Joy of a Toy (song)

"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 two songs, both being the only known mono mixes from that album. 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 the song. According to Rob Chapman, the title of the A-side was taken from the name of an otherwise unrelated composition by Ornette Coleman.^[1]

"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 (1968-11)
Recorded	April 1968
Studio	Record Plant, New York City
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)

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