BBC RADIO 1971 - 1974

First Hux Records compilation from 2003 ("BBC Radio 1967-1971") included early recordings and band's "classic line-up" (or let say Robert Wyatt era). Second double compilation retrospects Wyatt-less recordings from BBC vaults.

First two songs come from "Peel Sessions" album, but others are more original material. All compositions are placed chronologically, so one can hear how band's music was changed in quite short period of time (what obviously is more result of personal changes than anything else). Three first compositions (coming from Nov.1971) were recorded still with Elton Dean as band's member and they represent still "classic" Soft Machine's sound with sax free-form improvs, slightly psychedelic atmosphere and great Ratledge keyboards passages).

All the rest songs were recorded participating two ex-Nucleus members John Marshall and Karl Jenkins, who became band's members and song after song demonstrate band changing direction to much more organized composition's structure, less spontaneity. On North Point The Main Who Waived At Trains young Alan Holdsworth added his guitar signature, and in fact all second album's CD is just well played straight ahead plain fusion.

Still comparing with same compositions,recorded on studio albums, this release sounds much more fresh and alive, live recordings help to save good but too predictable music from being boring.

If you own "Peel Sessions" and are interested in Soft Machine's classic period only, this album will hardly be the valuable addition for your collection. For others main interest here is Soft Machine fusion period compositions, sounding more attractive played live. In all, not as good as first BBC compilation, but still one of good band's archival release.

My rating is 3,5, rounded to 4.