The Soft Machine - Joy of a Toy ( S1 )

 

"Joy of a Toy" was the first USA single by the psychedelic rock band Soft Machine. It was released in 1968 to promote the group's debut album The Soft Machine. The single features edited versions of both songs, in addition to featuring the only known mono-mixes from their debut. Kevin Ayers would employ the song's title for his debut solo album, Joy of a Toy, a year later, even though it does not feature. According to Rob Chapman, the title of the A-side was taken from the name of an otherwise unrelated composition by Ornette Coleman.

Track listing

1. "Joy of a Toy" (Ayers/Ratledge)
2. "Why Are We Sleeping?" (Ayers/Ratledge/Wyatt)

Personnel

• Kevin Ayers – bass guitar
• Mike Ratledge – keyboards
• Robert Wyatt – drums

"Joy of a Toy"
1968 US issue
Single by The Soft Machine
from the album The Soft Machine
B-side	"Why Are We Sleeping?"
Released	November 1968
Recorded	April 1968 Record Plant, New York City
Genre	Canterbury scene
Length	2:40
Label	Probe
Songwriter(s)	Kevin Ayers Mike Ratledge
Producer(s)	Chas Chandler Tom Wilson
The Soft Machine singles chronology
"Love Makes Sweet Music" (1967) "Joy of a Toy" (1968) "Soft Space" (1978)