Caravan | ||
| Allmusic Biography : Caravan were one of the more formidable progressive rock acts to come out of England in the 1960s, though they were never much more than a very successful cult band at home, and, apart from a brief moment in 1975, barely a cult band anywhere else in the world. They only ever charted one album in their first six years of activity, but they made a lot of noise in the English rock press, and their following has been sufficiently loyal and wide to keep their work in print for extended periods during the 1970s, the 1990s, and in the new century. Caravan grew out of the breakup of the Wilde Flowers, a Canterbury-based group formed in 1964 as an R&B-based; outfit with a jazzy-edge. The Wilde Flowers had a lineup of Brian Hopper on guitar and saxophone, Richard Sinclair on rhythm guitar, Hugh Hopper playing bass, and Robert Wyatt on drums. Kevin Ayers passed through the lineup as a singer, and Richard Sinclair was succeeded on rhythm guitar by Pye Hastings in 1965. Wyatt subsequently became the lead singer, succeeded by Richard Coughlan on drums. Hugh Hopper left and was replaced by Dave Lawrence, then Richard Sinclair, and Dave Sinclair, Richards cousin, came in on keyboards. Finally, in 1966, Wyatt and Ayers formed Soft Machine and the Wilde Flowers dissolved. In the wake of the earlier groups dissolution, Hastings, Richard Sinclair, Dave Sinclair, and Richard Coughlan formed Caravan in January of 1968. The group stood at first somewhat in the shadow of Soft Machine, which became an immediate favorite on the London club scene and in the press. This worked in Caravans favor, however, as the press and club owners began taking a long look at them because of the members previous connections. A gig at the Middle Earth Club in London led to their being spotted by a music publishing executive named Ian Ralfini, which resulted in a publishing deal with Robbins Music and then, by extension, a recording contract with MGM Records on their Verve Records imprint, which the American label was trying to establish in England. Their self-titled debut album, Caravan, was a hybrid of jazz and psychedelia, but also enough of a virtuoso effort to rate as a serious progressive rock album at a time when that genre wasnt yet fully established; along with the Nice albums on Immediate and The Cheerful Insanity of Giles, Giles & Fripp, it planted the roots of progressive rock. The Caravan album never sold in serious numbers, and for much of 1968 and early 1969, the members were barely able to survive -- at one point they were literally living in tents. And then, to add insult to injury, the record disappeared as MGMs British operation shut down in late 1968. Out of that chaos, however, the group got a new manager in Terry King and, with the help of a fledgling producer named David Hitchcock (whod seen the band in concert), a contract with Englands Decca Records, which was a major label at the time. Their Decca debut album, If I Could Do It All Over Again, Id Do It All Over You, released in early 1970, was a major step forward and, indeed, a milestone in their history, establishing the mix of humor and progressive sounds, including classical, jazz, and traditional English influences that would characterize the best of their work over the next six years. Moreover, with Deccas then-formidable distribution behind it, the album got into stores and was heard and even sold well on university campuses. Suddenly, Caravan were an up-and-coming success on the college concert circuit, even making an appearance on British televisions Top of the Pops. With national exposure and a growing audience, the group was at a make-or-break moment in their history. They rose to the occasion with their second Decca LP, In the Land of Grey and Pink, which showed off a keen melodic sense, a subtly droll wit, and a seductively smooth mix of hard rock, folk, classical, and jazz, intermingled with elements of Tolkien-esque fantasy. The songs ranged from light, easy-to-absorb pieces such as "Golf Girl" to the quietly majestic "Nine Feet Underground," a 23-minute suite that filled the side of an LP. One of the hardest-rocking yet musically daring extended pieces to come out of the early progressive rock era, "Nine Feet Underground" didnt seem half as long as its 23 minutes and it was a dazzling showcase for Pye Hastings searing lead guitar and Dave Sinclairs soaring organ and piano work. Although few observers realized it at the time, the suites length pointed up a problem that the group faced fairly consistently -- in contrast to most progressive rock outfits of the era, Caravan were inventive enough to justify extending even the relatively simple songs in their repertoire to running times of six or seven minutes, and they were also extremely prolific. Those two situations meant that they were frequently forced to leave perfectly good songs off their albums and to edit those that they did issue. Most listeners didnt find this out until a wave of Caravan reissues arrived in 2001 with their running times extended ten to 25 minutes each by the presence of perfectly good, previously unissued songs and unedited masters of previously released songs. Keyboard player and singer Dave Sinclair left the groups lineup in 1971, joining his ex-Wilde Flowers bandmate Robert Wyatt in the latters new group, Matching Mole, and he was succeeded by Stephen Miller of the jazz-based band Delivery, who lasted through one album, Waterloo Lily (1972), moving them in a much more bluesy direction. Friction between the members resulted in Millers departure and the exit of Richard Sinclair, who subsequently joined Hatfield and the North. When the smoke cleared, Caravan were back as a five-piece that included Geoff Richardson on the electric viola, which added a new and rich timbre to their overall sound. By the time they cut their next album, For Girls Who Grow Plump in the Night, Dave Sinclair was back on keyboards. The album was a success, as was its follow-up, Caravan & the New Symphonia, a live 1973 performance accompanied by a full orchestra, released the following year. The group was poised to try for a breakthrough in America and, toward that end, took on Miles Copeland as their manager. They ended up on a 50-date tour of the United States and Canada where the response was positive. They also released a new album, Cunning Stunts, that became their first chart LP, not only in England but also in America (albeit at number 124) and most of Europe as well. Unfortunately, Cunning Stunts, for all of its sales success, was an ending rather than a new beginning -- the group parted company with Decca Records after its release. They recorded Blind Dog at St. Dunstans for the Copeland-owned BTM Records the following year, and Better by Far for the Arista label the year after that, but by that time, their moment seemed to have passed, and they seemed increasingly out of step with the burgeoning punk rock boom. Caravan ceased activity in the early 80s, following the release of The Album and Back to Front, both recorded for Kingdom Records, owned by their former manager Terry King. Their history seemed to have ended, and then in 1990, the original quartet of Pye Hastings, Richard Sinclair, Dave Sinclair, and Richard Coughlan were reunited for what was supposed to be a one-off concert for a television special. The performance and the sales of an accompanying live album proved so encouraging that Caravan came together once more for a second career. The group remained back together into the new millennium (mostly filled out by ex-members of Camel, among other latter-day personnel), with new recordings emerging sporadically if steadily. Equally important, someone at English Decca (by then part of Polygram, which became part of MCA) took it upon themselves to raid the vaults in 1999-2000 and prepare vastly expanded reissues of the groups entire Verve/Decca catalogs. The result was the availability of more Caravan music and more of their classic 60s and 70s recordings than had been in print at any time in their history. Around 2005, however, drummer Richard Coughlans health issues forced him to cease performing live with the band, and as Mark Walker subsequently took over drum duties, Coughlan limited his own role to percussionist. Coughlan died on December 1, 2013; he was 66 years old. | ||
