Assignment #3

Analysis of Article:
"Syd Barrett, a Founder of Pink Floyd, Dies at 60"
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/12/arts/music/12barrett.html
by Jon Pareles, NY Times 7/12/2006

This article is a profile of Syd Barrett, written in response to his death. Although Barrett died on July 7, news of his death didn't reach the public until July 11. This article was clearly written on a short deadline and has some hard news elements regarding his death. The cause of death was not public at the time this was written, and the only current source quoted by the author is one from a Pink Floyd spokesman quoted by many other newsman; this had to be a press release.

In spite of the lack of details about his death and the dearth of contemporary sources, this article provides a great deal of information about Barrett, his work with Pink Floyd, his subsequent breakdown and disappearance from public life and his profound influence on psychedelic rock music and other musicians. It's not clear from where this information was gathered; most of it is commonly known details that have previously been documented. Pareles does a good job of presenting these details in a profile which hints at the profound affect Barrett's short time in the limelight had on rock music.

The opinions expressed about why he had a breakdown and how his drug use affected him are part of the common folklore about Barrett and are generally accepted as fact. But Pareles also talks about how Barrett's problems affected the bad both musically and emotionally. By pointing out that fellow band members David Gilmour and Roger Waters helped Barrett with his solo albums in the early 70's helps to illustrate the ties that remained between them in spite of Barrett's erratic behavior and reclusivity.

One stylist aspect about the story that I found awkward was the journalist's use of the honorific "Mr." when making latter references to Syd Barrett and his band mates. This is typical of the NY Times style and for many of their stories is appropriate, but referring to "Mr. Barrett" and "Mr. Gilmour" felt odd considering their occupation. Dropping the "Mr." would have made the piece flow better.

Of course the article leaves many fascinating questions about Barrett and his life unanswered. But as a timely hard news/profile/obituary it does a fine job of presenting the peaks and valleys of a musician's short but influential career.