In the early 2000s two record labels were competing to release archival recordings by the Soft Machine: the U.S.-based Cuneiform and U.K.-based Voiceprint. While the former dug up excellent radio sessions and live mixing-board recordings from 1970-1971 (released as Virtually, Noisette, and Backwards), the latter relied on much more challenging demo tapes and audience recordings. Facelift presents a complete performance by the quartet version of the group (Mike Ratledge, Elton Dean, Hugh Hopper, Robert Wyatt) recorded from the audience on a small cassette recorder by Brian Hopper, April 26, 1970. That's four months after the quintet lineup featured on Noisette, a month before one of the sessions on Backwards, just a few days before the Soft Machine entered the studio to record the legendary Third. The set list includes all the material from that album and instrumental versions of the favorite cuts from the previous one ("Eamonn Andrews," "Esther's Nose Job"). Sound quality is typical of an early-'70s bootleg. Dean's saxophone cuts through nicely, but the drums are muddy -- don't think about evaluating Wyatt's playing that night. A couple of speed variations are temporarily irritating. On the other hand, the performance is excellent. Dean shines in "Pigling Bland," Wyatt's vocal solo in "Hibou Anemone & Bear" ranks among his best, and the introduction to "Facelift" is as magnificently torturous as it gets. But similar examples of this group's power are available on much better-sounding recordings, leaving Facelift for the completist only. ~ François Couture
UK live release for the influential British progressive rock act. 14 tracks recorded live at the Fairfield Halls 1970. Considered by the band (Mike Ratledge, Robert Wyatt, Hugh Hopper & Elton Dean) to be one of their best performances. Highlights include, 'Out-Bloody-Rageous', 'Backwards', 'Hibou Anemone & Bear' & 'Pigling Bland'. 2002.
Recorded at Fairfield Halls, Croydon, England on April 26, 1970.
Personnel: Robert Wyatt (vocals, drums); Elton Dean (saxophone, alto saxophone, electric piano); Mike Ratledge (electric piano, organ).
Liner Note Author: Brian Hooper.
Recording information: Fairfield, Halls, Croydon, England (04/26/1970).
Photographer: Mark Ellidge.
Soft Machine: Robert Wyatt (vocals, drums); Elton Dean (alto saxophone, saxello, electric piano); Mike Ratledge (electric piano, organ); Hugh Hopper (bass).
MP3 for this song is from a different CD. Listen to the sound sample to be sure this is the version you're looking for.
Facelift Music Review
Customer Facelift Reviews
Average Rating: (4 out of 5 stars)
A live performance just few days before the release of Third The concert, performed by the classic quartet, is a kind of general proof before releasing the wonderful Third album.
The recording has been made by Bob Hopper with an amatorial equipment, so the sound is not very good, but the mood and the spirit of the musicians is high.
"Slghtly all the times" together with "Out-Bloody rageous" are shorter than in the album, but wonderful as usual. In "Moon in June" there isn't the Wyatt's vocal, but only the instrumental part and "Facelift" is in a long version. All the pieces however demonstrates the high level the group has reached.
I suggest you. Submitted by scoponi (Milano, Italy) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
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