Who would have thought that hippy icons the Incredible String Band would once again become a major force in 2001? And yet it has happened. Robin Williamson, Mike Heron and Clive Palmer, re-united along with keyboard genius Lawson Dando and Robin's wife Bina, are playing sell-out concerts to blissed-out fans old and new. The classic albums have sold well on CD and now both Island and Electra have issued excellent compilations which should meet the needs of the curious, or the so far uncommitted listener. Fans will always argue of which songs should have been included, but I find no fault with undeniable classics like "First Girl I Loved", "Job's Tears", "Air"...in fact this selection of early tracks captures the supreme essence of whatever it was that makes String Band music so special: in songs like "Koeeoaddi There" and "A Very Cellular Song" (both from the extrardinary "Hangman's" album) Robin and Mike are on truly inspired form, weaving musical spells to mystify and delight the listener with relections of childlike wonder and unabashed pondering of life's deeper meanings. Wierd instrumental textures abound, conventions are ingored and an indescribable elan carries the day. Nobody else ever wrote or performed music quite like this - every track really is incredible. If you are intruiged, but find the prospect of investigating all those albums a bit daunting, check out this collection. Once you've heard it, it won't be long before you want to hear more of this amazing band. The extra attraction with this collection: two brilliant tracks from the long-lost "U".

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Child-like anarchy, 13 April 2006

By	D. Matcham "david_matcham" (Bath, England) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Possibly the weirdest, most lovely and most unsettling album in my collection. Musically they go further than most bands could ever dream.
There is something wonderfully anarchic about A Very Cellular Song, and so full of life in Job's Tears.

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