Since
Relics
is a compilation and not a regular studio album, it tends to be overlooked when thought of as one of
Pink Floyd
's better releases. It might not be regarded as a classic psychedelic masterpiece in the manner of
The Piper at the Gates of Dawn
, and it certainly won't ever achieve the multiple platinum status of
Dark Side of the Moon
, but it's a pretty good place to start with the band's early catalog. Originally issued in 1971,
culls from the band's first five singles (two A-sides and three B-sides, including the non-album pop classics "See Emily Play" and "Arnold Layne") and picks album material that capitalizes on the band's versatility while making it a thoroughly palatable listen. From
Piper
, you get the goofy childishness of "Bike" and the mesmerizing "Interstellar Overdrive," one of the band's trademark instrumental freak-outs; "The Nile Song," taken from the
More
soundtrack, is one of the heaviest songs the band recorded. A little bit of everything that made early
can be found here. Without a doubt, the disc is an essential part of the band's discography, not to be disregarded due to its overlap with studio album material. ~ Andy Kellman