Title
A Very Irregular Head: The Life of Syd Barrett,Used
Processing time: 1-3 days
US Orders Ships in: 3-5 days
International Orders Ships in: 8-12 days
Return Policy: 15-days return on defective items
Payment Option
I don't think I'm easy to talk about. I've got a very irregular head. And I'm not anything that you think I am anyway.Syd Barretts last interview, Rolling Stone, 1971 Roger Keith Syd Barrett (19462006) was, by all accounts, the very definition of a golden boy. Blessed with good looks and a natural aptitude for painting and music, he was a charismatic, elfin child beloved by all, who fast became a teenage leader in Cambridge, England, where a burgeoning bohemian scene was flourishing in the early 1960s. Along with three friends and collaboratorsRoger Waters, Richard Wright, and Nick Masonhe formed what would soon become Pink Floyd, and rock n roll was never the same. Starting as a typical British cover band aping approximations of American rhythm n blues, they soon pioneered an entirely new sound, and British psychedelic rock was born. With early, trippy, Barrettpenned pop hits such as Arnold Layne (about a clotheslinethieving crossdresser) and See Emily Play (written specifically for the epochal Games For May concert), Pink Floyd, with Syd Barrett as their main creative visionary, captured the zeitgeist of Swinging London in all its Technicolor glory. But there was a dark side to all this newfound freedom. Barrett, like so many around him, began ingesting large quantities of a revolutionary new drug, LSD, and his alreadyfragile mental statecoupled with a personality inherently unsuited to the life of a pop starbegan to unravel. The once brighteyed lad was quickly replaced, seemingly overnight, by a glowering, sinister, deadeyed shadow of his former self, given to erratic, highly eccentric, reclusive, and sometimes violent behavior. Inevitably sacked from the band, Barrett retreated from London to his mothers house in Cambridge, where he would remain until his death, only rarely seen or heard, further fueling the mystery. In the meantime, Pink Floyd emerged from the underground to become one of the biggest international rock bands of all time, releasing multiplatinum albums, many that dealt thematically with the loss of their friend Syd Barrett: The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, and The Wall are all, on many levels, about him. In A Very Irregular Head, journalist Rob Chapman lifts the veil of secrecy that has surrounded the legend of Syd Barrett for nearly four decades, drawing on exclusive access to family, friends, archives, journals, letters, and artwork to create the definitive portrait of a brilliant and tragic artist. Besides capturing all the promise of Barretts youthful years, Chapman challenges the oftheld notion that Barrett was a hopelessly lost recluse in his later years, and creates a portrait of a true British eccentric who is rightfully placed within a rich literary lineage that stretches through Kenneth Graham, Hilaire Belloc, Edward Lear, Lewis Carroll, John Lennon, David Bowie, and on up to the pioneers of Britpop. A tragic, affectionate, and compelling portrait of a singular artist, A Very Irregular Head will stand as the authoritative word on this very English genius for years to come.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the size of 'A Very Irregular Head'? A: The book measures six point five inches in length, one point seventy-five inches in width, and nine point seventy-six inches in height.
- Q: How many pages does 'A Very Irregular Head' have? A: The book contains four hundred eighty pages, providing an in-depth look at Syd Barrett's life.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This book is bound in hardcover, ensuring durability and a premium feel.
- Q: Who is the author of 'A Very Irregular Head'? A: The author is Rob Chapman, known for his extensive research on rock music and its legends.
- Q: What genre does 'A Very Irregular Head' belong to? A: This book falls under the Rock genre, focusing specifically on the life of Syd Barrett and his impact on music.
- Q: What is the main theme of 'A Very Irregular Head'? A: The book explores the life and struggles of Syd Barrett, reflecting on his contributions to music and his tragic decline.
- Q: Is 'A Very Irregular Head' suitable for young readers? A: No, this book is intended for adult readers due to its themes of mental health and substance use.
- Q: How can I read 'A Very Irregular Head'? A: You can read this book by purchasing a copy online or at local bookstores; it's a captivating narrative that can be enjoyed at your own pace.
- Q: How should I store 'A Very Irregular Head'? A: Store the book in a cool, dry place, upright on a shelf to maintain its shape and protect the cover.
- Q: What is the recommended care for 'A Very Irregular Head'? A: Keep the book away from direct sunlight and moisture to preserve its condition over time.
- Q: How can I clean 'A Very Irregular Head' if it gets dirty? A: Gently wipe the cover with a dry cloth; avoid using water or cleaning solutions to prevent damage.
- Q: What if my copy of 'A Very Irregular Head' arrives damaged? A: Contact the retailer immediately to initiate a return or exchange process for a damaged book.
- Q: Can I return 'A Very Irregular Head' if I'm not satisfied? A: Yes, most retailers offer return policies; check the specific terms for the seller you purchased from.
- Q: Is 'A Very Irregular Head' a good choice for music history enthusiasts? A: Yes, this book is an excellent choice for music history enthusiasts, particularly those interested in Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd.
- Q: Does 'A Very Irregular Head' compare to other rock biographies? A: Yes, it offers a unique perspective on Syd Barrett, differing from other rock biographies through its deep personal insights and extensive research.
- Q: What should I do if I have issues with my order of 'A Very Irregular Head'? A: Reach out to customer service of the retailer you ordered from for assistance with any issues regarding your order.