THE SOFT MACHINE

I hesitated on reviewing this album initially, because Chicapah did such a good review, but I want to honor this quarky live? album. I know that they opened for Hendrix in 68' and its easy to see why. They have that acid soaked sound, but it is far more important than the typically poorly produced "classics" that we have come to know. I'm a younger person though, so this review is a little biased, but my knowledge for music goes beyond any of my peers (take my word for it).

At first I was confused by this album, because the vocals sounded bad, but after analyzing this album further, I have grown to love how well done they really are. True, Robert Wyatt couldn't really lead the choir, but his hauntingly stringy vocals are so unique and engaging. Wyatt is an incredibly talented drummer, but he restrains himself, which most virtuosos wouldn't consider, because their egos tell them that they should construct a 128 piece drum set that encircles them (sorry Neil Peart). I'm not sure what equipment is used in producing some of the sounds, (maybe Chicapah can help me out here since he was at the show) but they are certainly mature for the technology that was around. I have taken a sound art class at CU in Boulder (yes, I'm not making this up) and the way they treat their sounds is interesting, but I'm not sure how much studio, if any, is involved.

I know I might offend a couple of people here, but Wyatt's voice reminds me of Kurt Cobain, only without its angst, and british of course (that was good to get out). Also the lyrics are kind of like Cobain's lyric... Anyway....

This album is a true Masterpiece because it offers some of the most interesting timbres that I've heard in a while, and the chromatic and expressive instrumentals. Ratledges keyboard are very explosive and the bass player, is pretty good too, actually Ayers kind of reminds me of Geezer Butler; I wouldn't be surprised if Butler and the rest of Black Sabbath were influenced by Soft Machine, it is actually how creepy how similar these . This album isn't quite as good as Third, but it is still a 5 star album. The lyrics are by far the weakest part of this album and many of the songs could have done without any vocals whatsoever, but that is Canterbury for you.