Soft Machine Live at Paradiso 1969

"The drummer was also the band's vocalist, but not a singer with any ambitions of eclipsing Paul McCartney. I heard instead melodic conversations from someone who told strange tales of touring with Jimi Hendrix, and who concluded that living in the US is fine if you're white and like getting a suntan. These weren't songs with instrumental bridges so much as instrumentals with lyrical interludes."

Graham Bennett


"Soft Machine without woodwinds or electric guitars ? You are having a laugh !!!!
That was my first thought...... Then I started to listen to this album and I discovered a new dimension to one of my favorite bands. Something I did not think was possible.

Music wise, Robert Wyatt's vocals fills the space later to be occupied by woodwinds. His drumming is excellent too. Mike Ratledge is playing like a demon possessed and is the star on this live album. Hugh Hopper's bass is hovering menacing over and behind Mike Ratledge's keyboards."

toroddfuglesteg at Progarchives

This album is basically Soft Machine playing Volume 2 live. Wyatt still sang quite a lot, and his drum solo in the last track is devastating.

1. Hulloder (0:24)
2. Dada Was Here (8:21)
3. Thank You Pierrot Lunaire (0:45)
4. Have You Ever Been Green? (0:57)
5. Pataphysical Introduction Pt. II (1:00)
6. As Long As He Lies Perfectly Still (1:55)
7. Fire Engine Passing With Bells Clanging (2:17)
8. Hibou, Anemone And Bear (4:17)
9. Fire Engine Passing With Bells Clanging (reprise) (3:26)
10. Pig (4:21)
11. Orange Skin Food (0:15)
12. A Door Opens And Closes (1:18)
13. 10:30 Returns To The Beedroom (10:39)

- Mike Ratledge / electric piano, organ
- Hugh Hopper / bass
- Robert Wyatt / drums, vocals

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