The Madcap Laughs - Release, Reception, and Aftermath

Release, Reception, and Aftermath

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"Octopus" was released as a single in November 1969 and The Madcap Laughs followed on 3 January 1970. The album was released by Harvest in the UK, while in the US it was issued by Capitol Records. It sold 6000 copies in the first few months and reached number 40 in the UK and was fairly well-reviewed by music critics. Upon release, Gilmour said: "Perhaps we were trying to show what Syd was really like. But perhaps we were trying to punish him ..." While Barrett admitted that "I don't think it would stand as my last statement", Waters was more optimistic, declaring Barrett a "genius". Initial sales and reaction were deemed sufficient by EMI, to sanction a second solo album.

Malcolm Jones was shocked by the substandard musicianship on the Gilmour and Waters-produced songs, however: "I felt angry. It's like dirty linen in public and very unnecessary and unkind ..." Barrett later said of the album: "I liked what came out, only it was released far too long after it was done. I wanted it to be a whole thing that people would listen to all the way through with everything related and balanced, the tempos and moods offsetting each other, and I hope that's what it sounds like." In a bid to increase sales, Jones wrote a letter to music magazine, Melody Maker, under an alternate name, writing how great the album was.

It's quite nice but I'd be very surprised if it did anything if I were to drop dead. I don't think it would stand as my last statement." —Barrett,

On 6 June 1970, Barrett gave his one and only solo performance, the performance was held at the Kensington Olympia, backed by Gilmour and Shirley, and baffled the audience (including Gilmour and Shirley) when he abruptly took off his guitar during the fourth number and walked off stage. They played "Terrapin", "Gigolo Aunt", "Effervescing Elephant", and "Octopus". From the start of the performance up to (but not including) "Octopus", the vocals were inaudible. The performance has been bootlegged.