THE SOFT MACHINE

This is where it all started for SOFT MACHINE. There is such a sixties sound to this record and yes I know it was recorded in 1968, but the sixties vibe just makes me feel good that's all.These guys played on the same bill as PINK FLOYD a lot back then at the UFO Club before going on a U.S. tour opening for Jimi Hendrix. Sort of a Pop / Psych flavour on this one much like FLOYD's debut.

"Hope For Happiness" features overlapping vocals from Wyatt that sound cool. The song kicks in before 2 minutes. Check out the organ work from Ratledge ! The bass and drums shine as well. "Joy Of A Toy" would later be the name of a Kevin Ayer's solo album. This song is reserved until it picks up some after 2 minutes. The next song is a reprise of the first track, and I like it. It has a dissonant ending. I love the organ and drums on "Why Am I So Short". "So Boot If At All" is a great uptempo instrumental that calms down after 3 minutes. Check out Wyatt 4 1/2 minutes in. Piano is sprinkled in as things get a little psychedelic. "A Certain Kind" reminds me of MATCHING MOLE and Wyatt's solo stuff. A nice ballad.

"Save Yourself" is very 60's sounding. "Priscilla" has some DOORS-like organ in it. "Lullabye Letter" is another 60's sounding tune as drums, organ and vocals lead the way as usual. "We Did It Again" is like a Krautrock inspired tune with the repetitivness and crazy drumming after 3 minutes. "Plus Belle Qu'une Poubelle" has an ominous intro before some outstanding drum work from Wyatt. The bass is great as well as the song blends into "Why Are We Sleeping ?". This is a psychedelic, 60's sounding song with spoken words (Ayers) before vocals and organ come in.Contrasts continue. "Box 25/4 Lid" is a short instrumental of piano / bass to end the album.

A solid 4 stars for me and I like this better than "Piper's At The Gates Of Dawn" which came out the year before.