July 11, 2006

Late Night

I read today that Syd Barrett has died and that has made me a little sad.

I am not going to say that his music changed my life or that I was listening to his stuff way before anyone else. I 'discovered' Syd Barrett around the same time that most people usually do: high school; when I found his two solo albums on vinyl. I don't remember what compelled me to listen to them then, but there was something about the deceptively simple songs and lyrics that has stayed with me ever since. A playful determination and artistic honesty that still appeals to me and that I continue to look for in the work of others.

I return to those albums every so often and I listened to them again today.

Thank you.

Late Night from the Mapcap Laughs.