 | Album: 1 of 46 Title: Songs & Signs Released: Tracks: 10 Duration: 1:03:43 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Welcome the Day (04:02) 2 Songs & Signs (03:39) 3 The Love in Your Eye / To Catch Me a Brother / Subsultus / Debouchment / Tilbury Keeks (12:34) 4 Winter Wine (07:38) 5 Mirror for the Day (04:32) 6 The Show of Our Lives (05:46) 7 For Richard (14:00) 8 Surprise Surprise (04:05) 9 Hello Hello (03:47) 10 The World Is Yours (03:37) |
 | Album: 2 of 46 Title: Caravan Released: 1969-01 Tracks: 8 Duration: 35:22 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Place of My Own (04:06) 2 Ride (03:43) 3 Policeman (02:45) 4 Love Song With Flute (stereo) (04:11) 5 Cecil Runs (04:07) 6 Magic Man (04:04) 7 Grandmas Lawn (03:25) 8 Where but for Caravan Would I Be (09:01) |
| Caravan : Allmusic album Review : For their first album, Caravan was surprisingly strong. While steeped in the same British psychedelia that informed bands such as Love Children, Pink Floyd, and Tomorrow, Caravan relates a freedom of spirit and mischief along the lines of Giles, Giles & Fripp or Gong. The bands roots can be traced to a British blue-eyed soul combo called the Wilde Flowers. Among the luminaries to have passed through this Caravan precursor were Robert Wyatt, Kevin Ayers, and Hugh Hopper and Brian Hopper (pre-Soft Machine, naturally). By the spring of 1968, Caravan had settled nicely into a quartet consisting of Pye Hastings (guitar/bass/vocals), Richard Coughlan (drums), David Sinclair (organ/vocals), and Richard Sinclair (bass/guitar/vocals). Inspired by the notoriety and acclaim that Soft Machine encountered during the burgeoning days of Londons underground scene, Caravan began a residency at the Middle Earth club. Additionally, the band was shopping a homemade demo tape around to local record companies. Before long, entrepreneur Tony Cox worked out a deal for them to record on the newly founded U.K. division of the Verve label. Caravans self-titled debut is equally as inventive and infinitely more subtle than the Soft Machines Volume One or Pink Floyds Piper at the Gates of Dawn. Two of the albums best tunes -- the ethereal "Place of My Own" was backed with the dreamlike "Magic Man" -- were issued as the bands first single. Those tracks accurately exemplify the subtle complexities that Caravan would hone to great effect on later recordings. The same can also be said for album cuts such as "Love Song With Flute" and the extended nine-minute "Where but for Caravan Would I?" The latter title aptly exemplifies Caravans decidedly less than turgid attitude toward themselves -- a refreshing contrast from the temperamental and serious Art School approach adopted by Pink Floyd and the Moody Blues. The mono and stereo mixes of the long-player are striking in their disparities. The stereo mix is at times opaque and virtually swallows the vocals most specifically on the tracks "Policeman" and "Grandmas Lawn." Otherwise, there are numerous additional nuances that discern the two. The single version of "Hello Hello" is also included as a bonus. This track was the follow-up 45 to "Place of My Own" and would appear in a slightly different form on their next LP, If I Could Do It All Over Again, Id Do It All Over You. Potential consumers should note that the sound quality on this package is indescribably better than the HTD Records 1996 CD pressing. | ||
 | Album: 3 of 46 Title: If I Could Do It All Over Again, I’d Do It All Over You Released: 1970-09-04 Tracks: 12 Duration: 1:04:48 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 If I Could Do It All Over Again, I’d Do It All Over You (03:07) 2 And I Wish I Were Stoned / Don’t Worry (08:12) 3 As I Feel I Die (05:13) 4 With an Ear to the Ground You Can Make It / Martinian / Only Cox / Reprise (09:52) 5 Hello Hello (03:45) 6 Asforteri 25 (01:21) 7 Can’t Be Long Now / Francoise / For Richard / Warlock (14:20) 8 Limits (01:35) 9 A Day in the Life of Maurice Haylett (05:08) 10 Why? (And I Wish I Were Stoned) (demo) (04:21) 11 Clipping the 8th (Hello Hello) (demo) (03:12) 12 As I Feel I Die (demo) (04:37) |
| If I Could Do It All Over Again, I’d Do It All Over You : Allmusic album Review : Caravan followed up their eponymous debut with the cryptically titled If I Could Do It All Over Again Id Do It All Over You in the fall of 1970. If I Could Do It All Over Again contains significant progressions over the first album. These include the intricacy with which compositions are sculpted around some of the finest instrumental improvisation in British rock at the time -- or arguably since. Caravans uncanny ability to create a montage that effortlessly maneuvers through acoustic folk and electric progressive rock is best exemplified on the "With an Ear to the Ground" suite. The extended instrumental passages weave in and out of each other, creating a hypnotic and otherwise psychedelic soundscape that would become a trademark of the European progressive rock movement. Another epic, "For Richard" quickly found solid standing as the Caravan live performance closer for decades after first appearing on this album. Juxtaposed against these pieces are several shorter works, which in essence clear the palette for the longer ones. The title track, as well as "Hello, Hello" are perfect examples of how Caravan was able to one-up many of their progressive contemporaries, creating shorter and more accessible songs for radio airplay -- resulting in a guest appearance on BBC TVs Top of the Pops program. | ||
 | Album: 4 of 46 Title: In the Land of Grey and Pink Released: 1971-04-08 Tracks: 5 Duration: 43:19 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Golf Girl (05:00) 2 Winter Wine (07:35) 3 Love to Love You (And Tonight Pigs Will Fly) (03:03) 4 In the Land of Grey and Pink (04:59) 5 Nine Feet Underground: Nigel Blows a Tune / Love’s a Friend / Make It 76 / Dance of the Seven Paper Hankies / Hold Grandad by the Nose / Honest I Did! / Disassociation / 100% Proof (22:39) |
