Soft Machine - Jet-Propelled Photographs [1967/2003 Charly]
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Artist: Soft Machine
Album: Jet-Propelled Photographs
Released: Recorded London,April 1967
Label: Charly 2003
Cat.N°: Snap 133 CD
Genre: Canterbury Scene / Progressive Rock
AMG Jet-Propelled Photographs [Charly] is the latest-available CD version of a title which has been repackaged and retitled several times over the last 30 years. Recorded in London in April 1967, and produced by the legendary Giorgio Gomelsky, these nine demos feature the original Soft Machine lineup of Robert Wyatt, Kevin Ayers, Mike Ratledge, and Daevid Allen. Although not intended for release, these rough but accomplished performances show the band at their most pop- and song-oriented. Not far removed from Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd, the jazzy chord changes, unpredictable bursts of scat singing, glib free-association lyrics, ominous buzzing organ, and Robert Wyatt's soulful rasp convey the freewheeling abandon and giddy high spirits that characterized the best early British psychedelia. For similar but more elaborately produced relics from the Daevid Allen lineup, check for the three tracks on the hard-to-find triple LP Triple Echo.
ProgArchive.com 'Jet Propelled Photographs' is one of a few appearances over the years of Soft Machine's 1966/7 demos for Giorgio Gomelsky, who had also overseen the careers of The Yardbirds, Steampacket (with Rod Stewart) and Blossom Toes to name a few. Their first appearance in the UK was on the Charly album 'At The Beginning', Charly being a reissue specialist and perhaps the first of their kind, however these tapes first got released in the early 70s in France. It's perhaps worth noting that these songs were never intended for release in the first place, but offer us a rare glimpse at what the band sounded like when Daevid Allen was in the line-up.
terrascope.co.uk Back in 1967 the original Soft Machine (Robert Wyatt, Kevin Ayers, Mike Ratledge, Daevid Allen) recorded a collection of demos that were subsequently released as ‘Jet Propelled Photographs ‘ after Daevid Allen was refused entry into the U.K. due to his alleged involvements in the Paris riots. Since this time Mr Allen has always stated that he was unhappy with his contribution to the songs and would like to record them again.
Well it’s been a long time coming but finally the songs have been re-fitted for the new millennium, with guitar duties being undertaken by Josh Pollock whilst Daevid restricts himself to vocals only. Are they any good though? The answer is a resounding yes, every song is a bundle of joyous energy, the much loved tunes brimming with infectious good humour and playful psychedelic touches which add to the originals rather than spoiling their memory.
This time around, the sparse instrumentation of the originals has been replaced with a broader palette, the band utilising megaphones, xylophones and toy instruments, within the mix. Special mention must go to Warren Huegel who had the dubious task of following Robert Wyatt’s exemplary drumming style, and does so with great aplomb demonstrating a lightness of touch as well as great precision, blending well with the solid bass of Michael Clare to create the perfect backdrop for the “all over the place “ guitar playing which dominates much of this record. Finally we come to the vocal performance of Daevid Allen, who turns in one of his finest performances seemingly fired-up and full of passion for these songs, giving them 100% of his attention and allowing the words and music to lock together into a cohesive whole. Displaying a vibrancy not noticeable in the melancholic 1967 versions, this album is rooted firmly in the present, and is so much more than an exercise in nostalgia. As such it should appeal to lovers of psych-pop, the planet gong, as well as forward thinking fans of the early Soft Machine.
(I Should've Known)
1. That's How Much I Need You Now
2. Save Yourself
3. I Should've Known
4. Jet-Propelled Photographs (A.K.A. Shotting at the Moon)
5. When I Don't Want You
6. Memories
7. You Don't Remember
8. She's Gone
9. I'd Rather Be With You Robert Wyatt (Vocals & Drums)
Daevid Allen (Lead Guitar)
Kevin Ayers (Vocals)
Mike Ratledge (Piano and Organ)
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