Is The Early Years 1965—1972 a good place to start with Pink Floyd?

Yes, The Early Years 1965—1972 is recommended as a starting point for new Pink Floyd listeners. A sprawling collection of early psychedelic explorations that showcases Pink Floyd's evolving soundscape from whimsical to experimental. Released in 2016, The Early Years 1965—1972 compiles material from Pink Floyd’s formative years, which included their debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967). At this point in their career, the band was transitioning from a largely experimental group led by Syd Barrett to a more cohesive unit, setting the stage for their later masterpieces. This compilation not only highlights their early innovations but also serves as a retrospective on their initial impact on the psych-rock genre.

Who is The Early Years 1965—1972 for?

The Early Years 1965—1972 works well if you're into dynamic exploration with peaks, immersive journey through soundscapes and whimsical lyrical themes throughout.

How many songs are on The Early Years 1965—1972?

The Early Years 1965—1972 has 274 tracks, running approximately 1835 minutes.

Released 10 years ago this November

The Early Years 1965—1972

Pink Floyd · 2016

1835 min · 274 tracks · progressive rock

A sprawling collection of early psychedelic explorations that showcases Pink Floyd's evolving soundscape from whimsical to experimental.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Lucy Leave Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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See Emily Play — This track exemplifies the whimsical yet profound storytelling characteristic of early Pink Floyd, blending catchy melodies with surreal imagery.
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Scream Thy Last Scream — An audacious piece featuring Syd Barrett’s haunting vocals and chaotic instrumentation, reflecting the band’s avant-garde approach and emotional intensity.
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Interstellar Overdrive — As an instrumental showcase, this track represents the band's improvisational prowess and psychedelic experimentation, serving as a precursor to longer compositions in later works.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic exploration with peaks
immersive journey through soundscapes
whimsical lyrical themes throughout
ideal for late-night introspection
for deep listening sessions

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A compilation that highlights early works but isn't a primary entry point.
Themes: 1960s counterculture· psychedelic dreamscapes· cosmic explorations
Career context: Released in 2016, The Early Years 1965—1972 compiles material from Pink Floyd’s formative years, which included their debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967). At this point in their career, the band was transitioning from a largely experimental group led by Syd Barrett to a more cohesive unit, setting the stage for their later masterpieces. This compilation not only highlights their early innovations but also serves as a retrospective on their initial impact on the psych-rock genre.
Stylistic neighbors: King Crimson· Yes· Genesis

New to Pink Floyd? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

1 Lucy Leave Start here 2:57
2 Double O Bo 2:56
3 Remember Me 2:45
4 Walk With Me Sydney 3:11
5 Butterfly 3:00
6 I’m a King Bee 3:14
12 Matilda Mother (2010 mix) 3:59
13 Jugband Blues (2010 mix) 3:02
14 In the Beechwoods (2010 mix) 4:43
15 Vegetable Man (2010 mix) 2:31
16 Scream Thy Last Scream (2010 mix) 4:42

Disc 2

1 Introduction 0:25
2 Reaction in G 7:18
3 Matilda Mother 5:33
4 Pow R. Toc H. 11:56
5 Scream Thy Last Scream 4:00
6 Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun 7:16
7 See Emily Play 3:15
8 Interstellar Overdrive 8:57
9 John Latham (version 1) 4:31
10 John Latham (version 2) 5:06
11 John Latham (version 3) 3:45
12 John Latham (version 4) 2:59
13 John Latham (version 5) 2:47
14 John Latham (version 6) 3:16
15 John Latham (version 7) 2:36
16 John Latham (version 8) 2:49
17 John Latham (version 9) 2:37

Disc 4

1 [opening title] 0:05
2 Chapter 24 3:50
3 Nick’s Boogie 6:48
4 Interstellar Overdrive 4:25
5 Arnold Layne 3:03
6 Pow R. Toc H. / Astronomy Domine 9:33
7 The Scarecrow 2:14
8 Jugband Blues 3:07
9 Apples and Oranges 5:01
10 Instrumental Improvisation 2:32
11 Instrumental Improvisation 4:41
12 See Emily Play 3:04
13 The Scarecrow (outtakes) 2:16
14 Interstellar Overdrive 10:06

Disc 5

2 It Would Be So Nice 3:46
3 Julia Dream 2:34
5 Song 1 3:19
6 Roger’s Boogie 4:35
7 Murderotic Woman 3:38
8 The Massed Gadgets of Hercules 7:18
9 Let There Be More Light 4:32
10 Julia Dream 2:50
11 Point Me at the Sky 4:25
12 Embryo 3:13
13 Interstellar Overdrive 9:37

