The Incredible String Band was a British psychedelic folk group formed in the 1960s by songwriters Robin Williamson and Mike Heron. The band’s music blended elements of traditional folk, world music, and psychedelia, creating a sound that was both experimental and deeply rooted in folk traditions. The group released a string of influential albums in the late 1960s and early 1970s, including “The Hangman’s Beautiful Daughter” and “Wee Tam and the Big Huge”, which showcased their unique approach to music-making and made them a favorite among fans of the psychedelic and folk genres.
The Incredible String Band’s music was marked by intricate instrumentation, harmonies, and poetic lyrics that explored themes of spirituality, nature, and the human experience. The band’s live performances were equally unique, incorporating elements of theater, poetry, and visual art into their shows. The group’s influence can be heard in the work of countless musicians who followed in their footsteps, from progressive folk acts like Pentangle and Fairport Convention to more experimental artists like Joanna Newsom and Devendra Banhart.
Despite various lineup changes over the years, The Incredible String Band continued to release music into the 21st century, cementing their legacy as pioneers of the British folk revival and psychedelic music scenes. The band’s enduring appeal lies in their ability to create music that is both musically adventurous and deeply rooted in tradition, showcasing the power of folk music to explore the mysteries of the human experience.
1. Everything’s Fine Right Now
“Everything’s Fine Right Now” is a song by The Incredible String Band, released in 1971 on their album “Liquid Acrobat as Regards the Air”. The song features a whimsical, upbeat sound with a driving rhythm and playful vocal performances that convey a sense of joy and wonder. The lyrics celebrate the beauty of the natural world and the pleasures of everyday life, urging listeners to embrace the present moment and appreciate the small miracles that surround them. “Everything’s Fine Right Now” remains a fan favorite and a testament to The Incredible String Band’s ability to create music that is both musically engaging and spiritually uplifting.
2. A Very Cellular Song
“A Very Cellular Song” is a sprawling, psychedelic-folk epic by Scottish band The Incredible String Band, released in 1968 on their album “The Hangman’s Beautiful Daughter”. The song features a variety of instruments, including sitar, harp, and hand drums, and blends elements of traditional folk music with Eastern and psychedelic influences. The lyrics, written by Robin Williamson, are filled with surreal imagery and spiritual themes, touching on the cyclical nature of life and the interconnectedness of all things. “A Very Cellular Song” is a prime example of The Incredible String Band’s experimental and boundary-pushing approach to music, and remains a beloved classic of the psychedelic-folk genre.
3. October Song
“October Song” is a beautiful, introspective folk ballad by The Incredible String Band, released in 1967 on their album “The 5000 Spirits or the Layers of the Onion”. The song features a gentle acoustic guitar melody accompanied by the haunting harmonies of the band’s two vocalists, Robin Williamson and Mike Heron. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and introspection, with Williamson singing, “This is my street and I’m never gonna leave it/ And I’m always gonna feel that I belong/ And we’re never gonna go away”. “October Song” is a perfect example of The Incredible String Band’s ability to create music that is both introspective and deeply rooted in the folk tradition.
4. Irish Jigs
“Irish Jigs” is an instrumental track by The Incredible String Band, released in 1967 on their self-titled debut album. The song features a lively, upbeat sound with intricate instrumentation that blends traditional Irish folk music with psychedelic and world music influences. The track showcases the band’s skillful musicianship, with each member contributing to the dynamic and ever-changing melody. “Irish Jigs” remains a fan favorite and a testament to The Incredible String Band’s ability to create music that is both musically complex and deeply rooted in folk traditions. The song is a classic example of the band’s innovative approach to music-making and their willingness to experiment with different genres and styles.
5. Air
“Air” is a dreamy and mystical song by Scottish band The Incredible String Band, released in 1970 on their album “I Looked Up”. The track is characterized by its soothing acoustic guitar, delicate flute, and gentle vocals from band members Mike Heron and Robin Williamson. The lyrics are filled with pastoral imagery and mystical themes, evoking a sense of wonder and awe towards the natural world. “Air” showcases The Incredible String Band’s ability to create music that is both intricate and introspective, and has become a fan favorite among the band’s dedicated following.
6. The First Girl I Loved
“The First Girl I Loved” is a mesmerizing folk song by The Incredible String Band, released in 1966 on their self-titled debut album. The song is characterized by its hypnotic acoustic guitar riff and dreamy vocal harmonies, as well as its poetic lyrics about lost love and longing. The vocals of Robin Williamson and Mike Heron blend perfectly, creating a sense of wistful nostalgia and longing. “The First Girl I Loved” is considered a classic of the British folk revival, and has been covered by many artists over the years. The song is a testament to The Incredible String Band’s ability to create music that is both introspective and universal in its emotional resonance.
7. The Half-Remarkable Question
“The Half-Remarkable Question” is a quirky and upbeat track by Scottish band The Incredible String Band, released in 1968 on their album “The Hangman’s Beautiful Daughter”. The song features a mix of traditional folk instruments, such as the mandolin and fiddle, as well as more unconventional elements like a kazoo and a toy piano. The lyrics are whimsical and playful, with the band members trading off lines and harmonizing in a lighthearted manner. “The Half-Remarkable Question” showcases The Incredible String Band’s ability to infuse their music with a sense of childlike wonder and imagination.
8. Empty Pocket Blues
“Empty Pocket Blues” is a song by The Incredible String Band, released in 1967 on their self-titled debut album. The song features a bluesy, acoustic sound with a melancholy melody and poetic lyrics that explore themes of poverty, isolation, and despair. The track showcases the band’s ability to create emotionally resonant music that speaks to the human experience. “Empty Pocket Blues” remains a fan favorite and a testament to The Incredible String Band’s ability to create music that is both musically sophisticated and deeply rooted in traditional folk and blues styles.
9. The Hedgehog’s Song
“The Hedgehog’s Song” is a whimsical and surreal folk song by The Incredible String Band, released in 1968 on their album “The Hangman’s Beautiful Daughter.” The song features playful and meandering guitar and flute melodies, along with poetic lyrics about a hedgehog who dreams of being a bird and flying away. The vocal harmonies between Robin Williamson and Mike Heron are enchanting, creating a sense of childlike wonder and magic. “The Hedgehog’s Song” is a testament to The Incredible String Band’s unique blend of traditional folk music, psychedelic rock, and poetic lyricism, and is considered one of their most beloved and enduring tracks.
10. Painting Box
“Painting Box” is a song by The Incredible String Band, released in 1967 on their self-titled debut album. The song features a whimsical, psychedelic sound with a catchy melody and poetic lyrics that draw on themes of nature and spirituality. The track showcases the band’s ability to create music that is both musically adventurous and deeply rooted in folk traditions. “Painting Box” remains a fan favorite and a testament to The Incredible String Band’s unique approach to music-making, which blended elements of traditional folk, world music, and psychedelia to create a sound that was both experimental and deeply spiritual.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
