The 5000 Spirits or the Layers of the Onion

The 5000 Spirits or the Layers of the Onion
Studio album by the Incredible String Band
Released	July 1967 (1967-07)
Recorded	1967
Studio	Sound Techniques, Chelsea, London
Genre	Psychedelic folk, English folk
Length	50:10
Label	Elektra / WEA
Producer	Joe Boyd
Incredible String Band chronology
The Incredible String Band (1966) The 5000 Spirits or the Layers of the Onion (1967) The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter (1968)

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[1]
Pitchfork Media	7.3/10[2]
Rolling Stone	(favourable)[3]

The 5000 Spirits or the Layers of the Onion is the second album by the Scottish psychedelic folk group the Incredible String Band (ISB). It was released in July 1967 on Elektra Records. The album was recorded following the reformation of the band as a duo consisting of Robin Williamson and Mike Heron. Notably, the album was a change in musical direction for the two as they transitioned from their more conventional folk music structures into complex psychedelic compositions influenced by British folk and Indian music.^[4]

Upon release, the album peaked at number 25 on the UK Albums Charts, and failed to chart on the Billboard 200. It was preceded by the single, "Painting Box", in June 1967 which evidently failed to chart. An additional promo single, "Way Back in the Sixties" was also released in support of the album. The album established the band within the British folk scene, while also gaining them an underground presence in the United States. At the time of its release, the album was recognised as being ambitious, and for creating a contrasting sound to other musical acts who were also utilising similar instruments at the time.^[5][6]