This episode of VH-1's 'Legends' series is actually an edited-down version of the 'Omnibus' program that ran on the BBC in November of 2001 and, as far as visual treats go, isn't exactly boiling over with unseen material - snips of 'London 66-67,' 'Delicate Sound Of Thunder,' 'Roger Waters In The Flesh - Live' and scores of bits familiar from the 'Video Anthology' compilations make up 98% of the archival footage shown (though we are given a tantalizing look at a suitably harrowing black and white film for "Vegetable Man" and the above-mentioned band/Mike Leonard practice footage).

Since many of us have seen nearly all of the band films before (and since Barrett himself only speaks once during the entire program - in a clip from 1967), it's the new interviews that ultimately have to carry the weight of the show, and I'm pleased to report that they are all up to the challenge. Most surprisingly, the long-unseen Bob Klose plays us a few odd blues and Bo Diddley riffs to demonstrate the band's sound from way back when there was still a definitive article in their name, while Peter Jenner, Aubrey "Po" Powell, Mike Leonard, Jerry Shirley, and Joe Boyd are all on hand to lend fond recollections of all that was Syd-era Pink Floyd.

A remarkable common thread between the interviewees (advancing stages of decomposition notwithstanding) is a palpable sense of youthfulness that seems to touch many of them while discussing Syd and the early year of the band. This is especially true of David Gilmour and Roger Waters, who share their memories and thoughts with candor and a sense of enthusiasm that is all too rare in their interviews as of late -- Gilmour's discomfort at the tense situation he walked into when he joined the band is still apparent in his body language, while Waters can still quote the lyrics for "Vegetable Man" off the top of his head with genuine affection (of course, the two of them can't resist a little jab at each other here or there, but that's Pink Floyd for ya).

As for Rick Wright and Nick Mason -- the keyboardist certainly *looks* far better and sounds more assured than he did during the previous year's 'Behind The Wall' special in which he came off like a pistol-whipped doe. Mason, on the other hand, is as Nicky as ever, mocking Hans Keller's accent and, with characteristic humor, hitting the nail right on the head while alluding to the band's chronic communication disorder ("if there is a problem, ignore it"). While most of the other interviewees are full of nothing but fondness for the old days, it is through Mason that the band's sense of resignation and exasperation with the problem of Syd back then still shows through to this day (as well as their understandable sense of relief after his departure was made official) - many of the drummer's comments regarding the situation are fairly dripping with sarcasm and offhandedly mean-spirited enough to warrant a dirty look from any Syd fans worth their stripes.

This is a well-done, engaging and tasteful tribute (though I'm *very* interested in comparing / contrasting this with the original BBC version) that I'd recommend to just about anyone with more than a casual interest in the band. Just make sure y'all know in advance that this episode of 'Legends' is, after all, about Syd Barrett and his effect on the music of Pink Floyd (and not merely about the band itself) -- those looking for a more complete overview of the band's career will inevitably be frustrated here.

Title Screen	Bob Klose	Roger Waters
Peter Jenner	American Bandstand Clip	David Gilmour