THE SOFT MACHINE

The album that launched a subgenre. Experimental pop rock jazz with a sense of humor both musically and lyrically. Experimentalism seems the band's modus operandi as almost every song seems to be trying something new or unusual. Not nearly so bold or boundary pushing as their next album, this one does push boundaries--and buttons. I find that the band has not yet established its propensity for melodic hooks--though the lyrical/linguisitc hooks are certainly full on display. Also, the individual members are still honing their instrumental skills--a fact that gets much more exposure with each successive album (Soft Machine and Matching Mole). My two favorite songs also happen to be the two shortest: the organ beauty, "Priscilla," and "Plus belle qu'une poubelle"--though the beatnik "Why Are We Sleeping?" is also great. The others remain musical oddities that test already-proven styles and sounds though usually contributing Robert Wyatt's unusual approach to both vocals and lyrics. If you want great music, memorable music, with the more fresh innovative spirit, go to their second album.