SOFT MACHINE - Third 2LP Album Cover Photos & Detailed Description 12" LP Vinyl Record #vinylrecords

"Third" Album Description:

Soft Machine's 1970 release "Third" stands as a landmark album in the development of jazz fusion and progressive rock. Its unique double-LP format, bold musical explorations, and striking gatefold artwork have solidified its position as a true collector's item and a defining statement of its era.

Musical Odyssey

Unlike traditional albums, "Third" breaks all convention with four side-long compositions, each a voyage through intricate arrangements and improvisational brilliance. The album boldly weaves together elements of jazz, psychedelic rock, and avant-garde experimentation.

Side One: "Facelift" This sprawling piece demonstrates the band's virtuosity, starting with Hugh Hopper's pulsating bass and building into a crescendo of free-form jazz exploration.

Side Two: "Slightly All the Time" A more structured approach emerges, with Mike Ratledge's hypnotic organ riffs setting a steady groove for extended instrumental interplay.

Side Three: "Moon in June" This side showcases Robert Wyatt's singular songwriting and vocals. It delivers a haunting, melancholic piece that acts as the album's emotional counterpoint.

Side Four: "Out-Bloody-Rageous" The album concludes with a tour-de-force of unrestrained fusion. It combines fiery horn arrangements with avant-garde keyboard explorations and intense percussive interplay.

The Total Package – Including the Iconic Sleeve

The album's original gatefold cover on Barclay Records is a piece of art in its own right. John Hays' design features dreamlike imagery that perfectly reflects the experimental nature of the music. The original Barclay releases add to the collector's value of these records.

A Legacy of Influence

"Third" had a profound influence on the development of jazz fusion, influencing artists from Miles Davis to Weather Report. Its blend of complex arrangements, improvisation, and adventurous spirit inspired countless artists.

Music Genre:

Acid Psych Jazz Prog Rock

Album Production Information:

The album: "SOFT MACHINE - Third 2LP Gatefold" was produced by: Soft Machine

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Andy Knight, Bob Woolford

This album was recorded : April–May 1970 at IBC, London ("Facelift" live in Croydon and Birmingham, January 1970; re-issue bonus tracks live at the Royal Albert Hall, London, August 1970)

Album cover design: John Hays

Album cover photography: Jurgen D. Ensthaler

Record Label & Catalognr:

Barclay 920 224

Album Packaging:

Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages

Media Format:

Double 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 480 gram

Year & Country:

1970 Made in France

Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: SOFT MACHINE - Third 2LP Gatefold

Mike Ratledge - Hohner Pianet, Lowrey organ, piano
Hugh Hopper - bass guitar
Robert Wyatt - drums, vocals, plus (uncredited) Hammond Organ, Hohner Pianet, piano, bass

Robert Wyatt is an influential English musician, singer, and songwriter, known for his significant contributions to the progressive rock and jazz-rock genres. Born in 1945, in Bristol, England, Wyatt initially gained prominence as the drummer and occasional vocalist for the pioneering psychedelic rock band Soft Machine in the late 1960s.

After a tragic accident in 1973 that left him paralyzed from the waist down, Wyatt adapted his musical career and transitioned into a solo artist. Despite the physical challenges, he continued to make music, showcasing his versatility as a multi-instrumentalist and a unique vocalist. His solo work often explores a blend of progressive rock, jazz, avant-garde, and experimental music.

One of Wyatt's notable solo albums is "The End of an Ear," released in 1970, which features avant-garde and experimental compositions. He has also produced several other critically acclaimed albums, including "Rock Bottom" (1974) and "Shleep" (1997). His music is characterized by intricate arrangements, thoughtful lyrics, and a distinctive voice that resonates with emotional depth.
Elton Dean - alto saxophone, saxello
Lyn Dobson - soprano saxophone, flute
Jimmy Hastings - flute, bass clarinet
Rab Spall - violin
Nick Evans - trombone

Complete Track-listing of the album "SOFT MACHINE - Third 2LP Gatefold"

The detailed tracklist of this record "SOFT MACHINE - Third 2LP Gatefold" is:

"Facelift" (Hugh Hopper) - 18:45
"Slightly All the Time" (Mike Ratledge) - 18:12 Including: "Noisette" (Hopper), "Backwards" (Ratledge) and "Noisette Reprise" (Hopper)
"Moon in June" (Robert Wyatt) - 19:08
"Out-Bloody-Rageous" (Ratledge) - 19:10