The Incredible String Band – The Hangman’s Beautiful Daughter (1968)

“The Hangman’s Beautiful Daughter” is the third album by The Incredible String Band, released in 1968. It is often considered the band’s masterpiece, blending together elements of folk, psychedelic, and world music.

Here is the track listing for the album:

“Koeeoaddi There” – 4:47
“The Minotaur’s Song” – 3:18
“Witches Hat” – 2:32
“A Very Cellular Song” – 13:43
“Mercy I Cry City” – 2:41
“Waltz of the New Moon” – 5:02
“The Water Song” – 2:37
“Three Is a Green Crown” – 6:44

The album opens with “Koeeoaddi There,” a song that blends together elements of Celtic and Indian music and sets the tone for the album’s eclectic sound.

“The Minotaur’s Song” is a haunting ballad that features the band’s signature vocal harmonies and a unique blend of acoustic and electric instrumentation.

“Witches Hat” is an upbeat and playful song that showcases the band’s whimsical side and features a memorable guitar riff.

“A Very Cellular Song” is a sprawling epic that incorporates elements of Indian classical music and features a wide range of instruments, including sitar, tabla, flute, and fiddle.

“Mercy I Cry City” is a short and melancholy song that features a beautiful vocal performance by Robin Williamson.

“Waltz of the New Moon” is an instrumental track that features a hypnotic melody and a unique blend of acoustic and electric instrumentation.

“The Water Song” is a gentle and introspective song that features the band’s signature vocal harmonies and a beautiful acoustic guitar accompaniment.

“Three Is a Green Crown” is a complex and multi-layered song that showcases the band’s innovative use of instrumentation and features a memorable vocal performance by Mike Heron.

Overall, “The Hangman’s Beautiful Daughter” is a groundbreaking album that showcases The Incredible String Band’s unique blend of folk, psychedelic, and world music influences. The album’s experimentation with instrumentation, vocal harmonies, and song structure helped pave the way for the emergence of progressive folk and remains a significant contribution to the genre.

 

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