Pink Floyd

Label: Columbia
Country: UK
Released: 1968
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Album Overview

Pink Floyd's second studio album, A Saucerful of Secrets, was released on June 28, 1968, by EMI Columbia in the UK. This album marks a significant transition in the band's history, as it features both the founding member Syd Barrett and the newly recruited David Gilmour. The recording sessions spanned from May 9, 1967, to May 3, 1968, capturing a unique period of creativity and change within the band.

Tracklist and Contributions

The album consists of seven tracks, showcasing the diverse songwriting talents of its members. The opening track, "Let There Be More Light," written by Roger Waters, sets an atmospheric tone. Rick Wright contributes with "Remember A Day," while Waters also penned the haunting "Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun." This particular track is notable for being the only one to feature all five members of Pink Floyd—Barrett, Gilmour, Waters, Mason, and Wright—playing together.

Gilmour's presence is felt in five tracks, while Barrett appears on three, including "Corporal Clegg" and the closing piece, "Jugband Blues." The latter is especially significant as it represents Barrett's final songwriting contribution to the band, reflecting his deteriorating mental health at the time.

Production and Release

Produced by Norman Smith, A Saucerful of Secrets is an exploration of psychedelic rock, encapsulated in its experimental soundscapes and lyrical themes. The album was released in a black and blue Columbia label format with a flip-back sleeve, featuring the phrase "File Under Popular" on the rear. This original first pressing is a collectible item for vinyl enthusiasts.

Legacy and Impact

While A Saucerful of Secrets may not achieve the iconic status of later Pink Floyd works, it stands as a crucial stepping stone in the band's evolution. It captures a moment of transition, both musically and personally, as the band navigated the challenges posed by Barrett's mental health struggles. The album's blend of creative experimentation and emotional depth continues to resonate with listeners, cementing its place in rock history.

Tracklist

A1	Let There Be More Light Written-By – Roger Waters
A2	Remember A Day Written-By – Rick Wright*
A3	Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun Written-By – Roger Waters
A4	Corporal Clegg Written-By – Roger Waters
B1	A Saucerful Of Secrets Written-By – GilmoreWritten-By – MasonWritten-By – WrightWritten-By – Waters
B2	See-Saw Written-By – Rick Wright*
B3	Jugband Blues Written-By – Syd Barrett

Credits

Producer – Norman Smith
Sleeve [Sleeve Design], Photography By – Hipgnosis
Vocals, Bass, Percussion – Roger Waters
Vocals, Drums, Percussion, Kazoo – Nick Mason
Vocals, Guitar, Kazoo – David Gilmour
Vocals, Organ, Mellotron, Vibraphone, Celesta, Xylophone, Tin Whistle – Richard Wright
Vocals, Slide Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar – Syd Barrett