A product of remarkable archaeological-strength sleuthing, this double CD has 16 rare and unreleased
Incredible String Band recordings from 1966 to 1972. The 95 minutes of material draw primarily from studio outtakes, but also include a May 1968 radio show in New York, a couple live performances from April 1970, and even a home recording from October 1966. Yes, this is primarily for the major
ISB fan; some of these are alternate takes/versions, and none of the songs would have been hailed as major highlights of the albums on which they might have been included. Yet at the same time, none of them would have stuck out as especially ill-fitting or weak sore thumbs had they made the cut, making it a pretty enjoyable listen if you like the group, though the numerous eras and lineups represented also ensure that it's not the most consistent listen. Aside from the lo-fi October 1966 rehearsal tape of the band (then just the duo of
Robin Williamson and
Mike Heron) doing
Leadbelly's "Relax Your Mind," the fidelity throughout is quite good, and the territory covered -- as should be no surprise for those even casually familiar with
the Incredible String Band -- very eclectic.