01Recording
1968 debut album recorded in New York
Soft Machine's self-titled first album was recorded in April 1968 in New York, featuring the original lineup except Daevid Allen who left before its release.
Artist profile · 04/07/2026
Soft Machine
Soft Machine emerged from Canterbury, UK in 1966, blending psychedelic rock with jazz fusion. They gained recognition through experimental compositions, complex rhythms, and transformed across decades with key members shaping progressive rock.
- 16
- Albums on Vinyles.com
- 314k
- Last.fm listeners
- 6M
- Last.fm plays
About
Soft Machine, Pioneers of British prog rock born in Canterbury since 1966.
Over 18 vinyl releases with rare 1970s originals and recent audiophile reissues.
Formed in 1966 by Robert Wyatt, Mike Ratledge, Daevid Allen, and Kevin Ayers, Soft Machine quickly became a key figure in progressive rock and the Canterbury scene. Initial recordings leaned towards psychedelia with early albums crafted in New York and later explorations expanded their sonic palette towards jazz-rock and fusion. Wind changes in personnel notably impacted their musical direction, including departures of founding members throughout the early 1970s. With a catalog spanning studio and live albums, the band has been associated with intricate compositions and improvisation, often merging elements of jazz, rock, and experimental music.
Discography
Soft Machine discography
Studio albums, live records, compilations and radio recordings. Each album groups all its editions.
Data provided by Discogs
Listen
Signature songs
- 01
Priscilla - 02Joy of a Toy
- 03A Certain Kind
- 04Why Am I So Short?
- 05Hope For Happiness
- 06Save Yourself
- 07Moon in June
- 08We Did It Again
Essentials
3 Soft Machine albums you need to own
Our picks, approved by the editors.
#1 · 1970A hallmark double album blending jazz-rock and psychedelic elements, featuring expansive compositions like 'Moon in June' and 'Out-Bloody-Rageous'.
6 tracksGatefold sleeveCBS labelStereo
#2 · 1976Emphasizing jazz-rock fusion with tracks like 'The Tale Of Taliesin', this album presents complex arrangements reflecting a matured sound.
11 tracksHarvest labelStereoMultiple pressings
#3 · 2020Contemporary live recording capturing the band's jazz-rock energy and improvisational prowess, limited edition with notable demand from collectors.
12 tracksTonefloat labelLimited editionNumbered copies
Go further
Artists similar to Soft Machine
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B-side
B-side: the hidden stories of Soft Machine
Studio secrets, tour stories and B-sides worth the whole album.
02Lineup Change
Hugh Hopper replaces Kevin Ayers in 1969
Early in 1969, bassist Hugh Hopper joined the band replacing Kevin Ayers, marking a key change in the line-up during their formative years.
03Album Release
1970 double album 'Third' introduces jazz-rock fusion
The double album 'Third' released in 1970 showcases the band's move towards jazz-rock and progressive rock with extended instrumental pieces, including 'Moon in June' by Robert Wyatt.
Robert Wyatt's departure in 1971 marked the end of the original psychedelic phase of Soft Machine.— Musical chronicles
05Vinyl Pressing
Original UK pressing of 'Softs' from 1976 remains sought after
The 1976 UK Harvest label pressing of 'Softs' is prized for its rich jazz fusion sound and continues to attract vinyl collectors.
06Recent Release
'Thirteen' album set for 2026 release on Dyad Records
Soft Machine continues to release new material with the forthcoming 2026 studio album 'Thirteen,' blending jazz-rock and fusion styles, pressed on vinyl in the UK by Dyad Records.
Soft Machine CDs
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FAQ
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
When was Soft Machine formed and where?
Soft Machine was formed in 1966 in Canterbury, United Kingdom, marking the start of their influential journey in prog rock and jazz fusion.
Which Soft Machine album is considered essential for vinyl collectors?
'Third' (1970) is considered essential, featuring a double LP format with jazz-rock fusion and progressive compositions valuable for collectors.
Are there limited editions of Soft Machine vinyl available?
Yes, some releases like 'Live At The Baked Potato' (2020) come as limited edition numbered vinyl, appealing to collectors and audiophiles.
What genre does Soft Machine primarily belong to?
Soft Machine primarily blends progressive rock, psychedelic rock, and jazz fusion, contributing notably to the Canterbury scene.
Which Soft Machine albums were released on the Harvest label in the UK?
'Softs' (1976) and 'Bundles' (1975) were released on the Harvest label in the UK, both available on vinyl and influential in their jazz-rock style.
Is there a significant Soft Machine live album on vinyl?
'Live At The Baked Potato' (2020) is a notable live album available on limited edition vinyl, capturing the band's live jazz-rock performance.
Where can I find Soft Machine vinyl pressings in France?
Soft Machine vinyl albums are available through specialized French distributors and shops that stock progressive rock and jazz fusion releases.
What are notable tracks to explore from Soft Machine?
Essential tracks include 'Moon in June', 'Out-Bloody-Rageous', 'Priscilla', and 'Slightly All the Time' among others from their prog and jazz fusion catalog.
Transparency
Sources & method
This profile is compiled by the vinyles.com editors from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discography data from MusicBrainz (dates, country, active years).
- Tracklists, covers and genres from Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists from Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editors.
Last updated: 04/07/2026