Too intelligent again
norman a. blardony | Philippines | 03/19/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Have you ever heard of wearing out a cd because of too much playing? Yes, it doesnt happen only on vinyl but on cd too. Seven is an example. Ive worn it out, ive mustve played it more than 7x7x7x7x7x7x7x7x7.......BRILLIANT!!!!"
Soft Machine's grooviest music
A. Dutkiewicz | Norwood, South Australia Australia | 12/24/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"From the time of their third album, Soft Machine invented a kind of music you could meditate to. With single or clusters of tracks that bleed together designed to fit on one side of an old LP, it was continuous music from go to wow.That is until the digital version of Seven. For some reason the engineers left gaps between tracks when none were meant to be there. It's a real shame and it spoils the listening continuity, as many of the pieces on this album are meant to seamlessly blend.Such a format is ideal for the keyboard (electric piano/synth) and oboe/baritone saxophone sound that predominates on this lp, seemingly grown out of instrumentals like Chloe and the Pirates on their previous album. Jenkins' and Ratledge's approaches during this era coalesce perfectly, Marshall's drums and percussion are as crisp and cleverly textured as ever, and Babbington's base fits beautifully. B's contribution reaches its creative zenith on the third last track, a SM classic in Down the Road, with his bowed acoustic base injecting a surprisingly country jig feel into the otherwise spacious music. The recorder playing at the intro on this one is something to behold, too.Since the CD version of the album is quite rare these days, it may be time to revisit this album for re-release and to iron out the bugs. It must be possible now to present it as it was meant to be. The production values by Columbia (Sony )are otherwise excellent.After a few listenings I recall an earlier, dim impression formed when this record appeared 30 years ago, that this may be the best SM album, and have come to the same conclusion. It doesn't have the mainstream jazz orientation of Four, under Dean's influence, and the occasional chaotic aggression that Hopper came up with on Five and Six, great as they were. This is much smoother and more coherent."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1