F*lk is hip (again)

[john poole]

nowadays I could scarcely expect anyone to sit through the likes of "The Hedgehog's Song" or "Big Ted" without throwing up.

I can do that, just so long as I never have to sit through their double LP "U" (unlistenable even in 1970).

[Chris P]

I don't think I've got the time, stamina or inclination to talk about the ISB just now, but I'm sure I've run my colours up the sleeve of my heart-shaped mast here previously (yup - they've already been discussed, dismissed, loved conditionally & unconditionally here at SOTW, Adam). Further to Andy's remark, there's often been a lot of humour (& good humours too - a different thing) in the ISB, in stark contrast to Donovan

[Adam Blake]

(yup - they've already been discussed, dismissed, loved conditionally & unconditionally here at SOTW, Adam).

It's funny, I don't remember that. Was it before my time or was I having a huff at the time?
(Lord, I haven't done that in ages...)

John: You're a braver man than I! I just remember my mother's response to "The Hedgehog's Song" - it was not fit to be printed!

[AndyM]

Fun and humour are not synonyms.

[Chris P]

Fun and humour are not synonyms.

too true, dear boy! (But there was plenty fun in the ISB, as far as I can tell from the people who saw them live (before my time), & the recorded & bootleg legacy). They have a reputation for the crime of earnestness, but that's pretty lazy & misguided - they did sail close to the wind in everything they did - one of the reasons they excite, if sometimes go down with all hands

[AndyM]

Risk-taking is overrated.

[NormanD]

I did see The ISB in their early album prime (?), a few times. In those days, the audience usually sat on the floor - because they wanted to and often needed to. The ISB sat cross-legged, on bits of mat, surrounded by their various stringed instruments, bangy things, whistles and flutes (although they actually wore baggy, silky, highly-coloured tops and trousers). They played everything well enough for them to blend in with their sometimes bleety singing. They were like nothing else around and left me with a half-remarkable question: why did I listen more to them than soul music and R&B for six months or so? Fortunately, I got well again.

[Chris P]

Risk-taking is overrated.

it falls to someone to go and look over the brow of the hill or the precipice, so it might as well be someone who enjoys it & can make a start on some new pathways, or beat a swift retreat

[Chris P]

why did I listen more to them than soul music and R&B for six months or so? Fortunately, I got well again.

yohoho, there's room for both, you're on good form Norm

[AndyM]

Risk-taking is overrated.

it falls to someone to go and look over the brow of the hill or the precipice, so it might as well be someone who enjoys it & can make a start on some new pathways, or beat a swift retreat

I know what you mean, but sometimes the outright pioneers make less appealing music than the canny camp-followers. Sometimes.

[Rob Hall]

As for the ISB, I fear I would side with the twee-phobics. They always sounded like Donovan with the fun removed.

No, there was more going on with the ISB than that. Donovan never wrote a lyric as good as "Nightfall" for example, though that was an absolute highpoint. But nowadays I could scarcely expect anyone to sit through the likes of "The Hedgehog's Song" or "Big Ted" without throwing up.

I'm with Adam on this. Though it's many years since I've listened to ISB, I retain a large soft spot for them. It never occurred to me at the time that they were innovative, but I suppose that they were, after a fashion. A great pity that they got mixed up in Scientology which, I believe, led to their demise as a band.