I Looked Up
The Incredible String Band · 1970
41 min · 6 tracks · folk music
A whimsical blend of folk melodies and psychedelic textures that transports listeners to a dreamlike soundscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Pictures in a Mirror — This track showcases the band's intricate arrangements and deep introspective lyrics, reflecting on identity and perception through a richly layered sound.
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When You Find Out Who You Are — Here, the band explores existential themes with a haunting melody that captures the essence of self-discovery, making it a standout moment on the album.
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This Moment — This song's ethereal quality and meditative lyrics create an immersive experience, embodying the album's overarching theme of mindfulness and presence.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends folk and psychedelic elements with varied instrumentation, creating a unique soundscape.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a traditional folk song, 'Black Jack Davy', which features intricate acoustic guitar work and layered harmonies.
- Each track varies in length, with 'Pictures in a Mirror' extending over six minutes, allowing for extended instrumental passages.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional instruments like the sitar and flute, creating a psychedelic texture that contrasts with the folk melodies.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
Significant within its genre. 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
- gradual builds and payoffs
- long, immersive listening sessions
- whimsical, mystical exploration
- contemplative evening reflections
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'I Looked Up' was released in April 1970, The Incredible String Band had already established themselves as pioneers of the British folk and psychedelic scene with their previous album, 'The Hangman’s Beautiful Daughter', which was released in 1969. This album continued their exploration of eclectic instrumentation and spiritual themes, solidifying their unique sound amidst the counterculture movement of the late 1960s and early 70s.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pentangle· Fairport Convention· Nick Drake
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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When You Find Out Who You Are
The verse shifts from broader observations about life to an intimate reflection on personal identity.
This transition emphasizes the journey from external understanding to internal revelation, marking a pivotal moment in the song’s narrative arc.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Black Jack Davy 3:59
- 2 The Letter 3:09
- 3 Pictures in a Mirror 10:46
- 4 This Moment 6:08
- 5 When You Find Out Who You Are 11:01
- 6 Fair as You 6:24
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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