The first two albums by Englands legendary Soft Machine, originally released in 1968 and 1969, remain among the most innovative and influential releases of that musically fertile era. These seminal LPs offered a visionary psychedelic-progressive-jazz-rock mix that helped to make the Soft Machine one of Britains first significant underground bands, as well as a key force in the birth of both progressive rock and jazz-rock.
A product of the same fabled Canterbury scene that spawned such beloved cult acts as Caravan and Hatfield and the North, the Soft Machine was the rare art-rock combo whose members possessed the instrumental skills to execute their ambitious musical ideas, as well as a playful sense of humor that balanced the bands complex compositions and adventurous improvisations. By the time they began making albums, the Soft Machine was already a sensation in the budding U.K. rock underground, thanks to their now-legendary performances at such fabled London clubs as the UFO, the Speakeasy, and Middle Earth, where they shared stages with the likes of Pink Floyd and Tomorrow.
The Soft Machine, co-produced by Chas Chandler and Tom Wilson, announced the bands arrival on the international scene in fine style. With an unusual three-man lineup comprised of Kevin Ayers on bass and vocals, Robert Wyatt on drums and vocals, and Mike Ratledge on keyboards, the album was recorded in New York, while the band was touring North America with the Jimi Hendrix Experience. In contrast to the extended pieces that would later dominate the Soft Machines repertoire, the album focuses on shorter, more concise songs that nonetheless provide plenty of room for the musicians to demonstrate their varied abilities.
This landmark vinyl gem has been out of print for decades, but now is back in this meticulously packaged Sundazed edition. Mastered from the original analog tapes and pressed on pristine high-definition vinyl, this lovingly restored LP sounds as powerful and imaginative as ever.
Features:
High Definition Vinyl
Gatefold jacket
Selections:
1. Hope for Happiness
2. Joy of a Toy
3. Hope for Happiness (Reprise)
4. Why Am I So Short?
5. So Boot If at All
6. A Certain Kind
7. Save Yourself
8. Priscilla
9. Lullabye Letter
10. We Did It Again
11. Plus Belle Quune Poubelle
12. Why Are We Sleeping?
13. Box 25/4 Lid
