Guide to British Music of the 1960s

December 1997

CD Review

The Incredible String Band - Chelsea Sessions

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For String Band devotees, 1997 must have been the most exciting year since the band split in 1974. In the Autumn we witnessed the on-stage reunion of Mike Heron and Robin Williamson for two gigs in Glasgow and London. This was followed in December by a BBC television documentary and more press coverage, Robin Williamson has been prolific with new material. However, we were also graced with The Chelsea Sessions. This release contains all previously unreleased material dating from 1965 to 1967. The songs are a mix of ones that were later recorded for 5000 Spirits or the Layers of the Onion or Wee Tam, the remainder being totally new to our ears. Lover Man and God Dog could be the exceptions to this as the Mike Heron song had been recorded by Al Stewart while Robin's God Dog had appeared on Shirley & Dolly Collins' Anthems in Eden album.

The demo versions of the well-known songs sounded particularly fresh, especially First Girl I Loved. They sounded different to what we were used to reduced to just guitar and vocals, their beauty was on show. Here, like with the Beatles' Anthology, we are able to witness work in progress. The thirteen tracks were recorded at Joe Boyd's Sound Techniques studio in Chelsea, hence the name of the album.

However, unlike Anthology, these songs may be work in progress but they come over as complete songs. There is a level of complexity in the songs that make the songs undeniably String Band.

The CD is an essential addition to any Incredible String Band fan's collection. It stands up as an excellent album, not an album of low quality fillers and re-recordings. Others will be attracted by the whimsical charm of many songs such as Little Cloud and the Mad Hatter's Song. Highly recommended.

mp, November 1997

Essential Tracks:

• First Girl I Loved
• The Eyes of Fate
• The Mad Hatter's Song

Track Listing:

1. Lover Man
2. Born in Your Town
3. First Girl I Loved
4. Gently Tender
5. Little Cloud
6. Blues for the Muse
7. The Eyes of Fate
8. The Mad Hatter's Song
9. Alice is a Long Time Gone
10. See Your Face and Know You
11. Frutch
12. The Iron Stone
13. God Dog