Relics

As a follow-up to Pink Floyd’s first compilation album The Best of the Pink Floyd/Masters of Rock which was released the year before, Relics covered material that took place in the late 1960s when former guitarist Syd Barrett manned the group. However, this collection showcases much more of the band’s album-oriented tracks instead of the pop singles that heavily contributed to the band’s commercial success during this time. Seven out of the twelve tracks are non-singles and come from Floyd’s first three albums, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, A Sauceful of Secrets, and More, and exemplifies the English band’s ability to have a variety in their music while still remaining true to their psychedelic roots. This variety can be seen throughout Relics as heavier songs such as “Careful With That Axe, Eugene” and “The Nile Song” easily contrasts softer, folk-based ones with the likings of “Julia Dream” and “Cirrus Minor”.

Overall, this compilation album obtained the 152nd spot on the Billboard 200 and has reached #32 in the U.K. Additionally, this album has been considered a classic by many fans and critics.