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Soft Machine — BBC Radio 1967-1971
(Hux Records 037, 1971/2003, 2CD)

by Jeff Melton, Published 2003-12-01

BBC Radio 1967-1971 Cover art

The BBC tape archives have long been rumored to contain many long lost recordings by many of best English groups. Most of Hux Records latest two-CD set is a further extension of the excellent defunct Windsong records label circa mid-1990s. This was when the definitive version of “Moon in June” was first made available on CD to an avid cult audience whom had previously owned the vinyl compilation Triple Echo from 1977. The reason this track (and the group’s most representative piece) is so essential is that it pegs the dynamic hybrid chemistry between Wyatt, Ratledge, and Hopper. This trio is a foundation for saxophonist Elton Dean, similar to Soft Machine's renaissance period from Third through Fifth. The bonuses in this release are the early Kevin Ayers pieces (“Clarence in Wonderland” and “We Know What You Mean”) and less developed versions of tracks from Volume 1 that would appear in a firmed-up final form. Ratledge’s solo on “Strangest Scene” still amazes; as his frantic organ attack is again the high point of the performance. A completely solo version of Robert Wyatt’s “Instant Pussy” is also included that demos the piece with less raspy lead vocal. The remainder of the two disc set shows the four-piece group in prime form especially on the medley of “Slightly All the Time / Out Bloody Rageous / Eamonn Andrews.” Disc two focuses heavily on an abbreviated version of Hugh Hopper’s sidelong track, “Virtually” from Fourth as well as other essential versions including the “Mousetrap” medley that closes out the disc. Elton Dean’s performance on his composition “Fletcher’s Blemish” together with Ratledge’s squealing organ creates a unique frenzied free jazz mode unmatched by any peer. Wyatt’s solo version of the state of mind piece, “Dedicated to You But You Weren’t Listening” is ramble of watery piano and echoey vocal which would soon become a creative base for the gifted composer during his tenure in Matching Mole. Together with the recent Cuneiform and Voiceprint archives, this upgraded set stands as top of class for a genre on the verge of international rediscovery.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 28, 2003 releases, 1971 recordings

Related artist(s): Elton Dean, Brian Hopper, Hugh Hopper, Soft Machine, Robert Wyatt, Kevin Ayers

 

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