THE SOFT MACHINE COLLECTION [ALSO RELEASED AS: VOLUMES ONE AND TWO]

I got a little bit dissapointed with these record in the way i expected a lot more "fusion" in it, however, that 60's flavor, and that strange psychodelic-prog feeling, makes a great ride for the ears. It seems that this record (well this TWO RECORDS) are the last to be involved with prog as is... beacuse the more they produced records, the further they got separated from the style, turning or eventually evolving into a jazz act... so, as a "prime" force from early prog is a very good start point, i wonder if these band involved in something with early FLOYD and early CRIMSON, who knows!!!!! As a whole, these song act as a massive "theatrical piece", understanding the ithcy creative process of the band to explore different things along the way... obviouslly, trying to swallow this record in a few hearings is quite demanding, you really need to LISTEN from 5 to 10 times or over to really digest the record, but as a hint, the best place to start is with record 2 or RIVMIC MELODIES, a great suite that ends with suite 2: ESTHER'S NOSE JOB, a funny and complex song divided into several parts, witha lot of textures and colors, i mean it. In any case, try it, get it and get back in time, cause, the only flaw in the record is the very "dated" sound and mix, avoiding the record got a timeless degree. peace