The Incredible String Band - I Looked Up (Elektra 1970) 24-bit/96kHz Vinyl Rip

After the (almost) universal acclaim rightly accorded to "Wee Tam & the Big Huge" and "Changing Horses", the Incredibles came up with a curious but engaging collection of songs with this album, which despite its obvious faults holds a special place in the hearts of many fans.
It is in turns sprightly and light hearted (Mike Heron's "Black Jack Davy", "The Letter" and the sublime "This Moment") and profoundly mysterious, scary even (Robin's "Pictures in a Mirror) and downright frustrating (the rather awkwardly constructed "When You Find Out Who You Are"). This last piece really is lovely in parts…a little editing was needed possibly to smooth out the chaotic bits. The album closes with the very light "Fair as You"; not the most memorable ISB performance, but a nice showcase for Rose and Likky's vocals. The album represents just one of the many transitional stages of the Incredible String Band; Scientology was the order of the day and everyone was trying out different ideas, communicating and being positive - just look at those grins on the wonderfully blurred rear cover shot - but you just get the feeling that a bit more active control by producer Joe Boyd might have resulted in a more accomplished whole. Still, a delightful album if only for Robins dark howls and yelps (deep in the hollow jail…sleeps Lord Randall) in "Pictures in a Mirror", and Mike's gleeful ad-libbing (oh my goodness, gosh and golly, no) in "This Moment". Amazon

Track listing:

A1. Black Jack Davy (Heron)
A2. The Letter (Heron)
A3. Pictures In A Mirror (Williamson)

B1. This Moment (Heron)
B2. When You Find Out Who You Are (Williamson)
B3. Fair As You (Heron)

Personnel:

Robin Williamson: vocals, guitar, violin, percussion, gimbri, flute
Mike Heron: vocals, guitar, harpsichord, piano, organ,
Rose Simpson: vocals, bass, violin
Licorice McKechnie: vocals, bass, dulcimer, drums
Dave Mattacks: drums on ‘The Letter’
Recorded at Sound Techniques, London
Produced by Joe Boyd, Witchseason Productions Ltd.