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A Saucerful of Secrets - Pink Floyd

A Saucerful of Secrets

Pink Floyd

1968

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About

A Saucerful of Secrets is the second studio album by the English rock band Pink Floyd. It was released on June 28, 1968, in the UK and July 27, 1968, in the US. The album signifies a transitional period for the band, as it is the last album to feature significant contributions from founding member Syd Barrett, who appears on three tracks. It also marks the full integration of David Gilmour into the band, who was recruited to cover Barrett's eccentricities as Barrett's mental health deteriorated during recording. Each member contributed to the songwriting and lead vocals on this album. The album was recorded at EMI Studios (now Abbey Road Studios) in London between August 1967 and April 1968, and produced by Norman Smith. "Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun" is the only song on the album to feature all five band members. The album explores themes of isolation, loss, and despair. The album cover was designed by Hipgnosis and contains an image of Doctor Strange from a Marvel comic book.

Recording Info

Recorded between August 1967 and April 1968 at EMI Studios (Abbey Road Studios) in London. Produced by Norman Smith.

Track Highlights

Personnel

  • David Gilmour (Guitars, vocals, kazoo)
  • Nick Mason (Drums, percussion, lead vocals, kazoo)
  • Roger Waters (Bass guitar, percussion, vocals)
  • Richard Wright (Farfisa organ, piano, Hammond organ, Mellotron, vibraphone, celesta, xylophone, tin whistle, vocals)
  • Syd Barrett (Vocals, slide guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar)
  • Norman Smith (Producer, drums, background vocals)

Significance

A Saucerful of Secrets is considered a pivotal album in Pink Floyd's discography, marking a transition from their early psychedelic sound to a more experimental and space-rock oriented style. It bridges the gap between the Syd Barrett era and the band's later, more progressive direction. David Gilmour stated that the album was very important and gave them their direction forward. The album reached number 9 in the UK charts. However, it did not chart in the US until 2019, when it peaked at number 158. Despite mixed initial reviews, the album has since been recognized as a key artifact of psychedelic rock and an important step in Pink Floyd's evolution.

The album's title was a reference to mental illness and an allusion to Syd Barrett.

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