FOURTH / FIFTH

Combining "Fourth" and "Fifth" on a single CD makes sense chronologically, as is obvious by the title, and there is a stylistic continuity as well, as yet a major fracture in the Soft Machine history occurs between these two recordings -- the departure of Robert Wyatt, whose playful, tubercular vocals had established the band's original personality (under-recognized as a drummer, too). What is documented here is the death wheeze of Soft Machine as a quirky avant-rock band and the completion of its transition to a serious outside jazz band that began on "Third." I happen to like both sides of the transition, so I don't find this problematic, and the presence of Mark Ratledge on both recordings is enough, alone to make them worthwhile. I purchased this two-album reissue as part of replacing worn- out original vinyl with digital media, and it's a bargain compared to purchasing the two separately.