Soft Machine gets spooky here, this strange track was composed by Hugh Hopper, who also added the special effects. I enjoy all four of the studio cuts on the studio portion of Six, each track is unique.
I had errands to run today and listened to Fourth in its entirety. Absolute gem of a studio release. I still prefer my insane proggy jazz to be live, but I've no complaints. I think I'll ring in the new year with some live '74 Grateful Dead. The 8/6/74 Playin'--> Scarlet--> Playin' has some Soft Machine-esque moments. Some crazy Henry Cow to follow. Happy 2020 to y'all.
I go in and out on Soft Machine. Early up to late '69 isn't my cuppa; late '69 - late '72 is my wheelhouse. After that, it's hit and miss.
Singing a song in the morning Singing it again at night Don't really know what I'm singing about But it makes me feel all right "Moon In June" at Bilzen Jazz & Pop Festival, Aug 22, 1969
So I saw on Twitter today that there is a new Soft Machine live album forthcoming - `live at the Baked Potato'. I'm assuming that this is the current edition of the group. Vinyl release only, apparently.
I was wondering if anyone could comment on the sound quality of the Sundazed reissues of the first two albums on CD. I have the old Big Beat two-fer, though my copy has grown damaged over the years, so I was looking to replace it. Their second album in particular is a favorite of mine. I've been delving back in to their early material recently, including Jet Propelled Photographs. I was also thinking of acquiring the Turns On collection, though I know that the quality of the recordings there is supposed be pretty rough.
I didn't much like the Sundazed LPs themselves, but have not heard their CDs. I like the Water/UMG CDs of Volume 1 and 2. I'd be interested to know how you get along with the sundazed CDs if you buy them. I love the 'Jet Propelled Photographs' album, despite it's apparent faults. Such a great collection of songs and a showcase for Wyatt's 'pop' singing.
I've heard Turns On 1&2, but I've never been inclined to buy it. Maybe better sampled online before buying.
Sundazed editions are totally crap compared to Big Beat. Soft Machine Probe tapes was the ones that got burned in recent vault fire, so i don't know what source Sundazed used. It doesn't matter, it sounds muddy. Get Big Beat editions. Polydor 2009 editions are also not so great, but have great booklets and 1967 single as bonus.
I've decided to update mine. I'm going to try the One Way USA CDs from 1990 - made the year after the Big Beat Volumes 1 & 2 CD you mention. I'll report back. Forget the Water/UMG CDs I mentioned – I realise now that they have very low DR.
Corkers these softie lads Had soft machine 4 on bloody rotation me time at Croydon technical we done Hung with yer man Elton dean at the corn exchange in Bournemouth way back in yonks , lad was tucked into some well massive spots of the local whiskey he was...had to call his bird to come fetch the bloke, she was a bit o crumpet she was indeed was she, my son, looked like that bird from “on the bus” that wank on BBC Telly me man watched Like I said, mate, the Softs were ace with the punters now and then
Why would Mike decided to drop? He was only too happy to stay in the shadows. He was forced to become group composer after Daevid and Kevin departure
Why not? Song For Insane Times is full Soft Machine 1968 line up + Hugh Hopper on bass. I can see Kevin leaving after 1969 or 1970 to pursue more song oriented direction. He was already not happy about group direction by 1968
Thanks to Outsidethewall for the link to this groovy site! The Soft Machine Rigmarole - A Soft Machine Timeline
I don't know, man. But I bet it would be awesome. I've always dreamed of the original lineup, or even the 1st album lineup continuing. Wyatt and Ratledge were brilliant and Ayers was the textbook case of too cool for school. On the other hand, I wouldn't want to live without those Ayers and Wyatt solo albums or Gong's teapot trilogy. Goes to show what a great band they were.
