KARL JENKINS: RUBBER RIFF

A low point for the Softs. Really, what it is is a collage of musical sketches composed by Karl Jenkins. The interesting thing is that according to John Etheridge, the guitarist at the time, says that all of these pieces were played live in the studio and completed in one day. This album has some pretty catchy instrumental passages, but also has some schmaltsy parts (e.g. Melina). Without a doubt, Softs is a much better album, but I feel that is harsh to give this a one star review because it does show Jenkins versatility as a composer and arranger. Besides, the music on hear was composed as "library music." I bought this not having high expectations, but, in the end, I found myself enjoying some of the compositions. This album should only be purchased bycompletists of Soft Machine's discography. Don't start here, considering this is the low point of the Softs career (na matter what lineup). Two stars.