The standard practice for multitrack recording is to first tape bass and drum tracks—to lay a foundation—before overdubbing vocals and lead instruments. Barrett’s producers reversed this process. They first captured Syd’s vocals and guitar parts, then added the rhythm section. They probably feared that the Madcap would waste valuable studio time trying to synchronize with a live band. Barrett had difficulty staying in beat, resulting in all manner of odd, haphazard meters.
