Soft Machine – Third

Third is the third studio album by the English jazz-rock band Soft Machine, released in June 1970. This double album marks a significant shift in the band’s sound, moving away from their psychedelic roots towards a fusion of jazz, rock, and progressive music.

The album features four long tracks, each spanning over 15 minutes. The opening track, “Facelift,” is a live recording that includes elements of jazz, lo-fi, and progressive rock. “Slightly All the Time” is a medley of different instrumental pieces, showcasing the band’s dynamic range and complex time signatures. “Moon in June” is the only vocal track on the album, featuring Robert Wyatt on vocals and various instruments. The final track, “Out-Bloody-Rageous,” opens with tape loops and transitions into a jazz-rock jam, ending the album on an ethereal note.

With its innovative approach to blending genres and its ambitious compositions, Third is considered one of Soft Machine’s most acclaimed works and a landmark album in the jazz-rock and progressive rock genres