| In the Land of Grey and Pink : Allmusic album Review : In the Land of Grey and Pink is considered by many to be a pinnacle release from Caravan. The album contains an undeniable and decidedly European sense of humor and charm. In addition, this would mark the end of the bands premiere lineup. Co-founder David Sinclair would leave Caravan to form Matching Mole with Soft Machine drummer and vocalist Robert Wyatt in August of 1971. As a group effort, In the Land of Grey and Pink displays all the ethereal brilliance Caravan created on their previous pair of 12" outings. Their blending of jazz and folk instrumentation and improvisational styles hints at Traffic and Family, as displayed on "Winter Wine," as well as the organ and sax driven instrumental introduction to "Nine Feet Underground." These contrast the decidedly aggressive sounds concurrent with albums from King Crimson or Soft Machine. In fact, beginning with the albums title, there seems to be pastoral qualities and motifs throughout. Another reason enthusiasts rank this album among their favorites is the group dynamic which has rarely sounded more singular or cohesive. David Sinclairs lyrics are of particular note, especially the middle-earth imagery used on "Winter Wine" or the enduring whimsy of "Golf Girl." The remastered version of this album includes previously unissued demos/alternate versions of both tracks under the titles: "Its Likely to Have a Name Next Week" and "Group Girl," respectively. The remastered disc also includes "I Dont Know Its Name (Alias the Word)" and "Aristocracy," two pieces that were completed, but shelved in deference to the time limitations imposed during the days of wine and vinyl. The latter composition would be reworked and released on Caravans next album, Waterloo Lily. The 12-page liner notes booklet includes expanded graphics, memorabilia, and an essay penned specifically for the reissue. | ||
 | Album: 5 of 46 Title: Waterloo Lily Released: 1972-05 Tracks: 6 Duration: 40:06 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Waterloo Lily (06:48) 2 Nothing at All / Its Coming Soon / Nothing at All (reprise) (10:23) 3 Songs and Signs (03:40) 4 Aristocracy (03:03) 5 The Love in Your Eye / To Catch Me a Brother / Subsultus / Debouchement / Tilbury Kecks (12:32) 6 The World Is Yours (03:40) |
| Waterloo Lily : Allmusic album Review : Before the recording of Waterloo Lily, David Sinclair departed Caravan to join forces with Soft Machine skinsman Robert Wyatt and form Matching Mole. With the subsequent arrival of former Delivery member Steve Miller and an overwhelming jazz influence, the edgier progressive rock and folk elements that were so prevalent on their previous albums are somewhat repressed. The bands performance level did not suffer in the transition. In fact, the addition of Miller only punctuates Caravans previously honed improvisational skills. Beginning with Waterloo Lilys leadoff title track, there is a sound more akin to the jazzier efforts of Traffic. Millers "Nothing at All" incorporates the jazz fusion even further as the long instrumental introduction more than hints at Steely Dan circa Katy Lied. The up-tempo staccato bop featuring Millers electric piano accents, when juxtaposed with Pye Hastings liquid-toned electric guitar could easily be mistaken for that of Walter Becker and Donald Fagan. The remainder of the album centers on a couple of pieces that evoke the sound and spirit of the previous Caravan outings. Most reminiscent of the classic sound is Hastings epic "The Love in Your Eye" suite. The track recalls the laid-back intensity and phenomenal improvisational synergy of earlier tracks such as "For Richard" and "Where, but for Caravan Would I," while wisely incorporating Millers formidable jazz chops to give the instrumental sections sustained substance throughout. The remastered CD offers three additional compositions circa the Waterloo Lily sessions. "Pyes June Thing" and "Ferdinand" are two of Hastings acoustic demos. A considerably more complete "Looking Left, Looking Right" is a treasured recovery from the vaults. Originally vaulted due to the time limitations of vinyl, this track, along with "Pyes Loop" -- which acts as a coda to "Looking Left..." -- mark their debut release here. | ||
 | Album: 6 of 46 Title: For Girls Who Grow Plump in the Night Released: 1973 Tracks: 7 Duration: 45:46 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Memory Lain, Hugh / Headloss (09:19) 2 Hoedown (03:20) 3 Surprise, Surprise (04:07) 4 CThlu Thlu (06:15) 5 The Dog, the Dog, Hes at It Again (05:58) 6 Be All Right / Chance of a Lifetime (06:37) 7 LAuberge du Sanglier / A Hunting We Shall Go / Pengola / Backwards / A Hunting We Shall Go (reprise) (10:07) |
| For Girls Who Grow Plump in the Night : Allmusic album Review : After the musical uncertainty of Waterloo Lily, Caravan returned with their most inspired recording since In the Land of the Grey and Pink. The splendidly titled For Girls Who Grow Plump in the Night is several steps ahead in terms of fresh musical ideas that wholly incorporate the bands trademark humor within the otherwise serious and challenging sonic structures. Two of the more dominant reasons for the change in Caravans sound were the return of keyboardist Dave Sinclair and the addition of violist Peter Geoffrey Richardson. Die-hard fans gladly welcomed Sinclair back, however, Richardson was met with heckles from enthusiasts during live appearances. They were soon silenced as his place on For Girls Who Grow Plump in the Night easily ranks among Caravans watershed moments. There are perhaps none better than the mesmerizing counterpoint melodies he weaves during the "LAuberge Du Sanglier" suite. While not completely abandoning their jazz leanings, For Girls Who Grow Plump In The Night is considerably focused back into the rock genre. Ironically, the album also features some rather elaborate orchestration. In context, it is quite effective in creating emphasis -- especially on the leadoff track "Memory Lain, Hugh," as well as the dreamy mid-tempo "The Dog, The Dog, Hes At It Again." The remastered CD also includes five additional tracks. The first four are demos featuring the band without orchestra and with some notable differences, such as the distinct lead guitar opening to "Memory Lain, Hugh." "Dereks Long Thing" is another instrumental piece penned by keyboardist Derek Austin -- one of the two transitional Caravan members chosen to replace Steve Miller. A must-own for inclined parties. | ||
 | Album: 7 of 46 Title: Caravan & The New Symphonia Released: 1974-04-19 Tracks: 9 Duration: 1:17:26 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Introduction by Alan Black / Memory Lain, Hugh / Headloss (11:00) 2 The Dog, the Dog, Hes at It Again (06:35) 3 Hoedown (03:54) 4 Introduction (06:04) 5 The Love in Your Eye (12:49) 6 Mirror for the Day (04:29) 7 Virgin on the Ridiculous (07:55) 8 For Richard (14:17) 9 A Hunting We Shall Go (10:23) |
| Caravan & The New Symphonia : Allmusic album Review : The newly mined creative energies that guided For Girls Who Grow Plump in the Night continued into the Caravan & the New Symphonia project. Fusing with a 39-piece orchestra is a daring move that pays off. The remastered CD includes over a half an hour of unissued material from Caravan, with and without the New Symphonia, during the same October 28, 1973 Theatre Royal concert. Subtitled "The Complete Concert," this performance captures Caravan at a creative zenith. The newly restored program commences with a brief introduction from BBC Radios Alan Black. The band then presents three from For Girls Who Grow Plump in the Night: "Memory Lain, Hugh"/"Headloss" suite, "The Dog, the Dog, Hes at It Again," and "Hoedown." This mini-set sparkles with the frenetic energy that a live audience will often provide. The intense interaction during the waning moments of "The Dog, the Dog, Hes at It Again" allows Caravan to reach a whole different stratum. The second set features the orchestra with the band and commences with "Introduction," an orchestrated piece that leads into the very delicate preface of "The Love in Your Eye." The synergies truly begin to flow as the band weaves in and out of the orchestra. Pye Hastings composed two new pieces specifically for this recording: "Mirror for the Day" and the brilliant "Virgin on the Ridiculous"; the latter became a performance standard for Caravan. The remainder of the set features some of their most formidable performance numbers, including an emotive "For Richard." The newly restored encore, "A Hunting We Shall Go" is stunning in its scope and perfectly encapsulates what Caravan & the New Symphonia is really all about: allowing good music and good musicians the chance to be mutually superior. | ||
