The Habibiyya - If Man But Knew (1972) [Reissue 2007]
EAC Rip | FLAC (image+.cue+log) - 298 MB | MP3 CBR 320 kbps (LAME 3.93) - 149 MB | Covers - 17 MB
Genre: Progressive Rock, Raga Rock, World | RAR 3% Rec. | Label: Sunbeam Records (SBRCD5043)
Folksy, atmospheric work with plenty of Mid-Eastern touches - the only album ever issued by The Habibiyya, and one of the oddest sets ever from early 70s Island Records! The album's got a very spare, dream-like sound - one that was inspired by the group's visit to Morocco before the record, and carried off here in a blend of percussion, piano, organ, and flutes - plus more exotic instrumentation like koto, shakuhachi, and mandola. The sound is often quite spacious - stretching out on its own, almost organic accord - and when vocals are included, they're often very low in the mix, echoing the sufi roots that inspired the group. It makes its long-awaited CD debut here, accompanied by detailed liner notes, previously-unseen photographs, five rare bonus tracks and an introduction by the group’s leader, Ian Whiteman.