- Audio CD (20 Sep 2006)
- Number of Discs: 2
- Format: Import
- Label: Polydor
- ASIN: B000GUK522
- Other Editions: Audio CD | MP3 Download
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 929,838 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 28 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
"U" is something of an oddity, even in the Incredible String Band's quirky back catalogue. It received very mixed reviews on its initial release in 1970 and opinions among Stringheads remain divided today. Admirers, however, point out the undeniable charms of Robin's "Juggler's Song" and "Time", the almost unbearable beauty of "Queen of Love" and "Invocation" (two of the finest Williamson songs of all time), and the humorous touches of "Robot Blues" and "Hirem Pawnitoff" as well as Mike's stalwart contributions. There is also a rare and lovely solo performance by Likky on "I Know You" and the overall feel of the album has that quintessential ISB "oddness". But.....there are just too many weak points to make this a real classic: "Bad Sadie Lee" is a cowgirl throwaway which should have been, but at least it gives "Circus Girl" some competition as worst ISB song ever. "El Wool Suite" and "Rainbow" both wear out their welcomes long before they finally finish as does "Walking Along With You". Arguably, a wonderful single album could have been culled from the best tracks, most of which are Robin's compositions. To be fair to Mike, he was cast in a mainly supporting role here as the vision for the whole multi-media event which was "U" was entirely Robin's. The live performances which preceded the album were legendarily chaotic, with the Stone Monkey dance troupe generally getting in the way and getting panned by the critics. But there are some fine moments here, and it is wonderful AT LAST to find it available on CD.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
If i was to believe the general consensus of opinion that the incredible string band were downhill all the way after Big Huge then I would be all the poorer for missing this rambling epic utterly charming album. Despite suggestions to skip Bad Sadie Lee, I find myself singing along with gusto with a smile on my face. Not every track would stand up on its own merit, but as a whole, and a lengthy whole at that, it works very well. Unfortunately they don't make em like this any more, so I'll continue to ignore all advice and continue to delve further into the later period string band catalogue to see whether such thing as a real 'dud' ISB album really exists.
14 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Why 5 stars for a flawed gem? Because there are some extraordinarily beautiful songs on this album. Some you can get elsewhere, like "Queen of Love" and "Invocation", but others you are going to find only here... "Cutting the strings" for example, is an unusual and starkly beautiful song quite unlike anything you will find elsewhere.
Yes, there are a few duds, but then most ISB albums have one or two of these, particularly in later career, but when they are good, who can match them? Robin's voice, by the way, is pure as a bell on this record, and his singing is always a delight.
There is also such a variety of songs on here. "The Juggler's song" for example is one of those amusing songs that have another layer of meaning, so favoured by Robin in mid-to-late ISB days. It is jolly and charming, slightly amusing and is followed abruptly by the deathly beauty of "Time", a song every bit is powerful as the earlier "My Name Is Death".
So, if you can program your CD player to avoid "Hiram Pawnitoff" and one or two other Heron duds (his work on this record is way below that of Hangman or Wee Tam days), you will find some songs of 'incredible' beauty.
For my money, it's essential, much moreso than the last three ISB albums, and if "Time" and "Cutting the Strings" don't touch you deep down somewhere in that inner world of yours, then ISB is simply not for you.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
I Love (several songs on) U
The vast majority of ISB reviews at Amazon are written by music-lovers that knew them in their heyday, and are familiar with the bulk of their albums, and their insight makes for... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Pseudonymous
Approach with indulgence, but...
The Incredible String Band were rather left behind in the rediscovery of the sixties by subsequent generations until just a few years ago, when forgotten corners of their back... Read more
Published on 28 Aug 2009 by Laurence Upton
ISB's "White Album"
"U" is essentially the String Band's version of the Beatles "White album". I mean by this that anyone hearing it will probably either believe that it is an incredibly wide ranging... Read more
Published on 7 July 2009 by B. Armstrong
Not as flawed as suggested; a wonderful collection of music
Some have said that this is a really flawed work; that it is indulgent and overlong. I don't agree with any of these views. Read more
Published on 31 Aug 2002 by M. Brown
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