This pairing of two
Incredible String Band records from 1971 features principals
Robin Williamson and
Mike Heron with
Rose Simpson and
Licorice McKechnie.
Be Glad for the Song Has No Ending, the first disc up, was issued in March of that year, but contained music from 1968 and 1969. It was also the last
ISB recording produced by
Joe Boyd.
Boyd assembled this collection of leftover tracks from between the
Wee Tam and
I Looked Up offerings, with the intention of just getting the music out there. In fact, two cuts from the first half and all of the second half of the album were a
soundtrack to
Peter Neal's
ISB documentary film of the same name -- the picture saw release in 1970, but was then shelved until its "rediscovery" in the mid-'90s and subsequent video release. The second half of
Be Glad is all instrumental, composed no doubt as "incidental" or "serial" music. It's not one of
the ISB's best efforts, but it does showcase the increased participation of
Simpson and
McKechnie and is pleasant, if quaint.
Liquid Acrobat as Regards the Air, issued in October, was a new album proper. It was produced by the band and
Stan Schnier, and featured new member
Malcolm Le Maistre, who replaced
Simpson. It's very distinctive in that it was the first
ISB recording to really showcase electric instruments -- joining a slew of groups like
Fairport Convention,
Pentangle,
Steeleye Span,
Amazing Blondel, and
Gryphon. This is a strange amalgam of cuts that is nonetheless musically innovative and even charming. Some of the "straightest" offerings by
the ISB are found here. ~ Thom Jurek
![Albums 1973-1976 [4CD Remastered Boxset Edition]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/5013929478107_p0_v1_s90x140.jpg "Albums 1973-1976 [4CD Remastered Boxset Edition]")
![Aftermath [US] (Remastered)](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0018771947622_p0_v1_s90x140.jpg "Aftermath [US] (Remastered)")
