On 14 May 1971, Pink Floyd released their compilation album, 'Relics'. Relics was assembled by EMI to bridge the gap between Pink Floyd's previous album, Atom Heart Mother, and their upcoming album Meddle. The album served as an accessible overview of the band’s early years, collecting non-album singles, B-sides, album cuts, and one previously unreleased recording.
The compilation documented the dramatic transition from Syd Barrett’s whimsical psychedelic pop vision to the increasingly darker and more atmospheric direction pursued by Roger Waters and the post-Barrett lineup. Early singles such as “Arnold Layne” and “See Emily Play” reflected Barrett’s surreal songwriting and London psychedelic scene influences, while tracks like “Careful with That Axe, Eugene” and “The Nile Song” hinted at the heavier and more experimental sound the group would later develop.