About this album
Where they were
Released in 1978, 'Alive & Well: Recorded in Paris' was Soft Machine's sixth album, marking a transition into a more avant-garde sound. This period followed their previous album 'Six' and showcased a significant lineup change, with key members departing and new influences emerging in their music.
Why it matters
The album is notable for its live recordings that capture the band's improvisational prowess and unique blend of genres. It received a mixed critical reception but has influenced subsequent artists within the Canterbury scene and progressive rock movements, highlighting the band's innovative approach to live performance.
Essential tracks
- "Huffin" — This track exemplifies Soft Machine's intricate musicianship and improvisational style, blending jazz elements with progressive rock dynamics.
- "The Nodder" — With its extended length, 'The Nodder' showcases the band's ability to create atmospheric soundscapes through complex arrangements and spontaneous interaction.
- "Soft Space" — 'Soft Space' serves as a perfect encapsulation of the band's experimental ethos, merging ambient sounds with intricate rhythms to create an immersive listening experience.
Release Date
January 1, 1978
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Tracklist
- 1 White Kite 3:00
- 2 EOS 1:22
- 3 Odds Bullets and Blades Pt I 2:18
- 4 Odds Bullets and Blades Pt II 2:33
- 5 Song of the Sunbird 1:24
- 6 Puffin 1:18
- 7 Huffin 5:12
- 8 Number Three 2:25
- 9 The Nodder 7:13
- 10 Surrounding Silence 4:04
- 11 Soft Space 8:16