Disc 7

1 [opening title] 0:05
2 Astronomy Domine 4:17
3 The Scarecrow 2:03
4 Corporal Clegg 2:57
5 Paintbox 3:43
6 Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun 5:03
7 See Emily Play 2:47
8 Bike 1:49
9 Apples and Oranges 3:12
10 Astronomy Domine 2:45
11 Flaming 2:43
12 Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun 4:31
13 Let There Be More Light 3:45
14 Paintbox 3:50
15 Instrumental Improvisation 2:24
16 Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun 2:49
17 It Would Be So Nice (excerpt) 1:30
18 Interstellar Overdrive 7:08
19 Astronomy Domine 3:36
20 Roger Waters interview 0:22
21 Let There Be More Light 3:22
22 Remember a Day 2:43
23 Let There Be More Light 2:02
24 Let There Be More Light 3:54
25 Flaming 3:03
26 Let There Be More Light 6:44
27 Point Me at the Sky 3:55

Disc 8

1 Hollywood (non‐album track) 1:21
2 Theme (beat version) 5:38
3 More Blues (alternative version) 3:49
4 Seabirds (non‐album track) 4:20
5 Embryo 4:42
6 Grantchester Meadows 3:46
7 Cymbaline 3:38
8 The Narrow Way 4:47
9 Green Is the Colour 3:21
10 Careful With That Axe, Eugene 3:29
11 Interstellar Overdrive 4:20
12 Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun 12:25
13 Careful With That Axe, Eugene 10:10
14 A Saucerful of Secrets 13:01

Disc 9

1 Daybreak 8:14
2 Work 4:12
3 Afternoon 6:38
4 Doing It 3:54
5 Sleeping 4:36
6 Nightmare 9:14
7 Labyrinth 1:11
8 The Beginning 3:23
9 Beset by Creatures of the Deep 6:27
10 The Narrow Way, Part 3 5:10
11 The Pink Jungle 4:56
12 The Labyrinths of Auximines 3:19
13 Footsteps/Doors 3:12
14 Behold the Temple of Light 5:32
15 The End of the Beginning 6:31

Disc 11

1 [opening title] 0:05
2 Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun 6:32
3 David Gilmour interview 1:18
4 A Saucerful of Secrets 12:04
5 Afternoon (Biding My Time) 4:22
6 The Beginning (Green Is the Colour) 2:55
7 Cymbaline 2:59
8 Beset by Creatures of the Deep 0:49
9 The End of the Beginning (A Saucerful of Secrets) 3:07
10 Careful With That Axe, Eugene 6:19
11 A Saucerful of Secrets 14:23
12 Green Is the Colour 4:41
13 Careful With That Axe, Eugene 10:02
14 Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun 11:41
15 Interstellar Overdrive 14:13

Disc 12

1 Atom Heart Mother (live in Montreux, 21 Nov 1970) 17:58
2 Embryo 11:10
3 Fat Old Sun 5:52
4 Green Is the Colour 3:27
5 Careful With That Axe, Eugene 8:25
6 If 5:47
7 Atom Heart Mother (with choir, cello & brass ensemble) 25:30

Disc 13

1 On the Highway 1:16
2 Auto Scene (version 2) 1:13
3 Auto Scene (version 3) 1:32
4 Aeroplane 2:17
5 Explosion 5:47
6 The Riot Scene 1:39
7 Looking at Map 1:56
8 Love Scene (version 7) 5:03
9 Love Scene (version 1) 3:26
10 Take Off 1:20
11 Take Off (version 2) 1:11
12 Love Scene (version 2) 1:55
13 Love Scene (take 1) 2:16
14 Unknown Song (take 1) 5:56
15 Love Scene (take 2) 6:40
16 Crumbling Land (take 1) 4:08
17 Atom Heart Mother (early studio version, band only) 19:26

Disc 14

11 Alan’s Psychedelic Breakfast 11:58

Disc 15

1 [intro] (soundcheck) 1:25

Disc 16

1 [opening title] 0:05
2 Atom Heart Mother 17:09
3 Cymbaline 8:40
4 Grantchester Meadows 7:36
5 Green Is the Colour 3:59
6 Careful With That Axe, Eugene 8:42
7 Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun 13:25
8 Cymbaline (soundcheck) 2:30
9 Atom Heart Mother 13:46
10 Embryo 11:24
11 Green Is the Colour 4:18
12 Careful With That Axe, Eugene 8:12
13 Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun 12:04
14 Instrumental Improvisations 1, 2, 3 (live in the studio) 4:19
15 Embryo 1:56
16 Atom Heart Mother 21:35
17 Atom Heart Mother 23:35
18 If 4:30
19 Summer ’68 5:28
20 Fat Old Sun 5:35
21 Alan’s Psychedelic Breakfast 12:47

