Fifth (Soft Machine album)

Fifth (the title is Fifth while the front cover shows the number 5), is the fifth studio album by the jazz rock band Soft Machine, released in 1972. In the US the album was identified on cover and label by number (5).

Overview
Fifth was the first Soft Machine album recorded after the departure of original drummer Robert Wyatt and continued the band's progression away from their original blend of psychedelic and progressive rock towards jazz fusion. Wyatt's replacement was Phil Howard, who contributed to the 1971 sessions that comprise side one, after which he left and was replaced by John Marshall for the 1972 sessions that comprise side two. Future member Roy Babbington worked on the album as a session musician, playing double bass on all the tracks on side two.

Side one

 * 1) "All White" (Mike Ratledge) – 6:06
 * 2) "Drop" (Ratledge) – 7:42
 * 3) "M C" (Hugh Hopper) – 4:57

Side two

 * 1) "As If" (Ratledge) – 8:02
 * 2) "L B O" (John Marshall) – 1:54
 * 3) "Pigling Bland" (Ratledge) – 4:24
 * 4) "Bone" (Elton Dean) – 3:29

2007 CD reissue bonus track

 * 1) "All White" (take two) - 7:14

Personnel
Soft Machine

Side one: Side two: Additional musician
 * Elton Dean – alto saxophone, saxello; Fender Rhodes electric piano (2)
 * Mike Ratledge – Fender Rhodes electric piano, Lowrey organ
 * Hugh Hopper – bass guitar
 * Phil Howard – drums
 * Elton Dean – alto saxophone, saxello
 * Mike Ratledge – Fender Rhodes electric piano, Lowrey organ
 * Hugh Hopper – bass guitar
 * John Marshall – drums
 * Roy Babbington – double bass (Side two)