Prepare to have your mind blown, Pink Floyd fans! For the first time ever, the legendary band's epic track, "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," all nine parts, are being released as a single, continuous piece. This monumental event is part of the upcoming 50th-anniversary reissue of their iconic album, Wish You Were Here.
This special edition of Wish You Were Here is slated for release on December 12th. It promises to be a treasure trove for fans, packed with rarities and bonus material across various formats. The highlight, undoubtedly, is this complete, uninterrupted version of "Shine On You Crazy Diamond." Originally, the song was divided, with Parts I-V opening the album and Parts VI-IX closing it. Now, experience the full journey in one go!
"Shine On You Crazy Diamond" holds a special place in Pink Floyd's history, written as a heartfelt tribute to the band's founding member, Syd Barrett. The story behind the song's creation is as captivating as the music itself. Legend has it that Barrett, who had become reclusive, even visited the band at Abbey Road Studios during the final mixing of the track. This adds another layer of mystique to an already iconic piece of music.
The new version, titled "Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Pts. 1-9, New Stereo Mix)," is accompanied by a captivating music video featuring artwork by the multi-talented Noel Fielding. Fielding's painting is a portrait of Syd Barrett, perfectly capturing the essence of the song's subject.
Fielding shares his deep connection to Pink Floyd and Barrett, recalling his early fascination with their music. He was profoundly influenced by Barrett's unique style and artistic vision, even incorporating elements of it into his own creative work. He emphasizes how the band's music and artwork are perfectly synchronized, creating a surreal experience that transcends time.
Fielding's words resonate with the enduring power of Pink Floyd's work, highlighting its ability to captivate listeners and viewers of all ages. He sees the album cover and the album itself as a masterpiece, deeply rooted in the legacy of Syd Barrett. But here's where it gets controversial... Some might argue that the band's later work surpassed this early masterpiece. What do you think?
Ready to experience this musical journey? You can watch the video for "Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Pts. 1-9, New Stereo Mix)" now. You can also pre-order Wish You Were Here 50 in various formats, including a 3-LP vinyl set, a double-CD, a Blu-ray edition, and a deluxe box set. And this is the part most people miss... The album's impact on music and art is immeasurable.
What are your thoughts on this groundbreaking release? Do you think the continuous version enhances the listening experience? Share your opinions in the comments below!
