by Jimmy JamesI Looked Up isn't one of the Incredible String Band's more distinguished early albums, though it's not bad or uncharacteristic of their work. There was just a sense that they weren't saying much that they hadn't already said in one form or another, and sometimes taking longer to say it (two of the six tracks run for about six minutes, with Robin Williamson's "When You Find Out Who You Are" and "Pictures in a Mirror" each lasting for 11 minutes). They were occasionally edging closer to more conventional rock; Mike Heron's "The Letter" almost approaches country-rock, with drums by Dave Mattacks of Fairport Convention. The gap between Heron and Williamson's writing approaches seemed a little wider than usual, with Williamson maintaining the mystical, drawn-out folk approach and Heron carving out a somewhat earthier style (his "Black Jack Davy" is a hoedown almost suitable for square dancing). Heron's "This Moment" is the most enjoyable and melodic cut, with high yet soft wailing backup vocals by Rose Simpson and Licorice McKechnie; the pair, unusually for the group, take the lead vocals on Heron's pastoral "Fair as You."