 | Album: 8 of 46 Title: Cunning Stunts Released: 1975 Tracks: 7 Duration: 41:33 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 The Show of Our Lives (05:43) 2 Stuck in a Hole (03:08) 3 Lover (05:07) 4 No Backstage Pass (04:31) 5 Welcome the Day (03:59) 6 The Dabsong Conshirtoe: (a) The Mad Dabsong / (b) Ben Karratt Rides Again / (c) Pros and Cons / (d) Wraiks and Ladders / (e) Sneaking Out the Bare Quare / (f) All Sort of Unmentionable Things (17:58) 7 The Fear and Loathing in Tollington Park Rag (01:07) |
| Cunning Stunts : Allmusic album Review : Contrasting the clever spoonerism from which Cunning Stunts derives its name, Caravan are heard on what is arguably their most uninspired material to date. The effort is certainly far from a total loss, but nowhere nearly as creative as their former studio effort For Girls Who Grow Plump in the Night (1973) -- the likes of which sadly would not be equalled. Instead of commencing the affair with the aggression and spirit that informed previous LPs -- such as "Memory Lain, Hugh" or "Waterloo Lilly" -- which had christened their earlier albums, "The Show of Our Lives" comes off comparatively heavy and practically dirge-like. Caravans trademark instrumental agility while perhaps temporarily mired, is not lost on Pye Hastings uptempo rocker "Stuck in a Hole." Heavy-handed, superfluous orchestration -- possibly a residual effect of their New Symphonia project from late 1973 -- mars "No Backstage Pass" and the 18-minute "Dabsong Conshirtoe." There are a few trademark and at times edgier passages, especially during the "Ben Karratt Rides Again" movement of the epic "Conshirtoe." Still, the orchestration is too slick sounding, as if it were teetering on the aural wallpaper that is (gasp!) Muzak. Caravan enthusiasts intent on including Cunning Stunts in their collections should be aware that the 2001 CD reissue contains a few choice supplementary selections. Chief among these is an unissued take of "Keeping Back My Love" -- which would ultimately be reworked three years later on Better by Far (1977). Here the band definitely display signs and sounds of the Caravan of old. For that cut alone, the renovated offering can be sufficiently recommended. The other significant bonus track is a live "For Richard" recorded at Fairfield Hall in Croydon, England. Originally, it was included on the 1976 Canterbury Tales best-of, but makes its digital debut here. | ||
 | Album: 9 of 46 Title: Blind Dog at St. Dunstans Released: 1976 Tracks: 9 Duration: 46:25 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Here Am I (06:20) 2 Chiefs and Indians (05:16) 3 A Very Smelly, Grubby Little Oik (04:12) 4 Bobbing Wide (02:31) 5 Come on Back (03:56) 6 Oik (reprise) (02:27) 7 Jack and Jill (06:28) 8 Can You Hear Me? (06:19) 9 All the Way (with John Wayne’s single Handed Liberation of Paris) (08:52) |
| Blind Dog at St. Dunstans : Allmusic album Review : After the surprisingly warm reception of Cunning Stunts, it looked like Caravan could do no wrong. Unfortunately, the bands next release was a major turn for the worse. New keyboard player Jan Schelhaas was part of the reason - his jazzy, up-tempo playing on every song regardless of the intended mood is one of the major problems here. It doesnt help that the material here is generally weaker, lacking either compelling lyrics or interesting song structures. Only the opening "Here Am I" is up to the standard of their older material and played with any kind of finesse. What is missing on this album is the character that made Caravan something more than just another technically proficient band. The critical and popular reaction was devastating. Blind Dog at St. Dunstans took a career that was headed for the big time and brought it firmly back to ground. | ||
 | Album: 10 of 46 Title: Better by Far Released: 1977 Tracks: 9 Duration: 42:44 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Feelin Alright (03:28) 2 Behind You (05:00) 3 Better by Far (03:28) 4 Silver Strings (03:59) 5 The Last Unicorn (05:48) 6 Give Me More (04:36) 7 Man in a Car (05:37) 8 Let It Shine (04:24) 9 Nightmare (06:21) |
 | Album: 11 of 46 Title: The Best of Caravan “Live” Released: 1980 Tracks: 12 Duration: 1:16:13 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Introduction - Memory Lain Hugh (05:04) 2 Headloss (04:51) 3 Virgin on the Ridiculous (06:51) 4 Be All Right (02:45) 5 The Love in Your Eye (15:23) 6 Hoedown (Encore) (06:57) 1 Introduction - L’Auberge Du Sanglier (?) 2 A Hunting We Shall Go (04:42) 3 Backwards (03:42) 4 A Hunting We Shall Go (reprise) (01:33) 5 Introduction: The Dog, the Dog Is at It Again (06:55) 6 For Richard (17:30) |
| The Best of Caravan “Live” : Allmusic album Review : By all outward appearances, The Best of Caravan Live seems to fit the description and packaging of a budget release. Indeed, this is what all but the most inquisitive enthusiasts must surely have thought when passing up the French two-LP set in 1980. In actuality, the music contained within these grooves is a performance by Caravan from the Fairfield Halls in Croydon, September 1, 1974. The band used this gig to prepare for their inaugural North American tour. Additionally, the performance was documented in hopes of using the best bits as a promotional tool for their upcoming shows. However, the tapes remained dormant for nearly two years. Then in 1976, the epic "For Richard" was judiciously extracted and subsequently included as an unreleased bonus on the double LP Canterbury Tales retrospective. In 1980, the European-only Kingdom label released an edited and reconfigured version under the name The Best of Caravan Live to little or no fanfare -- which is unfortunate, as it contains some of the bands finest live work. Enthusiasts who favor the edgier For Girls Who Grow Plump in the Night era of Caravan should be additionally encouraged, as they re-create most of the album. The show commences with the "Memory Lain, Hugh" and "Headloss" suite. Caravans performance here firmly ascends to levels that the studio version never achieves, as the band attacks and wraps themselves around the music. Especially notable is the contribution of Geoffrey Richardsons electric viola, as he deftly maneuvers between augmenting the bands vintage sound without ever overpowering it. Caravans most recent release concurrent to this gig would have been the equally impressive concert set Caravan & the New Symphonia. "Virgin on the Ridiculous" was one of two tracks to make its debut on that release and is featured here in a striking quintet setting that equals the power of the New Symphonia version. This reading is leaner, revealing the bands conversational way of jamming and improvisation. It is no contest as to why "For Richard" was used on the Canterbury Tales compilation. The moody and emotive arrangement takes on several distinct personae throughout. In 2000, the entire "classic" Caravan catalog was researched, remastered, and subsequently reissued. During the exhaustive search that ensued, master tapes for this complete performance were recovered. After a thorough sonic scrubbing, Live at the Fairfield Halls, 1974 was released in March 2002. Not only is the sound undeniably better, but also the concert is re-created in its entirety -- restoring "Chance of a Lifetime" (which is listed on the LP jacket, however, edited from the disc) -- and placing "Hoedown" back in the encore spot. | ||
