On this day in 1967 “The Piper at the Gates of Dawn” is released by Pink Floyd. This was the first album released by Pink Floyd and showcased Syd Barrett’s vision and songwriting talents.

Regarded by many as an even better realisation of the quintessential English psychedelia of the time that Sgt. Pepper this album strangely (for the time did) not include the singles already released by Floyd “Arnold Layne” and “See Emily Play”. There are some stand out tracks such as Astronomy Domine, Interstella Overdrive, and the transcendent Mathilda Mother. There is also one complete nonsense song Bike. To me the best track is the driving and sinister Lucifer Sam.

As I remember, although my memory is somewhat hazy of this time……….. one criticism of the album was that it did not reflect Floyd’s live performances. This is true but with this album Floyd were beginning a long journey.

At the time Floyd had no overseas presence and that would not come until some 5 years later after the departure of Syd Barrett. Syd’s mental health declined soon after this album was released and he finally left the band in 1968 being replaced by David Gilmour.