Alive & Well: Recorded in Paris
Soft Machine · 1978
39 min · 11 tracks · progressive rock
A blend of intricate jazz rock and experimental psychedelia, intertwining complex rhythms with ethereal soundscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Huffin — This track stands out for its lengthy exploration of melodic themes coupled with a rich tapestry of instrumental dialogues, showcasing the band's improvisational skills.
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White Kite — Opening the album, this track immediately introduces listeners to the band's unique fusion of jazz and rock elements through intricate arrangements and serene melodies.
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Surrounding Silence — A nearly eight-minute journey that embodies the atmospheric quality of the album, creating an immersive listening experience through its layered instrumentation and subtle dynamics.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases complex compositions and strong performances, reflecting Soft Machine's unique sound in progressive rock.
What we noticed
- The album features extended improvisational sections, with several tracks exceeding eight minutes, allowing for intricate musical exploration.
- The use of various instruments, including saxophone and synthesizers, adds layers of texture and complexity to the soundscapes throughout the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic emotional journeys
- gradual builds and payoffs
- immersive listening sessions
- surreal sonic explorations
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1978, Alive & Well: Recorded in Paris is Soft Machine's sixth studio album and showcases a transition in their lineup, featuring new members like saxophonist Karl Jenkins. Following the departure of founding member Robert Wyatt, the band sought to redefine their sound while maintaining their innovative approach to progressive rock.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Can· King Crimson· Hatfield and the North
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 White Kite 3:00
- 2 EOS 1:22
- 3 Odds Bullets and Blades Pt I 2:18
- 4 Odds Bullets and Blades Pt II 2:33
- 5 Song of the Sunbird 1:24
- 6 Puffin 1:18
- 7 Huffin 5:12
- 8 Number Three 2:25
- 9 The Nodder 7:13
- 10 Surrounding Silence 4:04
- 11 Soft Space 8:16
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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