Relics cover

Relics

Pink Floyd · 1971

49 min · 11 tracks · progressive rock · psychedelic rock · blues rock

A kaleidoscopic journey through early psychedelic rock, filled with haunting melodies and experimental textures.

Why this album works

'Relics' is significant not only for its role in consolidating Pink Floyd's early work but also for charting in the UK Albums Chart, where it reached number 2. The album features tracks that are pivotal to the development of psychedelic rock and has influenced countless artists within the genre, cementing its place in music history as an essential artifact of the era.
Best for
kaleidoscopic sound explorations wave-like pacing with contrasts haunting melodies that linger
Context
Released on May 14, 1971, 'Relics' is a compilation album capturing Pink Floyd's formative years just before their ascent to global stardom with 'The Dark Side of the Moon.' At this point, the band had already established a unique sound with their earlier albums and singles, showcasing their evolution from avant-garde psychedelia to more structured compositions. This collection serves as a bridge between their early experimental phase and their later commercial success.
Stylistic neighbors
Captain Beefheart· Piknik· Syd Barrett

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Arnold Layne Standout 2:56
  • 2 Interstellar Overdrive Standout 9:43
  • 3 See Emily Play Standout 2:53
  • 4 Remember a Day 4:29
  • 5 Paintbox 3:33
  • 6 Julia Dream 2:37
  • 7 Careful With That Axe, Eugene 5:45
  • 8 Cirrus Minor 5:18
  • 9 The Nile Song 3:25
  • 10 Biding My Time 5:18
  • 11 Bike 3:21

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata