Soft Machine's complete BBC sessions will finally see the light of day this year (except for one or two tracks, which have been lost at the BBC.) They will be released across two Hux albums, which have both been compiled with the help of the band, who have been fully involved at every stage of development.
This first volume contains all the sessions recorded for John Peel's 'Top Gear' programme. This features several previously unreleased recordings, including the 1967 session with Kevin Ayers on bass, guitar and vocals. The running order is mostly chronological, but has been tinkered with by Robert Wyatt, "for reasons of aural satisfaction".
The cover design features an abstract 'photograph' by Robert Wyatt and the booklet includes a liner note each from Hugh Hopper and Kevin Ayers. It also has detailed liner notes by Mark Ellingham and several band pictures by the great photographer, Mark Ellidge.
Volume 2 (Peel Sessions 1971-1973) will follow later this year.
Track listing
Recorded 05.12.67 Line up: Ayers, Ratledge, Wyatt
Recorded 10.06.69 Line up: Hopper, Ratledge, Wyatt
Recorded 10.11.69 Line up: Wyatt
Recorded 04.05.70 Line up:Dean, Hopper, Ratledge, Wyatt Disc 2
Recorded 15.12.70 Line up: Dean, Hopper, Ratledge, Wyatt
Recorded 26.06.71 Line up: Dean, Hopper, Ratledge, Wyatt
Recorded 10.11.69 Line up: Dean, Hopper, Ratledge, Wyatt |