How come, so many people don't know about Robert Wyatt, while the few who know his music are sure that the man is the best? A question with no answer. There's a time when every word is a word too far and every educated review seems to be empty and boring. So let me tell you this: the best album i have ever had; A perfect progresive rock creation that sounds so unique, so brilliant and so light even to those who don't like particulary the long-complicated items; If there is something like "perfect" in art, "Soft Machine 2" would probably get its recognition but in the far future. In the days of Hip-Hop, Shmip-Mop and Tip-top, such albums don't have any chance. ...

Sophisticated and allusive (references to Schoenberg, Jarry, Pynchon, the old standard "These Foolish Things," and the band's own history), Two remains a unique hallmark. Not even the best progressive groups of the time (e.g. Caravan, King Crimson) nor the recent rediscoverers of the genre (not to mention the dreck that passes for alternative) have achieved the subtle textures, rhythms, and structures that Ratledge, Wyatt, and Hopper bring forth.

Even Soft Machine One and 3-7+ don't sound like this. Vol. 2 showcases Wyatt's best drumming and vocals(which is to say some of the subtlest in rock), several of Ratledge's best riffs, and a superlative Hopper composition, "Dedicated to you ..." (with its off-kilter melody and wonderful reflective lines like "Famous parabolic versions/ Songs that promise:/ Beauty, sleep, love, sadness").

Forget your preconceptions of 70's prog rock and enjoy this one-of-a-kind achievement.

I'm an intitial fan of hip-hop,in my twenties,a thinking man, and not your stereotypical view of one of them either. I don't collect records so I'm not someone who is your break-in-the-crate type of person when it comes to great music though I send a great deal of respect to them. You guys are here to look at my review of the Canterbury greats right? Well, here goes.

Soft Machine Vol.2 sought the band at a transitional phase (understatement, due to their ever changing lineup) after the departures of Allen and Ayers(as documented on As Long As He Lies Perfectly Still), and with all due respect listening to 'Jet-Propelled as well as 1 and 3, I often say the words of their rival Floyd counterparts, wish you were here. On the album though it seems that they are giving a parody of Beatles' Sgt. Pepper but after a few listens they were truly evoking the sprit of Dada (not the clothes) in the realm of Rock and Roll that is like me...against classifications.

From the first suite (Rivmic Melodies) into an erratic but delightful second (Ether's Nose Job) proves to the listener that there is no matter what genre there is around that there is still good music on this Earth left for us to enjoy. Peace.

P.S.: I didn't know Hulloder could be broken down to Hullo-Der!!!