re: Shine on, you crazy diamond.
It was '74 when I got into the Floyd, including the contents of Ummagumma. My first experience with Eugene was late at night in a teenager's basement pad, an Ampex amplifier, turntable, big Koss headphones, candles, and what ever was available at the time.
Had a similar effect on me, but more the unexpected whisper before the scream.
Somewhere, on LP or cassette tape I've his first solo album. May have to dig for it, now. I don't remember it very well, other than it showed the melodic influence to The Pink Floyd.