The Incredible String Band’s 1970 album "U" offers a concentrated dose of the group’s unique brand of psychedelic folk, characterized by intricate vocal harmonies, unconventional instrumentation, and mystical lyrical themes. This release stands as a testament to the band’s unyielding commitment to artistic exploration, pushing the boundaries of the genre with its distinctive sound.
- "U" was recorded in a single day at a BBC studio in London. The album features a diverse range of instruments, including the tar, saz, and glass harmonica, alongside more conventional folk instruments. It reached number 142 on the Billboard 200 chart in the US.
- The album's cover art, a collage of abstract images and calligraphy, reflects the band's psychedelic aesthetic. "U" was the first album the band recorded for the Elektra Records label after leaving the Nonesuch label. Photographer and filmmaker Jerry Yulsman created the album's artwork.
- The recording sessions for "U" were notably brief, with the entire album reportedly captured in one day. The band employed a wide array of instruments, many of which were rare or exotic, contributing to the album's distinctive sonic texture. Upon its release, "U" garnered mixed reviews but has since been recognized as a significant work in the psychedelic folk canon.
The Incredible String Band was a Scottish psychedelic folk band formed in Glasgow in 1963. They were known for their eclectic musical style, incorporating elements of folk, psychedelic rock, and world music. The band's lineup fluctuated, but core members Mike Heron and Robin Williamson remained consistent. The Incredible String Band were at the forefront of the British psychedelic folk scene in the late 1960s and early 1970s. "U" was released in 1970, a period of significant experimentation and evolution for the band. It followed their more commercially successful albums "The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter" and "Wee Tam and the Big Huge."
