The Soft Machine Albums That Got Me Hooked | Gateway Albums!

The Soft Machine Albums That Got Me Hooked

"In this video, I take you on a personal journey through the two albums that pulled me into the world of Soft Machine: Bundles and Softs. These were the first albums where the band fully embraced the electric guitar as a lead instrument, with Allan Holdsworth and John Etheridge delivering jaw-dropping performances.

While Bundles and Softs were my entry point, my love for the band has grown to include much of their back catalogue. I have a special appreciation for the early albums where Robert Wyatt’s voice and drumming shaped their sound, adding a unique psychedelic and jazz-infused spirit that I still cherish today. Soft Machine’s evolution from avant-garde rock to jazz fusion was unlike anything else, and these two albums opened the door for me to explore their groundbreaking, ever-changing music, they were my GATEWAY albums!

Whether you're new to Soft Machine or a long-time fan, join me as I dive into how these albums captured my imagination and led me to one of the most influential bands of the Canterbury scene."

[drivenbeyondbelief]

Im a big faan of Jethro Tull, but the first album I got was Bursting Out, the live album. I was given it as present by a friend. I'd not heard them before, but that album was amazing and I was hooked. then went out and purchased 'Thick As A Brick' so my gateway album was the live album and went from there!

[nickmastro]

My gateway album was their debut, Third completely blew me away

[BobbyGaylor]

Another great video! I didn’t get into them until “Seven”. Cheers

[markgatland]

My first Pink Floyd 'in' was "A Collection Of Dance Songs" on cassette, way before I heard Dar Side, WYWH or anything else. Along the same lines, my first Genesis listen was the self-titled one with the yellow shapes in it with "Mama", etc from 1983. Gar from 'classic' Genesis, I'm sure you'll agree, but we all have to start somewhere 😄

[Evergrimrecordings]

I'd say my gateway album to Genesis, and actually the entire genre of prog was their self titled (shapes album). I bought that on CD and a few years later i've got the entire discography of Yes, Gentle Giant, Van Der Graaf etc.

[colinclark]

I can't remember the first record album I bought. Probably something by Yes or Deep Purple - although I remember buying a tape of Georgie Fame when I first got a reel to reel machine in my teens.

However, your thoughts on Soft Machine got me thinking. A great group. Love their work. Like you, I like Bundles and Softs. I am also a great fan of Seven. Some of their work - One and Two especially - is a little too avant garde for me. Of course, there was also Matching Mole, with Robert Wyatt. I went to see them at one time. They were the warm-up band for John Mayall at the Manchester Free Trade Hall. Unfortunately, Matching Mole were there, but their equipment was still in London. Mayall came on and did an extended set. Brilliant.

Many years ago, we had a jazz night in our local pub every Tuesday (in Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire). One of the regulars there was Gary Boyle. Always had some good players with him. I came across this video of Gary playing with Soft Machine recently. Enjoy!

[jonathanmerrick]

My gateway album into Soft Machine was Third - I still play it regularly.. Robert Wyatt's vocals on Moon in June are sensational and Out-Bloody-Rageous is one of my all time favourite tracks - in fact in a sense it was a CBS double album sampler Blockbuster which was the gateway album as there was an excerpt of Out-Bloody-Rageous on it which really piqued my interest and made me go out and buy Third. Oddly enough I bought 4, 5, 6 and Softs but with Ratledge, Dean and Wyatt leaving at various stages I progressively lost interest. But after your video I will give the later albums a visit/revisit!

[Avalonrick]

Just discovered your channel via FB Soft Machine group. Anyway, my gateway was Bundles but my friend beat me to the one copy the Shop had in 1978. So I had to wait and found a copy of Third which was strange to me. I tucked it away I think but pull it out a few times and it grew as time went. I went back to the shop and they had a copy of Softs! So I grappled that. That lp hooked me . I did eventually find more as time went along.

[steelrain]

UmmaGumma Pink Floyd, Third Soft Machine, Deep Purple in Rock Deep Purple and 2112 Rush, The Yes album Yes. I could go on etc. Regarding UmmaGumma I and my mates could never understand the hate for this album, when we first heard it, it was nothing like anything we’d heard before. From the day on that’s 50 years ago l was hooked on Pink Floyd, I still am. I’ve seen the Floyd 8 or 9 times, I’m in my mid sixties now. Great channel by the way regards🎸

[johnreilly]

I am a big fan of the Softs! Hendrix are you experienced, Doors first album! I dis not like SoftMachine 1 on 2 I was hooked they opened for Hendrix in 1968 my friends saw them and raved how good they were! Hopper Ratledge and Wyatt and the horn players were it for me. When they got Marshall and Jenkins in the band it started to change. I liked when they added Roy Babington on acoustic bass with Hugh Hopper on electric and use of fuzz was quite innovative at the time!