Part Two of "Bundles", right?
Squire Jaco | Buffalo, NY USA | 11/04/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There were primarily two albums from Soft Machine that really interested me: "Bundles" from 1975, and "Softs" from 1976. Despite the departure of Allan Holdsworth and Mike Ratledge after "Bundles", the quality of the compositions and playing on "Softs" continues to impress as much as its predecessor. Both albums are 4-1/2 stars.
Critics of this album often compare it to elevator music or light jazz. Listen up: forced to suffer through endless hours of listening to Muzak as a security guard during my summer job in my college days (the late 70's), I feel supremely qualified to quash that hideous "light jazz" accusation! (Don't get me humming the clarinet version of "Penny Lane" again! Aarrgh!!!)
To be sure, this is not the aggressive, "Look what I can do" jazz/rock fusion of Mahavishnu Orchestra, U.K., some Brand X, or other contemporaries of the band. There is a dreamier atmosphere that pervades "Bundles" and "Softs"; but that background is supplemented with catchy bass riffs, searing and soaring guitar solos, great drumming, and interesting melodies interspersed with some great jamming. Actually, if you combined the pre-Brand X "Marscape" album with Camel's "The Snow Goose", you'd have a pretty good idea of the sound of "Softs".
I realize I'm kind of reviewing both albums here, but "Bundles" and "Softs" really are kindred albums that bookend a unique phase of Soft Machine. They share a similar feel and scope between them, while still managing to differentiate themselves with new melodies and perspectives.
These are very good, interesting, entertaining and - dare I say - ESSENTIAL albums for the serious progressive rock/jazz fusion aficionado.
I value interesting music that is played and recorded well. This cd's rating was based on:
Music quality = 8.9/10; Performance = 9/10; Production = 8.5/10; CD length = 8/10.
Overall score weighted on my proprietary scale = 8.8 ("4-1/2 stars")"
Great jazz!!
Squire Jaco | 06/13/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Although Mike Ratledge, the last original member of the Soft Machine, called it quits prior to the recording of this 1976 album, his departure did not hurt the bands sound. The album is loaded with great music, composed primarily by Karl Jenkins, and supported by the talents of John Marshall, Roy Babbington, and guitar great John Etheridge."
Too intelligent
norman a. blardony | Philippines | 03/19/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"too intelligent just superb performances by these musicians. jazz rock prog fusion or what on earth have they come up with this album.BRILLIANT!!!!"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1