The Music of The Incredible String Band by Chris Wade

by Chris Wade

A look at the music and history of one of our most under rated groups, The Incredible String Band. Originally a three piece with Clive Palmer, Mike Heron and Robin Williamson, the classic line up consisted of Heron, Williamson and the two girls Licorice and Rose, who together released a string of classic acid folk records, including The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter and Wee Tam and the Big Huge.
It features band history, a host of pictures (including some exclusive ones provided by ISB member Graham Forbes), band interviews done by the author (including a Q and A with Mike Heron) and an album by album music guide.
Chris Wade is a UK based author and musician. He is the man behind the acclaimed folk rock project Dodson and Fogg.

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Released in 2013

Paperback

First published September 10, 2013

Reviews

[jboyg · Rating 3 out of 5]

ISB Record Roundup And Brief Band History--good for newbies

Short but focused overview of ISB, nothing new to report if you are an old fan, be solid introduction for those coming late to the group and their music.

[Philip Dodd · Rating 5 out of 5]

To begin, I am just glad that this book exists. I have loved the songs of the Incredible String Band ever since I first saw them in concert in 1968, when I was sixteen, the same year I bought their wonderful double album, Wee Tam and the Big Huge. Now, at last, I have enjoyed reading this fine book about them, The Music of the Incredible String Band by Chris Wade. True to its title, the book concentrates on the music they created, though it has much to say about their lives, too. One of the things I liked best about the book is that it includes many reflections on the music by its two main members, Robin Williamson and Mike Heron. What they had to say about their songs and the creation of their music, I found very interesting.
Chris Wade writes about each album made by the Incredible String Band, from the first one to the last. What he had to say about the songs I found very interesting, absorbing. He describes well why and how they rose to become a unique and popular band in the late 1960's and why they broke up in the early 1970's. His book I found perfect to read at the moment as I am going through a period of rediscovering my love of the songs of the Incredible String Band by listening to the CD versions of what are to me their three finest albums, The 5000 Spirits or the Layers of the Onion, The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter and Wee Tam and the Big Huge. Anyone who likes the music of the Incredible String Band would enjoy reading Chris Wade's book.