 | Album: 12 of 46 Title: The Album Released: 1980-11 Tracks: 11 Duration: 53:22 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Heartbreaker (03:39) 2 Corner of Me Eye (03:40) 3 Watcha Gonna Tell Me (05:49) 4 Piano Player (05:23) 5 Make Yourself at Home (03:26) 6 Golden Mile (03:12) 7 Bright Shiny Day (06:19) 8 Clear Blue Sky (06:29) 9 Keepin Up De Fences (05:21) 10 Heartbreaker (single version) (03:39) 11 Its Never Too Late (06:25) |
 | Album: 13 of 46 Title: The Show of Our Lives Released: 1981 Tracks: 10 Duration: 46:17 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 If I Could Do It All Over Again, I’d Do It All Over You (03:07) 2 Golf Girl (05:00) 3 Waterloo Lily (06:47) 4 Lover (05:09) 5 Hello Hello (03:46) 6 The Show of Our Lives (05:42) 7 Stuck in a Hole (03:09) 8 The World Is Yours (03:41) 9 Love to Love You (and Tonight Pigs Will Fly) (03:03) 10 Virgin on the Ridiculous (06:53) |
| The Show of Our Lives : Allmusic album Review : This release is not for enthusiasts whose primary criteria include those of sonic quality or program continuity. In fact, bootlegs containing much of the same material as Show of Our Lives circulate from a higher quality source. Primarily owing to the legal ambiguity that governs European broadcast recordings, discs such as this continue to skulk into the marketplace stymieing curious consumers. While the performances highlighted on this volume are quite good, most tracks fade up several seconds in, rendering them incomplete. Another flagrant display of questionable sonic mastering appears during a noisy vinyl transcription of "Love to Love You." Additionally, "Memory Lain, Hugh" and "Headloss" -- which are usually presented as a unified suite -- are separated here by the albums title track. Beyond the sonic foibles, however, are otherwise solid performances by the classic Caravan lineup. Included are the rare "Love Song Without Flute," from Caravans eponymously titled 1968 debut, and the humorously titled "And I Wish I Were Stoned" and "If I Had to Do It All Over Again, Id Do It All Over You," both from the album of the latters name. Other notable works include unique renderings of "Golf Girl," as well as an epic "For Richard." As the liner notes fail to identify source recordings, the supposition is that the material on Show of Our Lives originated as radio broadcasts of varying quality. Indeed, there are striking similarities between this release and the two Caravan sanctioned editions of their BBC Radio appearances -- Songs for Oblivion Fishermen and Ether Way. Additionally, the two legit releases boast infinitely better sound and comprehensive track listings. | ||
 | Album: 14 of 46 Title: Back to Front Released: 1982-07 Tracks: 8 Duration: 43:19 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Back to Herne Bay Front (05:59) 2 Bet You Wanna Take It All / Hold on Hold On (05:22) 3 A.A. Man (05:05) 4 Videos of Hollywood (05:13) 5 Sally Don’t Change It (04:09) 6 All Abroad (04:12) 7 Taken by Breath Away (04:56) 8 Proper Job / Back to Front (08:19) |
| Back to Front : Allmusic album Review : After a string of mediocre Caravan albums, Pye Hastings decided to reconvene all four original members for Back to Front. In an unusually democratic move, he divided the writing between himself, Richard Sinclair, and David Sinclair (with drummer Richard Coughlan abstaining). The result was a generally uneven album, but one that maintains a certain nostalgic charm. Surprisingly, the best songs here were written by David Sinclair, who was usually overshadowed by vocalists Hastings and Richard Sinclair in the early days. On "Sally Dont Change It" and "Videos of Hollywood," David reveals a soft romantic side previously hidden (and which would later blossom on his wonderful solo CD Moon Over Man, actually recorded before this record). "Proper Job/Back to Front" is another gem offered up by the same writer, and most closely recalls early Caravan. Another winner is cousin Richard Sinclairs "Back to Herne Bay Front," an amusing cameo of daily bingo and fish and chips in the small seaside town of Herne Bay. The three songs written by Pye Hastings, on the contrary, are fairly insipid pop numbers; not what one would expect from the bands mainstay and guiding light. Caravan was one of the truly good things to emerge from late-60s/early-70s progressive rock. Back to Front doesnt equate with their best work, but admirers of the group will be intrigued by the disparate personalities that emerge from this quiet reunion. | ||
 | Album: 15 of 46 Title: Looking Back Released: 1988 Tracks: 8 Duration: 59:21 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 If I Could do It All Over Again; Ido It All Over You (03:07) 2 Golf Girl (05:00) 3 Waterloo Lily (06:47) 4 The Love in Your Eye / to Catch Me a Brother / Subsultas Debouchment / Tilbury Kecks (12:32) 5 Memory Lain, Hugh (04:56) 6 Headloss (04:26) 7 Virgin on the Rediculous (07:23) 8 For Richard (live) (15:07) |
 | Album: 16 of 46 Title: The Best of Caravan Released: 1990 Tracks: 14 Duration: 55:38 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 And I Wish I Were Stoned Dont Worry (08:20) 2 Cant Belong Now (03:38) 3 Francoise (06:26) 4 For Richard (00:55) 5 Warlock (03:22) 6 No Backstage Pass (04:35) 7 The Dog, the Dog, Hes at It Again (05:58) 8 The Love in Your Eye (02:48) 9 To Catch Me a Brother (01:33) 10 Subsultus (02:11) 11 Debouchement (03:12) 12 Tilbury Kecks (02:47) 13 In the Land of Grey and Pink (04:54) 14 Memory Lain, Hugh (04:53) |
 | Album: 17 of 46 Title: With an Ear to the Ground Released: 1991 Tracks: 9 Duration: 1:10:14 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 With an Ear to the Ground You Can Make It / Martinian / Only Cox / Reprise (09:54) 2 Be Allright / Chance of a Lifetime (06:33) 3 Place of My Own (04:06) 4 Cant Be Long Now / Francoise / For Richard / Warlock (14:20) 5 Lover / No Backstage Pass (09:44) 6 Magic Man (04:03) 7 Wraiks & Ladders (01:05) 8 Nothing at All / Its Coming Soon (10:24) 9 LAuberge du Sanglier / A Hunting We Shall Go / Pengola / Backwards / A Hunting We Shall Go (Reprise) (10:02) |
 | Album: 18 of 46 Title: BBC Radio 1 Live in Concert Released: 1991 Tracks: 5 Duration: 58:01 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Radio Show Introduction (00:29) 2 Love in Your Eye (15:42) 3 For Richard (17:21) 4 The Dab Song Concerto (18:58) 5 Hoedown (05:28) |
| BBC Radio 1 Live in Concert : Allmusic album Review : Given that Caravans sole official live album from their classic period was done with a full orchestra, the four 1975 sides here -- drawn from four different albums and featuring just the quintet playing before a live audience -- fill in an important gap in the groups history. Any new listeners who might be puzzled as to Caravans appeal could well be won over by the opening track, the quietly gorgeous yet ominous "Love in Your Eye" (from Waterloo Lily), a 15-minute virtuoso number that showcases Geoff Richardsons violin, Dave Sinclairs jazz/prog rock keyboard flourishes, and Pye Hastings hard rock guitar, all supported by Mike Wedgewoods eloquently understated bass. Also present are "For Richard" (originally from If I Could Do It All Over Again), "The Dab Song Concerto" from their then-current album Cunning Stunts, and "Hoedown" from For Girls Who Grow Plump in the Night. In contrast to a lot of progressive rock performances that were mere shadows of studio originals, the concert setting here enhances the material and the groups musical skills are more than up to the challenge of making this kind of intricate material work on-stage. The recording quality is excellent as well. | ||
