comes from Syd Barrett's favorite book "The Wind in the Willows" by Kenneth Grahame. The piper at the gates of dawn was in the 7th chapter.

Track One - Astronomy Domine (by Barrett) "...Lime and limpid green, a second scene. A fight between the blue you once knew. Floating down, the sound resounds around the icy waters underground..."

If a song could be in Technicolor, this would be the one. Very early work, yet typical of the sound of the era.

Track Two - Lucifer Sam (by Barrett) "... Lucifer Sam, siam cat. Always sitting by your side Always by your side. That cat's something I can't explain..."

Roger Waters nickname was lucifer sam...and the working title for this song was "Percy the Ratcatcher". Hence the cat reference.

Track Three- Matilda Mother (by Barrett) "... There was a king who ruled the land. His majesty was in command. With silver eyes the scarlet eagle Showers silver on the people. Oh mother tell me more..." Again, piece is reminiscent of the 60's sound.

Track Four- Pow R. Toc H (Barrett, Waters, Wright, Mason) Instrumental

Track Five - Flaming (by Barrett) "...alone in the clouds all blue lying on an eiderdown Yippee, you can't see me, But I can see you..." A strange little tune both in lyrics and melody.

Track Six - Take up thy Stethoscope and Walk (by Waters) "...Music seems to help the pain, Seems to cultivate the brain...." Rhyming nonsense about telling the docs he is still alive. Not one of my favorites on the album.

Track Seven- Interstellar Overdrive (Barrett, Waters, Wright, Mason) Instrumental

Track Eight - The Gnome (By Barrett) "...I want to tell you a story about a little man if I can, a gnome named Grimble Crumble..." Fascinating almost nursery-rhymish tale of "the gnome".

Track Nine - Chapter 24 (by Barrett) "...a movement is accomplished in six stages, and the seventh brings return...." Talks of change, winter solstice, and good fortune. A moving piece with allegories deluxe.