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Soft Machine

Hovikodden 1971

Hovikodden 1971

SKU: V93650 Barcode: 0045775053011
£144.99
£144.99
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Format: Vinyl / 12" Album Box Set

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  • Released Date: 31 May 2024

  • Genre: Rock/Pop

Our Take

Soft Machine's live album, "Hovikodden 1971," is a trip down memory lane to a time when prog rock ruled the airwaves and questionable fashion choices were the norm. Recorded at a show in Norway, this album captures the band at their experimental best, blending jazz, rock, and psychedelia into a deliciously weird sonic stew.

From the opening notes of "Facelift," it's clear that Soft Machine are not content to just coast along on a wave of nostalgia. The band's intricate musicianship and relentless energy are on full display here, with each member getting a chance to shine in the spotlight. Mike Ratledge's fuzzed-out organ solos are a particular highlight, adding a touch of trippiness to the proceedings.

But it's not all about virtuoso playing - there's a playful sense of humour running through the album, with tracks like "Slightly All The Time" and "Noisette" showcasing the band's wit and charm. And let's not forget Elton Dean's saxophone wizardry, which adds a jazzy edge to the proceedings that is simply irresistible.

Overall, "Hovikodden 1971" is a must-listen for fans of avant-garde music and anyone looking to expand their musical horizons. Soft Machine may not be a household name, but this album proves that they deserve a place in the pantheon of prog rock legends. So sit back, relax, and let the weirdness wash over you - you won't be disappointed.

Track Listing
Disc: 1
1. Facelift
2. Virtually
3. Slightly All the Time
4. Fletcher's Blemish


Disc: 2
1. Neo-Caliban Grides
2. Out-bloody-rageous
3. Vocal Improvisation
4. Eamonn Andrews
5. All White
6. Kings and Queens
7. Teeth
8. Pigling Bland


Disc: 3
1. Facelift
2. Virtually
3. Slightly All the Time
4. Fletcher's Blemish
5. Slightly All the Time (Encore)


Disc: 4
1. Neo-Caliban Grides
2. Out-bloody-rageous
3. Vocal Improvisation
4. Eamonn Andrews
5. All White
6. Kings and Queens
7. Teeth
8. Pigling Bland

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About the artist

Soft Machine

Soft Machine may not be a household name, but they are undoubtedly one of the most influential and experimental bands to emerge from the British jazz-rock scene of the 1960s and 70s. Originally formed in Canterbury in 1966, the band's unique blend of jazz, psychedelia, and avant-garde sounds set them apart from their contemporaries and earned them a cult following that still persists to this day. Led by founding member and keyboard wizard Mike Ratledge, Soft Machine's ever-changing lineup included such luminaries as Robert Wyatt, Kevin Ayers, and Hugh Hopper, each bringing their own distinctive style and energy to the group's constantly evolving sound. Their early albums, including the seminal "Third" and "Fourth," showcased their ability to seamlessly blend complex compositions with improvisational flair, resulting in a truly mind-bending musical experience. Despite numerous lineup changes and internal disagreements, Soft Machine continued to push the boundaries of what was possible in the realm of progressive rock and jazz, ultimately cementing their legacy as one of the most daring and innovative bands of their era. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual listener, Soft Machine's music is sure to captivate and inspire, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the boundless possibilities of innovative music. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to be taken on a sonic journey unlike any other with the incomparable sounds of Soft Machine.

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