Drummer reacts to "Volume 2" by Soft Machine (Side 2)

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Wow this is fantastic

[@thescrewfly]

This predates almost everybody you mentioned (with the exception of the very first version of VDGG). The Soft Machine and Syd's Pink Floyd were the two main pillars of the psychedelic scene in London in the mid-60s and regularly played all-nighters together at the UFO and Middle Earth clubs. Many attendees were off their heads, as you might expect. An older friend of mine was one of the people involved in the light shows which were part of the experience and has many tales, some which are probably more or less anchored in reality. The first Soft Machine album is from April 1968 and is one of the great psychedelic albums of the time alongside Piper At the Gates of Dawn, Axis: Bold As Love, Electric Music for Mind and Body and Shine On Brightly (and probably a few others I have forgotten about or not heard). I look forward to watching you hearing it!

[@realbser1956]

Completely unexpected and appreciated. Thanks Mike.

[@L33Reacts]

Right!? That came out of nowhere. So damn good

[@keninboulder76]

Really, really good

[@steveogorman6170]

Man, it was such a delight to watch you turning on to Soft Machine in real time. I knew *of* them in about 1982 (I was 16), after reading about the London psychedelic scene, but their early stuff was deleted in the UK. I bought their current LP soon afterwards - totally different vibe entirely. None of the original members were left, and it was fairly mellow jazz/fusion. Then I came across a compilation LP which closed with '10.30 Returns to the Bedroom' - and just like you, I thought 'What the fuck?!' 😂 Some years later the first two LPs were reissued as a package. I had to have it! I played to lots of musician pals; most of them couldn't get it. One drummer did, though. You should hear his band now. I once compared them to Soft Machine if Daevid Allen and/or Kevin Ayers had stuck around and Mike Ratledge had left instead. They thought that was the best comparison anyone had made. I'm so glad you appreciated them. Check out their vintage French TV live appearance on here - there were some serious substances being consumed that night, I think.

[@L33Reacts]

I really did appreciate them! It was awesome to experience this. It really was a trip lol. I can’t imagine what folks thought of this back in the day. Probably just gobsmacked lol

[@clarkthomson1974]

Third is a fantastic album! Have a listen.

[@andyhula3512]

Soft Machine Vol. 2 is one of my favorite albums ever by anyone. Side 1 especially is amazing. It's catchy and completely original and avant-garde. I hope you get to hear it sometime.

[@mrwomby5007]

I agree!! Love this album.

[@corawheeler9355]

This was different ... interesting : )

[@randygray8921]

My favorite lineup of SM, love Robert Wyatt on drums and vocals. RW has solo records and a band called matching mole.

[@jeanpierrebutel6794]

make the third album please

[@rodneygriffin7666]

Psychedelic Progressive Music! Their next album, ThIRDS, evolved into more Fusion Jazz, psychedelized. Robert Wyatt. Remember this is 1969. Can you imagine them opening for Jimi Hendrix in 1969? They did! Wow!?!

[@goonbelly5841]

Esther's Nose Job was a long and complicated procedure but, in the end, it turned out fine and Esther should be proud of the results. 🤣🤣

[@L33Reacts]

Hahaha exactly!! 👍 😂😂

[@RobinFaichney]

As I commented on the last one, never thought I'd see the Softs reacted to on YT, and now we're getting into the good stuff! PLEASE do something off Third next (third 😄)

[@L33Reacts]

I’m glad to break the barrier! I can’t believe they haven’t been covered before. This shit is amazing. Especially once the procedure started… lol!

[@pierretoureille7359]

Totally unique and pioneering Canterbury band that went through many many personnel changes--love Ratledge's organ sound. First band I ever saw, since they opened for Hendrix when I saw him in April of 1968. Check out Thirds to see how quickly they evolved their sound with horns and yet remained instantly recognizable as Soft Machine.

[@janewells5970]

Fantastic! They are on tour check them out

[@thescrewfly]

A band called Soft Machine exists, that is true.

[@mrwomby5007]

In August 1970 the Softs took part in the BBC TV Proms concerts, which I believe was the first time a “pop” band had been invited to perform in the history of the Proms, which the BBC had been organising since the 1920’s. (The proms are an eight week long series of concerts, predominantly classical.) The band finished with Esther’s Nose Job and I remember watching on TV where Wyatt was stripped to the waist, playing his heart out. Unfortunately there’s no video record of the performance although there is an audio recording.

[@MisterWondrous]

7/8 Cinema Show vibe.

[@realbser1956]

Where have you been Mr W?

[@MisterWondrous]

@@realbser1956 Roving hither and thither. I can tell we are in another renaissance because my own productivity has grown exponentially, it seems, but it keeps me very busy. Glad I dig it! Hope you've been well.

[@L33Reacts]

CIA pulling overtime this year aye Mr. W 😂👌

[@MisterWondrous]

@@L33Reacts Thrice the work now my cover is blown. Plus, they make me cut their grass. Bad karina.

[@L33Reacts]

@@MisterWondrousglad to see you bro 😊

[@jeanpierrebutel6794]

its very good but THIRD is BETTER

[@L33Reacts]

We will get there I’m guessing!

[@jeanpierrebutel6794]

@@L33Reacts i hope thanks and you see that you like it as close to the edge

[@texcarson1792]

Soft Machine the most underrated band of all time...Robert Wyatt his drumming and vocals was ahead at the time

[@frankh9600]

Yes if ELP and VdGG had a baby... but this music has been conceived 1968-1969

[@dantean]

One of the greatest albums EVER. BTW, you can't cut out the last part since everything before it is intended to LEAD UP to it. It'd be somewhat anti-climactic, in other words. ALSO: All the bands you refer to who you're reminded of--ELP, Van der Graaf Generator, for example--come OUT OF Soft Machine, rather than the other way round--it's why they're so INCREDIBLY important a band to the subsequent "prog" era.

[@Coquinagirl]

Quite a show…

[@goonbelly5841]

IMO, their next album "Third" is their best. Unfortunately, it's a double album with one track per side, so it would be difficult for you to react to it on KZbin.

[@L33Reacts]

I don’t know how this one got through to be honest. There was like 8 copyright claims. Never seen that work before.