 | Album: 19 of 46 Title: Live Released: 1992 Tracks: 7 Duration: 59:36 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Headloss (04:37) 2 Videos of Hollywood (06:27) 3 Nine Feet Underground (19:06) 4 If I Could Do It All Over Again, I’d Do It All Over You (03:12) 5 Winter Wine (07:51) 6 In the Land of Grey and Pink (04:50) 7 For Richard (13:29) |
| Live : Allmusic album Review : This disc features a performance by progressive rockers Caravan from a 1990 show filmed for British television -- most specifically ITV networks Bedrock Series -- which is also available on DVD. This reunion includes the classic lineup of the band. If the inspired performance on Live is any indication, the group is as jazzed by the sounds they were making as the audience most noticeably is. It is almost as if they hadnt been away -- in this incarnation at least -- for over a decade and a half. The set list, although diminutive, stretches an hour in total running time, revealing both enthusiast favorites ("Headloss" as well as a "For Richard" of epic proportions), deep catalog cuts ("Winter Wine" and "Nine Feet Underground"), and even a track from their 1982 reunion disc Back to Front ("Videos of Hollywood"). What the running order does not intimate is the jaw-dropping power of the quintet, featuring notable contributions from Jimmy Hastings (flute/sax). The band adeptly revived themselves by playing into the music in much the same fashion that graces their pre-Cunning Stunts live efforts during the mid-70s. By way of accurate comparison, however, it should be noted that this original incarnation of the band never issued any live material -- apart from a few one-off reenactments for the BBC. The raunchy guitar-driven rock of "Headloss" sits surprisingly well when juxtaposed against the decidedly mellower and more recent "Videos of Hollywood." The shorter pieces -- "In the Land of Grey and Pink" and a reworked "If I Could Do It All Over Again, Id Do It All Over You" -- are no less enthusiastically derived; in fact, the opposite is arguably the case. Although newer enthusiasts will inevitably want to add Live to their collections, it is the more seasoned fan who will be most overwhelmed by the prog rock fury on this extremely worthwhile investment. | ||
 | Album: 20 of 46 Title: The Best of Caravan: Canterbury Tales Released: 1994 Tracks: 21 Duration: 2:32:49 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Place of My Own (04:01) 2 Magic Man (04:04) 3 Hello Hello (03:47) 4 If I Could Do It All Over Again, Id Do It All Over You (03:07) 5 And I Wish I Were Stoned / Dont Worry (08:19) 6 Cant Be Long Now / Francoise / For Richard / Warlock (14:26) 7 Love to Love You (And Tonight Pigs Will Fly) (03:03) 8 Golf Girl (05:00) 9 Nine Feet Underground / Nigel Blows a Tune / Loves a Friend / Make It 76 / Dance of the Seven Paper Hankies / Hold Grandad by the Nose / Honest I Did! / Disassociation / 100% Proof (22:44) 10 Songs & Signs (03:39) 11 The World Is Yours (03:37) 1 Memory Lain Hugh (04:53) 2 Headloss (04:22) 3 The Dog, the Dog, Hes at It Again (05:58) 4 Be All Right / Chance of a Lifetime (06:34) 5 LAuberge du Sanglier / A Hunting We Shall Go / Pengola / Backwards / A Hunting We Shall Go (10:04) 6 The Love in Your Eye (live) (12:13) 7 For Richard (live) (14:14) 8 Stuck in a Hole (03:09) 9 Lover / No Backstage Pass (09:40) 10 The Show of Our Lives (05:46) |
 | Album: 21 of 46 Title: The Battle of Hastings Released: 1995 Tracks: 11 Duration: 52:24 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Its a Sad, Sad Affair (03:23) 2 Somewhere in Your Heart (05:43) 3 Cold as Ice (04:09) 4 Liar (06:07) 5 Dont Want Love (06:47) 6 Travelling Ways (03:52) 7 This Time (05:17) 8 If It Wasnt for Your Ego (03:35) 9 Its Not Real (05:30) 10 Wendy Wants Another 6 Mole (02:26) 11 I Know Why Youre Laughing (05:30) |
| The Battle of Hastings : Allmusic album Review : Listening to this beautifully melodic, midtempo album by Caravan is a bit like stepping inside of a time-warp. The group sounds astonishingly good vocally, and Pye Hastings songwriting skills are as fine as (and maybe finer than) ever, as though theyve scarcely skipped a beat from their 1970s heyday. Released in 1995, The Battle of Hastings might have put them on the U.S. charts, at least if an edited version of the hook-laden and memorable "Liar" had been released as an accompanying single -- indeed, this is the record that mightve broken the band in America. Its a little late for that now, but time shouldnt prevent anyone from taking in the sweet, folk-like melodies and the rich harmonies. The playing is a curious mix of sharp attacks on mostly acoustic instruments punctuated with lead electric guitar that manages to be both sinewy and elegant (except where its delightfully understated, as on most of "Its Not Real"), juxtaposed with Jimmy Hastingss richly melodic sax playing. Everything on this record works well, even the editing -- not a note is wasted, as though this were 1970 or so and the band is still competing at the forefront of art-rock and progressive rock circles. One important reason why this music works so well is that there is no pretentiousness about it. The band doesnt try to be heavy or profoundly serious; nor do they try to force rock music to carry ideas it was never meant to carry. Additionally, theres no slackness here, just wonderfully inventive composition and performance, all wrapped together in a gloriously elegant sound. | ||
 | Album: 22 of 46 Title: Cool Water Released: 1995-10-17 Tracks: 11 Duration: 52:17 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Cool Water (04:06) 2 Just the Way You Are (03:42) 3 Tuesday Is Rock and Roll Nite (04:21) 4 The Crack of the Willow (05:34) 5 Ansaphone (04:59) 6 Cold Fright (05:20) 7 Side by Side (04:39) 8 You Wont Get Me Up in One of Those (03:54) 9 To the Land of My Fathers (04:56) 10 Poor Molly (05:53) 11 Send Reinforcements (04:47) |
| Cool Water : Allmusic album Review : In 1977, Caravan entered the studio to finish their tenth LP. The music recorded during these sessions was shelved for almost two decades before Pony Records released the newly mastered tunes in 1994. The collection, entitled Cool Water, has a distinctly raw sound that suggests much of the material was still in development when the album was scrapped. Without the benefit of a complete production treatment, the songs are reduced to their fundamental elements, adding to Cool Waters pop overtones. Gone are the 20-minute epic noodle-fests and indulgent solos. Echoes of Brian Wilson and John Lennon can be heard in guitarist/vocalist Pye Hastings work during highlights like "Just the Way You Are," "Poor Molly," and other straight pop numbers. The only real miscalculations on Cool Water are the fluffy rock tracks, especially "Tuesday Is Rock N Roll Night." Despite these missteps, this lost treasure is sure to delight fans of the Canterbury Scene. Listeners who can do without the genres most excessive musical elements will be especially pleased. | ||
