The Madcap Laughs (1970)

In the 20 years since Syd Barrett — once the leader of Pink Floyd — last recorded anything, the reclusive burnout's work has remained intriguing and influential. The first of two 1970 albums Barrett made after leaving the group, The Madcap Laughs offers a casual, unpolished peek into his bizarre personality. Playing acoustic guitar and singing disconnected lyrics as if their meaning were patently obvious, Barrett comes off like John Lennon on a placid acid trip: pretty, poetic, strange. Although this is an important and rewarding document, Barrett — also recently reissued — is a more accessible record of his final creative efforts. B-