Reissue

The latest releases reviewed.

PINK FLOYD The Piper at the Gates of Dawn EMI ****

There are few bands that can command such retrospective adulation and respect as Pink Floyd; the new breed of freak-out acts cite the UK psychedelic quartet as a musical touchstone, while "older brother" outfits such as Flaming Lips and Radiohead have always been ankle deep in debt. This reissue of PF's debut album marks the 40th anniversary of its release, and it's a pleasure to say that it still sounds as original (if not as mind-blowing) as it did the first time. Featuring three discs (the album in mono and stereo, and a bonus disc of singles, B-sides and previously unissued material that will have Floyd fans in ecstasy), the package highlights the dawning of a new kind of music, creatively divisive in its display of freewheeling freak-outs and Syd Barrett's gloriously off-centre, trippy pop songs.

TONY CLAYTON-LEA

Download tracks: Interstellar Overdrive, Apples and Oranges, Bike