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Rating:
What is the best album by Soft Machine?
Third by almost unanimous consensus, OK I agree. However, just a step below, I place that manifesto-summa of Canterbury's Jazz-Prog known as Volume 2. The album is structured like a long suite inspired by Pataphysics, the science aimed at finding solutions to imaginary problems. A true gem in the treasure chest is the splendid "Hibou Anemone and Bear", fresh and ingenious, supported by Ratledge's organ not yet overflowing as in later works, and invigorated by Wyatt's original drumming. Wyatt's vocal acrobatics, which would reach their peak in "Moon In June" on Third, form the basic theme of the entire album here; divertissements always supported by great musical technique and brilliant creativity.
Of course, such a psycho-pop-dadaist balance does not emerge spontaneously but is properly prepared by the surreal pop that is only slightly less revolutionary of its predecessor Volume 1, year 1968. Characterizing the sound of the latter was the melodic and deliciously soft vein of the dandy-freak Kevin Ayers, who would make way for the much more serious (but equally brilliant) Hugh Hopper. The result? The sound deepens and gains depth, leaning towards a Jazz drift that would become evident in "Third" and even more so in subsequent albums. It was 1969: if "In the Court of the Crimson King" constituted the introduction to all of Progressive, Volume 2 by Soft Machine represents the indispensable premise of Canterbury's Jazz-Prog, perhaps the most interesting subgenre of the great “romantic” cauldron.
Tracklist Lyrics Samples and Videos
06 Dada Was Here (03:25)
Por qué trabajas tú por all?
Por qué no estas aquí en casa?
La la la, yo no sé... sólo me pregunto
Porque no soy feliz en la escuela?
Es que puedo confiar en alguien que no est?
Yo no sé...
Es que puedo fumar cuando soy ma viejo?
Es que puedo creer en el ídolo que queremos?
Digame si es justo que no estés aquí?
Para ayudarme, yo no sé, sólo me preguntan
Yo no sé, no sé, no sé...
12 Dedicated to You but You Weren't Listening (02:32)
Famous parabolic versions
Songs that promise:
Beauty, sleep, love, sadness.
Do I dream that something's missing?
Hungry, thirsty, open off-peak mind
Give me the truth, give me the truth,
give me the truth, tell me...
Songs and versesa,
Handy captions,
Photographs of
Real-life action, horror, madness.
Can it be that something's happening?
Wash me, paint me, but please don't taint me
Give me a chance, give me chance,
give me a chance...
When I was young, the sky was blue
And everyone knew what to do
But now it's gone, the telly's here
Mass media, the sewer too
Universal maximillion
Eight rare cases
Chickenpox and crawling gladness
Seemingly it's nothing happening
Cure my doctor
don't swallow him down
Give me the cure, give me the cure,
give me the cure...
The night was cool, the moon was bright,
The air was clear with oxygen
The stars were there, and in my eyes
Were thousands of chrysanthemums
Don't use magnets -
Geophysics carry you back
Wholesome, healthfood, homepride
Satisfied
Something outside gives out hunger
Face my mirror
Electricity...
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By zzot
Hang your ears on the handles of your umbrellas, you will be hit by a rain of electric and reckless sounds!!
In my opinion, this is the most interesting album, although I love the entire discography of the group.