 | Album: 23 of 46 Title: All Over You Released: 1996 Tracks: 11 Duration: 48:12 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 If I Could Do It All Over Again, Id Do It All Over You (03:30) 2 Place of My Own (04:05) 3 The Love in Your Eye / To Catch Me a Brother (04:15) 4 In the Land of Gray & Pink (03:42) 5 Golf Girl (04:33) 6 Disassociation (Nine Feet Underground) (03:50) 7 Hello, Hello (03:13) 8 Asfoteri 25 (02:44) 9 For Richard / Cant Be Long Now / Françoise / For Richard / Warlock (08:11) 10 Memory Lain Hugh (05:01) 11 Headloss (05:01) |
| All Over You : Allmusic album Review : Whenever "classic rock" bands choose to re-record new versions of their old hits, the results are infamously less than favorable. Indeed, Caravan purists and other such enthusiasts may find it necessary to re-evaluate All Over You -- as well as its companion release All Over You...Too -- within their own standards. This single disc features a few acoustic-based reworkings, as well as some otherwise overhauled renditions of some of Caravans most enduring standards. The remastered version -- issued in 2000 on the Castle label -- also contains two additional recordings. The tracks on this release basically fall into two categories. The first consists of new performances featuring the original arrangements. The other and decidedly less successful method involves a reworking enabling the use of samples -- à la hip-hop -- of the original recordings. In what is assuredly an attempt to update and modernize their sound, the somewhat startling incorporation of droning synthesized drumming and other mechanized gimmicks and studio wizardry severely detracts from some of Caravans exceedingly well-written and scored works. Primary among the offenders is the "For Richard" suite. The use of an arguably over-the-top and emphatically "in-your-face" throbbing bassline -- think Nine Inch Nails and Metallica -- insensitively mows down an otherwise intricate arrangement. Conversely, All Over You does underscore several moments of organic brilliance as a few Caravan standards are uncorked like a proverbial vintage wine. "Place of My Own," "In the Land of Grey and Pink," and the now quasi-metal "Memory Lain, Hugh"/"Headloss" combo -- which is derived from an undisclosed live performance -- all benefit from this revisitation. | ||
 | Album: 24 of 46 Title: Canterbury Comes to London: Live From the Astoria Released: 1997 Tracks: 10 Duration: 1:16:11 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Memory Lain (05:04) 2 Headloss (04:53) 3 Nine Feet Underground (17:33) 4 The Dog the Dog, Hes at It Again (06:28) 5 Cold as Ice (05:47) 6 Somewhere in Your Heart (05:39) 7 I Know Why Youre Laughing (05:47) 8 Liar (06:42) 9 For Richard (11:04) 10 Golf Girl (07:08) |
 | Album: 25 of 46 Title: Back on the Tracks Released: 1998 Tracks: 15 Duration: 1:41:53 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Memory Lain, Hugh (05:59) 2 Headloss (05:24) 3 Its a Sad, Sad Affair (03:12) 4 The Dog, the Dog, Hes at It Again (06:29) 5 Cold as Ice (06:14) 6 Somewhere in Your Heart (06:17) 7 Traveling Ways (04:08) 8 I Know Why Youre Laughing (05:39) 9 Liar (06:45) 1 Nine Feet Underground (18:03) 2 Behind You (06:21) 3 Its Not Real (06:17) 4 For Richard (11:33) 5 Golf Girl (05:46) 6 If I Could Do It All Over Again, Id Do It All Over You (03:39) |
 | Album: 26 of 46 Title: Songs for Oblivion Fishermen Released: 1998 Tracks: 12 Duration: 1:13:06 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Hello Hello (02:51) 2 If I Could Do It All Over Again, Id Do It All Over You (02:48) 3 As I Feel I Die (04:31) 4 Love Song Without Flute (03:20) 5 Love to Love You (02:25) 6 In the Land of Grey and Pink (03:39) 7 Memory Lain Hugh (04:54) 8 A Hunting We Shall Go / Backwards (08:25) 9 Love in Your Eye (13:52) 10 Mirror for the Day (04:15) 11 For Richard (15:00) 12 Virgin on the Ridiculous (07:00) |
| Songs for Oblivion Fishermen : Allmusic album Review : This is the first of two collections of material Caravan recorded for the BBC, spanning the years 1970-1974. Caravan is one of the most versatile of the Canterbury family of English psychedelic and progressive rock, capable of winsome, witty pop songs as well as complex but melodic extended workouts. Songs for Oblivion Fishermen features examples of both styles. Half the disc features the bands original lineup with highly rated bassist Richard Sinclair. For the seasoned Caravan enthusiast, the repertoire is somewhat predictable, including standards "If I Could Do It All Over Again, Id Do It All Over You," "Hello Hello," "In the Land of Grey and Pink," and "Memory Lane Hugh." To the bands credit, it does not attempt to recreate its studio recordings note for note, adding interest for longtime fans. Also included are two songs that were never released on Caravans studio albums, "Mirror for a Day" and "Virgin on the Ridiculous." Newcomers could find this collection a good first pick, as it provides a warm welcome to the bands sound and approach as well as a good cross-section of its catalog. Songs for Oblivion Fishermen is a valuable addition to Caravans discography. | ||
 | Album: 27 of 46 Title: Ether Way Released: 1998 Tracks: 9 Duration: 1:00:54 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 The Show of Our Lives (04:54) 2 Stuck in a Hole (03:15) 3 Dabsong Conshirto (12:32) 4 All the Way (06:33) 5 A Very Smelly Grubby Little Oik / Bobbing Wide / Come on Back / Grubby Oik (reprise) (11:44) 6 Behind You (05:13) 7 The Last Unicorn (05:34) 8 Nightmare (06:17) 9 Better by Far (04:48) |
 | Album: 28 of 46 Title: Travelling Man Released: 1998-03-04 Tracks: 14 Duration: 1:00:37 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 In the Land of Grey and Pink (03:46) 2 The Crack of the Willow (05:37) 3 Cold as Ice (04:10) 4 Liar (06:08) 5 If I Could Do It All Over Again, I’d Do It All Over You (03:30) 6 Cool Water (04:06) 7 Travelling Ways (03:52) 8 Place of My Own (04:06) 9 Somewhere in Your Heart (05:43) 10 Wendy Wants Another 6" Mole (02:26) 11 Side by Side (04:39) 12 I Know Why Youre Laughing (05:31) 13 If It Wasnt for Your Ego (03:35) 14 Its a Sad Sad Affair (03:23) |
 | Album: 29 of 46 Title: Surprise Supplies Released: 1999-05 Tracks: 6 Duration: 55:20 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Here Am I (06:15) 2 Chiefs and Indians (05:22) 3 Can You Hear Me (06:26) 4 All the Way (With John Waynes Single Handed Liberation of Paris) (07:17) 5 Very Smelly Grubby Little Oik / Bobbing Wide / Come on Back (13:01) 6 Love in Your Eye / To Catch Me A Brother / Sub Sultus / Debouchement / Tilbury Kecks (16:57) |
