"Folkjokeopus" is the third studio album by British folk-psychedelic artist Roy Harper. Released in 1969, the album marked a departure from Harper's earlier, more traditional folk style - leaning into elements of blues and rock and harboring a more liberal lyrical approach. The title, a portmanteau of the words 'folk', 'joke', and 'opus', reflects the unique mix of styles and the varied tones across the tracks.
The album consists of seven tracks, including one of Harper's most iconic songs, "McGoohan's Blues." This 18-minute piece was inspired by Patrick McGoohan's TV series "The Prisoner". The album also includes "Exercising Some Control" cheered by his trademark humor, "She's the One" exploring a deeper emotional side, and "Zaney Janey" showing off his storytelling skills.
The instrumentation in "Folkjokeopus" is both sophisticated and experimental for its time. The album, while not a commercial hit, has been influential among musicians and has been cited as a key influence by artists such as Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page. Harper would continue to produce distinctive and uncategorized music throughout his career, marking "Folkjokeopus" as a stepping stone to his innovative future works. It is often seen as a significant album in the psychedelic folk genre.
