I thought The Soft Machine was a book written by William Burroughs of Naked Lunch fame. Maybe there is a conenction.

YES.

Soft Machine is awesome. And yes, their name was borrowed from a William Burroghs book. Third is one of my favorite albums.
More than a fusion band, I happen to believe that Soft Machine were a rock band with elements of jazz.

Third is my favorite too.I found a live album called Orange Skin Food a few months ago,the sound was`nt good on all tracks but a cool find nonetheless.

my favorite band ever. I first heard them in my dad's car and thought, "whoah..." Since then, i have aquired over 200 songs by them, all but their last two studio albums, and as many videos as I could find. Third is my favorite album of all time, but I also like 2, noisette, live in oslo(bootleg), floating world live, and backwards. Some of my favorite songs of theirs are Facelift, Hibou anenome and bear, Pig, Eammon Andrews, Teeth, out-Bloody-Rageous, Hope for Happiness, Moon in June, and Slightly all the time.

The Soft Machine
 

Oh man, such a great progressive band of the past. Does anyone know of these wonderful musicians?

Discuss their greatness.

Favourite album? Song? blah blah blah...

Soft Machine are pretty sweet.

I haven't acquired any full albums unfortunately, but I'd have to say that Teeth is my favorite track I've heard.

Favorite song is probably Out-Bloody-Rageous or Drop.

Soft Machine eh. What I wouldn't give to have seen them tour with Jimi back in the day...

Fourth's four-part Virtually is probably my favorite overall track by this genius group, but I love everything they've done from Second onward. :D

Second onward? Their first is usually regarded as their best, and I'd have to agree with the majority. However I do like the other volumes and Bundles.