About this album
Where they were
Released on March 22, 1975, 'Bundles' marks Soft Machine's eighth studio album and their first after the departure of founding member Robert Wyatt. This pivotal record showcases a shift towards a more jazz-oriented sound as the band navigated changes in lineup and musical direction, embracing new influences while maintaining their progressive roots.
Why it matters
'Bundles' is significant for its innovative blend of jazz rock and progressive elements, which influenced numerous artists in the Canterbury scene. The album received positive reviews and solidified Soft Machine's reputation within avant-garde music circles, fostering a deeper appreciation for the fusion of genres during the mid-1970s.
Essential tracks
- "Hazard Profile, Part 1" — This track opens the album with an expansive soundscape that sets the tone for the intricate interplay between instruments throughout the record.
- "Bundles" — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its catchy melody and represents Soft Machine's successful fusion of various musical styles.
- "The Floating World" — This piece showcases the band's improvisational prowess, blending ethereal soundscapes with complex rhythms that highlight their jazz influences.
Release Date
March 22, 1975
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Tracklist
- 1 Hazard Profile, Part 1 9:18
- 2 Hazard Profile, Part 2 2:21
- 3 Hazard Profile, Part 3 1:05
- 4 Hazard Profile, Part 4 0:46
- 5 Hazard Profile, Part 5 5:29
- 6 Gone Sailing 0:59
- 7 Bundles 3:14
- 8 Land of the Bag Snake 3:35
- 9 The Man Who Waved at Trains 1:50
- 10 Peff 1:57
- 11 Four Gongs Two Drums 4:09
- 12 The Floating World 7:12
