FRIDAY MUSIC: The Incredible String Band

by JD

The Incredible String Band (sometimes abbreviated as ISB) were a British psychedelic folk band formed by Clive Palmer, Robin Williamson and Mike Heron in Edinburgh in 1966. The band built a considerable following, especially in the British counterculture, notably with their albums The 5000 Spirits or the Layers of the Onion, The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter, and Wee Tam and the Big Huge. They became pioneers in psychedelic folk and, through integrating a wide variety of traditional music forms and instruments, in the development of world music.

Following Palmer's early departure, Williamson and Heron performed as a duo, later augmented by other musicians. The band split up in 1974. They reformed in 1999 and continued to perform with changing lineups until 2006.

The Incredible String Band - Everything's Fine Right Now (1970)

The Circle Is Unbroken (2010 Remaster)

Incredible String Band - Creation (1969)

The Incredible String Band "1968": although composed in 1974 by Mike Heron, probably about his musical partnership with Robin Williamson which was coming to an end at that point, it has taken on very much a modern relevance, posing questions about a past of hope seemingly long gone but with a faint promise of it for the future. It's a shame that it was never recorded for an official release by their record company at the time. It was only performed acoustically on BBC radio by Mike & Robin. (= from the description alongside the video)

Retying the Knot: The Incredible String Band (1997) A profile of British psychedelic folk band The Incredible String Band. The Hippest band of the 60's and 70's as they prepare for a reunion gig.