323. Soft Machine

Since even the most educated Rock historians disagree on when and who started Rock and Roll, it is difficult to also pinpoint who originated various subgenres of Rock. Perhaps no other band receives credit (or partial credit depending on which Rock historian you listen to) for helping to create more Rock subgenres than the Soft Machine.

History has proven the Soft Machine to be an influential group, but at their apex they were not selling a lot of records.As one of the first British Psychedelic bands the experimental band helped push the boundaries of Progressive Rock and Jazz Rock.As much as they were beloved by critical magazines they may have been a little ahead of their time as radios of their day would not be found with the music of the Soft Machine.Their best hope for induction may lay in their first real leader, Robert Wyatt whose eccentric nature and status as a musical legend could help propel the Soft Machine into the Hall.Of course….much of that reverence is in England which actually renders this influential act a very distant long shot.

Soft Machine

Should Soft Machine be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put them in! - 50%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 8.3%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 16.7%

No opinion. - 0%

No way! - 25%

The Bullet Points

Eligible Since: Friday, 01 January 1993
Country of Origin: United Kingdom (Canterbury, England)
Why they will get in: Their influence in Rock is undeniable.
Why they won't get in: They did not conquer the United States which bodes strongly against them.
Essential Albums: The Soft Machine (1968)
Two (1969)
Third (1970)
Fourth (1971)
Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee: Joy of a Toy (From The Soft Machine, 1968)
Hibou, Anemone and Bear (From Two, 1969)
As Long as He Lies Perfectly Still (From Two, 1969)
Facelift (From Third, 1970)
Moon in June (From Third, 1970)