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ivan@stellysee.de
| From | Career Records <eldeluxe@mcn.net> |
| Subject | Re: Soft Machine |
| Date | Thu, 28 Oct 2004 15:34:31 -0700 |
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It's a little tricky collecting the Softs. There are loads of live albums
around now, some are good. I'd think it's the first three you'd need. The first
album is really a lost classic. Very interesting songs from both Wyatt and
Ayers. Some nice instrumental bits too. The production is a little funny, but
the songs come through. Great cover too...I saw them open for Hendrix at
Winerland. The set was pretty much a run through the whole album with an
incredible light show by Mark Boyle.
The second album loses Ayers, and starts heading towards the jazzy sounds. This
is some peoples favorite. Third is a very different beast. The version of Moon
In June is killer. That's pretty much Wyatt by himself. (There is also a very
good demo version and the classic BBC versions as well.) Hugh Hopper's Facelift
is something else. A mix of loops and live recordings. Lightyears ahead of it's
time.
Yeah, Kevin Ayers Joy Of A Toy is essential as well. I'm fond of What Ever She
Brings. Bannamour is a good one too. I see they've reissued all the Island
albums in a box. Dr Dream wasn't too bad, but not nearly as good as it should
have been. After that his career declines into a rash of poorly conceived
rushed albums. He would collect the advance, record the album quickly and
return to Majorca to drink wine.
I had dinner with Lady June back in '96. She told some sad stories about Kevin
and Ollie Hallsal.
The recent Wyatt comp, Solar Flares Burn For You is very good. It collects some
old BBC things and newer tracks. Flotsam And Jetsam, from a few years back
overlaps this, but had some great bits. Slow Walking demo with Jimi Hendrix
made it an important addition to Wyatts extensive catalog. People like me fans
of Matching Mole, the first being the better of the two. There have been some
live recordings released now. Very good, but they are all from the MK2 band. Of
course Rock Bottom And Ruth are simply wonderful. Shleep was a fine return to
form...
Ok?
RS
Brian Kassan wrote:
> Just saw a bunch of new reissues that came out...I know a little about this
> band, but haven't really heard anything. Can anyone recommend a title to
> start with? Any of this popsych or is it all progressive/jazz/rock--which I
> also like...also, anyone recommend a Kevin Ayers solo cd as well?
>
> Brian
>
> n.p. Elliott Smith
-- Ronald Sanchez
Director Of A&R
Career Records
www.CareerRecords.com
The Donovan's Brain Web Site
www.Donovans-Brain.com
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