Changing Horses
The Incredible String Band · 1969
50 min · 6 tracks · folk music
A whimsical blend of folk and psychedelic sounds, enveloping listeners in vibrant instrumentation and otherworldly storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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White Bird — This nearly fifteen-minute track exemplifies the band's fluidity between structured songwriting and freeform exploration, featuring lush instrumentation that captivates throughout.
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Creation — Spanning over sixteen minutes, this track serves as an epic journey through lyrical imagery and innovative soundscapes, representing the band's peak creativity.
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Dust Be Diamonds — With its enchanting melodies and reflective lyrics, this song captures the essence of the band's signature style while presenting a more concise narrative.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's unique blend of folk and psychedelic sounds creates a distinct listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album features extended tracks, with 'Creation' lasting over eight minutes and incorporating multiple tempo changes.
- Vocals often feature harmonies that intertwine rather than follow a traditional lead-and-support structure.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic emotional journeys
- long immersive listening sessions
- wave-like pacing experiences
- surreal storytelling explorations
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in November 1969, Changing Horses is The Incredible String Band's fourth album, coming off the success of their previous records, particularly their critically acclaimed The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter. At this point in their career, the band was firmly established within the UK psychedelic folk scene, known for their eclectic approach and elaborate arrangements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pentangle· Fairport Convention· Nick Drake
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Creation
The lyrics shift from abstract ideas to a vivid celebration of nature’s beauty and interconnectedness.
This transition not only enriches the thematic depth but also illustrates the band's ability to weave philosophical concepts into poetic narratives.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Big Ted 4:24
- 2 White Bird 14:47
- 3 Dust Be Diamonds 6:19
- 4 Sleepers, Awake! 3:48
- 5 Mr. & Mrs. 4:59
- 6 Creation 16:04
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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