In my opinion, this Incredible String Band’s final effort was a good album, much underrated at the time of its release. “Maker of Islands” is a wonderful song, not ruined by its sweeping orchestration. “Dreams of No Return” is Robin Williamson at his best. And the epic suite “Ithkos” is a saucerful of surprises (the proto-world Greek intro, nice orchestral passages, even hard rocking bits in a Wishbone Ash vein!). Also the live rendition of “Cold February” is haunting, though the sound is far from perfection. Of course, this is not the “classic” ISB sound, but neither is the anonymous folk-pop of, say, Earthspan – and, by the way, does the word “classic” have any sense with an ever-changing and ever-evolving band as ISB? Definitely, I invite you to listen to this album, thirty-five years later, with new (or renewed) ears, for it deserves a second chance. RaduLink in comments
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thank you for this radu, my old scratched and battered vinyl can rest now
Thanks for taking the time to set the record straight about this album! For too long people have dismissed it outhand, when in reality it the best album the ISB put out post their heydey, which in my opinion ended with "U".
They were a very tight touring band at this time, as well. They played small clubs and Robin Williamson spent less time singing and more time playing. This album has "Dumb Kate", a barroom ditty which shows off the kind of fiddle playing Robin was up to then.
Give this album a chance to grow on you, ISB-ers! You won't be disappointed!
I fully agree:)
cool cover.
p.s. Album cover.
Hello, I tried but the File Not Found .. Deleted may you re-up please?
Bustan Abraham - Ashra
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Thanks for the ISB...I am an old fan and will give this a try...
Many thanks for the chance to hear it!
thank you very much, i am looking forward to listening to the ISB for the first time!
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