Disc 17

1 Nothing, Part 14 7:01
2 Fat Old Sun 15:33
3 One of These Days 7:19
4 Embryo 10:43
5 Echoes 26:25

Disc 19

1 [opening title] 0:05
2 Atom Heart Mother (extracts & interview) 3:30
3 A Saucerful of Secrets (extract & interview) 6:33
4 Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun 12:01
5 Cymbaline 6:04
6 Atom Heart Mother (extract) 3:21
7 Careful With That Axe, Eugene 2:28
8 Band interview 4:04
9 24 Hours - Bootleg Records 2:37
10 Review 3:46
11 One of These Days (‘French Windows’) 4:34
12 Atom Heart Mother (extract, in colour) 5:19
13 Atom Heart Mother (’71 Hakone Aphrodite) 15:37
14 Echoes (original 4.0 quad mix 1971) 23:35
15 One of These Days (2016 remix) 5:40
16 A Pillow of Winds (2016 remix) 5:27
17 Fearless (2016 remix) 6:07
18 San Tropez (2016 remix) 3:42
19 Seamus (2016 remix) 2:17
20 Echoes (2016 remix) 23:27
21 One of These Days (5.1 mix) 5:40
22 A Pillow of Winds (5.1 mix) 5:27
23 Fearless (5.1 mix) 6:07
24 San Tropez (5.1 mix) 3:42
25 Seamus (5.1 mix) 2:17
26 Echoes (5.1 mix) 23:27

Disc 20

1 Obscured by Clouds 3:03
2 When You’re In 2:31
3 Burning Bridges 3:30
4 The Gold It’s in The… 3:07
5 Wot’s… Uh the Deal 5:09
6 Mudmen 4:18
7 Childhood’s End 4:33
8 Free Four 4:16
9 Stay 4:06
10 Absolutely Curtains 5:52

Disc 22

1 [opening title] 0:05
2 Wot’s… Uh the Deal 5:04
3 Pop Deux 7:14
4 Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun 9:11
5 Careful With That Axe, Eugene 7:42
6 Actualités Méditerranée, Marseille, 22 November 1972 3:38
7 JT Nuit – Les Pink Floyd, Marseille, 26 November 1972 3:14
8 JT 20 H – Pink Floyd, Paris, 12 January 1973 3:10
9 Journal de Paris – Les Pink Floyd, Paris, 12 January 1973 5:19
10 Poitiers – autour du passage des Pink Floyd 4:33
11 Careful With That Axe, Eugene 7:03
12 A Saucerful of Secrets 10:10
13 One of These Days 5:59
14 Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun 10:23
15 Echoes 26:14

Disc 23

1 Flaming 2:41
2 The Scarecrow 1:58
3 The Gnome 2:08
4 Matilda Mother 3:19
5 Reaction in G 0:33
6 Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun 3:18
7 Scream Thy Last Scream 3:34
8 Vegetable Man 3:06
9 Pow R. Toc H. 2:45
10 Jugband Blues 3:50
11 Baby Blue Shuffle in D Major 3:58
12 Blues 4:59
13 US Radio Ad 0:21
14 Music From the Committee, No. 1 1:06
15 Music From the Committee, No. 2 3:24
16 Moonhead (live on 1969 BBC TV moon landings broadcast) 7:17
17 Echoes (live at Wembley 1974) 24:10

Disc 26

1 [blank title] 0:02
2 Arnold Layne (alternative version) 3:05
3 Corporal Clegg 4:38
4 Band interview 0:47
5 A Saucerful of Secrets 11:36
6 Atom Heart Mother 3:55
7 Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun 4:15
8 A Saucerful of Secrets 6:11
9 Atom Heart Mother 14:54
10 Careful With That Axe, Eugene 11:23
11 A Saucerful of Secrets 9:46
12 The Committee (feature film) 53:02

Disc 27

1 More (feature film) 1:56:00
2 La Vallée (feature film) 1:45:00

Disc 28

1 Arnold Layne 2:55
2 Candy and a Currant Bun 2:45

Disc 29

1 See Emily Play 2:53
2 The Scarecrow 2:10

Disc 30

1 Apples and Oranges 3:05
2 Paintbox 3:46

Disc 31

1 It Would Be So Nice 3:44
2 Julia Dream 2:35

Disc 32

1 Point Me at the Sky 3:37
2 Careful With That Axe, Eugene 5:46

Disc 33

1 Careful With That Axe, Eugene 6:45
2 Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun 10:35
3 One of These Days 5:50
4 A Saucerful of Secrets 12:49
5 Echoes 24:56
6 Careful With That Axe, Eugene (alternate take) 6:06

What to play next

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Obscured by Clouds

1972

Serves as a bridge with its blend of early experimentation and more structured songwriting.

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