FACE AND PLACE VOL. 7 [AKA: JET PROPELLED PHOTOGRAPHS, AKA: AT THE BEGINNING]

These nine songs were recorded in London in April 1967 and produced by the legendary Giorgio Gomelsky and initially used as demos of early Soft Machine line-up (classical three founding-members plus Australian beatnik,guitarist and vocalist Daevid Allen).Soon after songs were recorded,Daevid Allen was refused to renew British visa (as a result of his participation in Paris students riots of 68')and left Soft Machine (founded France-based Gong soon).

Archival recordings were re-released few times under different album's titles. The music on this release is interesting British early psychedelic pop/rock example with melodic songs,plenty of jazzy keyboards,very energetic and inspired Allen's vocals and Wyatt's competent drumming.This release is the only Soft Machine's one with Daevid Allen on vocals and guitars (and the only album containing guitarist work from their debut till mid 70-s). It's interesting to listen,how influential Allen was for band's musical direction!

Mostly early psychedelic music,these songs are not too attractive for fusion listener, but are really interesting and important for every serious Soft Machine and Gong fan as missing link between two bands.

My rating is 2,5 rounded to 3.