| Surprise Supplies : Allmusic album Review : This disc is derived from Caravans May 4, 1976, performance at the New Victoria Theatre in London. Keen-eyed and eared enthusiasts will no doubt notice the similarities between this set and several tracks located on various BBC compilations such as Ether Way and BBC Radio 1 Live. While the performances are different, the session taped for broadcast by John Peel was recorded a mere two days later. This flurry of activity by Caravan in the spring of 74 was primarily in support of the bands seventh studio release, Blind Dog at St. Dunstans -- explaining the concentration of material from that album on this set. The combination of less-than-stellar material, as well as the instability of Caravans personnel, results in an uneven performance. The addition of synthesizer/keyboardist Jan Schelhaas -- who is also featured on Blind Dog at St. Dunstans -- masques any attempts at recapturing the classic Caravan sound with ill-placed solos and over-the-top flourishes á la Keith Emerson. Redemption is found during the discs waning moments during a comfortable "Love in Your Eye" suite. Like a favorite pair of blue jeans or well-worn sneakers, this track is definitely a keeper. The contrast between this cut and the newer works is striking. There is a palpable sense of Caravan rising to the occasion of a more familiar piece. Perhaps this is why it is positioned at the end of the performance. The sound quality on Surprise Supplies is also somewhat lacking. Likewise, when compared to the John Peel sessions located on Ether Way, this recording sounds as if it may be running a semi-tone sharp or fast. Interested enthusiasts are encouraged to seek this disc for the sake of completeness only. Inquiring parties are best served with either Ether Way or BBC Radio 1 Live -- both of which feature material from the same mid-70s Caravan line-up. | ||
 | Album: 30 of 46 Title: Headloss Released: 1999-09-13 Tracks: 11 Duration: 1:01:16 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Golf Girl (04:33) 2 This Time (05:17) 3 Hello Hello (03:22) 4 Cool Water (04:06) 5 Dont Want Love (06:47) 6 In the Land of Gray & Pink (03:42) 7 Headloss (04:53) 8 Nine Feet Underground (17:33) 9 To the Land of My Fathers (04:56) 10 Asforteri (02:32) 11 If I Could Do It All Over Again (03:30) |
 | Album: 31 of 46 Title: The Canterbury Collection Released: 1999-11-01 Tracks: 10 Duration: 52:10 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Its Never Too Late (06:23) 2 Watcha Gonna Tell Me (05:42) 3 All Aboard (04:06) 4 Piano Player (05:19) 5 Sally Dont Change It (04:08) 6 Bright Shiny Day (06:16) 7 Clear Blue Sky (06:26) 8 Bet You Wanna Take It All / Hold On Hold On (05:20) 9 Corner Of My Eye (03:34) 10 Taken My Breath Away (04:52) |
 | Album: 32 of 46 Title: All Over You... Too Released: 2000-06-20 Tracks: 9 Duration: 46:29 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 Hoedown (04:08) 2 Very Smelly Grubby Little Oik (03:28) 3 Bobbing Wide (03:01) 4 The Dog, the Dog, Hes at It Again (06:01) 5 Stuck in a Hole (03:57) 6 Ride (07:27) 7 Nightmare (07:00) 8 Cthlu Thlu (07:03) 9 Bobbing Wide (reprise) (04:21) |
 | Album: 33 of 46 Title: Where But For Caravan Would I ? Released: 2000-07-31 Tracks: 21 Duration: 2:23:59 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Place of My Own (04:07) 2 Love Song With Flute (stereo) (04:11) 3 Magic Man (04:02) 4 Where But For Caravan Would I (09:02) 5 A Day in the Life of Maurice Haylett (05:08) 6 If I Could Do It All Over Again, Id Do It All Over You (03:09) 7 And I Wish I Were Stoned / Don’t Worry (08:12) 8 Asforteri 25 (01:23) 9 Golf Girl (06:11) 10 Nine Feet Underground / Nigel Blows a Tune / Loves a Friend / Make It 76 / Dance of the Seven Paper Hankies / Hold Grandad by the Nose / Honest I Did! / Disassociation / 100% Proof (22:44) 1 Winter Wine (07:38) 2 Love to Love You (03:35) 3 The Love in Your Eye / To Catch Me a Brother / Subsultus / Debouchment / Tilbury Keeks (12:34) 4 Memory Lain Hugh (04:53) 5 Headless (04:23) 6 LAuberge du Sanglier / A Hunting We Shall Go / Pengola / Backwards / A Hunting We Shall Go (10:04) 7 Mirror for the Day (04:45) 8 The Show of Our Lives (05:46) 9 Stuck in a Hole (03:10) 10 No Backstage Pass (04:33) 11 For Richard (14:24) |
| Where But For Caravan Would I ? : Allmusic album Review : This double-disc European import offers something for both the Caravan novice as well as the hardcore fan. One of the highlights of this collection is the radically improved sound. Nowhere is this more evident than on the opening quartet of tracks -- originally on the bands short-lived self-titled album. Where But for Caravan Would I? presents these songs in their original glorious monophonic form for the first time since their original, albeit brief, appearance on MGM/Verve in 1968. Additionally, there are several tracks making their debut release on this compilation. "A Day in the Life of Maurice Haylett" for instance, although it was recorded between the bands debut and their second release -- If I Could Do It All Over Again, Id Do It All Over You. In the Land of Grey and Pink, Caravans third LP, gets royal treatment with four of the albums five tracks presented here. "Golf Girl" and "Love to Love You" have been remixed and augmented beyond their previous fade out. The results are uniformly remarkable. The remainder of the set accurately compiles highlights from For Girls Who Grow Plump in the Night, Cunning Stunts, and Caravan & the New Symphonia. The track "Stuck in a Hole" from Cunning Stunts is presented here in its 45 rpm version. All said, Where But for Caravan Would I? is a great collection. The liner notes booklet contains many rare photos and memorabilia from bandmember Pye Hastings. | ||
 | Album: 34 of 46 Title: The HTD Years Released: 2000-10-30 Tracks: 14 Duration: 1:10:04 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Land of Grey and Pink (03:43) 2 If I Could Do It All Over Again, Id Do It All Over You (03:12) 3 Hoedown (04:09) 4 Here Am I (06:11) 5 Side by Side (04:35) 6 I Know Why Youre Laughing (05:30) 7 Place of My Own (04:06) 8 Send Reinforcements (04:47) 9 Hello Hello (03:35) 10 Cthlu Thlu (07:04) 11 LAuberge du Sanglier (08:24) 12 Its a Sad, Sad Affair (03:44) 13 Travelling Ways (04:06) 14 Golf Girl (06:58) |
 | Album: 35 of 46 Title: Travelling Ways Released: 2001-07-23 Tracks: 24 Duration: 1:56:44 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Its a Sad, Sad Affair (03:22) 2 Cold as Ice (04:10) 3 Somewhere in Your Heart (05:44) 4 This Time (05:17) 5 If It Wasnt for Your Ego (03:34) 6 Wendy Wants Another 6" Mole (02:25) 7 I Know Why Youre Laughing (05:30) 8 If I Could Do It All Over Again, Id Do It All Over You (03:25) 9 Place of My Own (04:07) 10 In the Land of Gray & Pink (03:42) 11 Golf Girl (04:33) 12 Hello Hello (03:22) 1 Asforteri (02:42) 2 Memory Lain, Hugh (05:01) 3 Be All Right / Chance Of A Lifetime (04:38) 4 Headloss (live) (04:50) 5 Liar (live) (06:31) 6 For Richard (Live) (11:01) 7 Travelling Ways (live) (04:05) 8 Hoedown (04:09) 9 The Dog, The Dog, Hes At It Again (06:02) 10 Stuck In A Hole (03:55) 11 Ride (07:27) 12 CThlu Thlu (07:01) |
 | Album: 36 of 46 Title: Live in Nottingham Released: 2002 Tracks: 7 Duration: 59:14 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Headloss (04:38) 2 Videos Of Hollywood (06:38) 3 Nine Feet Underground (18:59) 4 If I Could Do It All Over Again... (03:17) 5 Winter Wine (07:47) 6 In The Land and Of Grey And Pink (04:36) 7 For Richard (13:15) |
 | Album: 37 of 46 Title: Green Bottles for Marjorie: The Lost BBC Sessions Released: 2002 Tracks: 8 Duration: 1:01:42 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Green Bottles for Marjorie (02:34) 2 Place of My Own (04:13) 3 Feelin, Reelin, Squealin (05:43) 4 Ride (04:18) 5 Nine Feet Underground (19:20) 6 In the Land of Grey and Pink (04:02) 7 Feelin, Reelin, Squealin (09:44) 8 The Love in Your Eye (11:44) |
| Green Bottles for Marjorie: The Lost BBC Sessions : Allmusic album Review : This semi-legit yet band-sanctioned disc offers hardcore Caravan enthusiasts the opportunity to hear their heroes on several early BBC Radio broadcasts. Many of these recordings were lifted directly off the air and by most (if not all) accounts reflect that in the fluctuating fidelity. According to the liner booklet, New Years Eve 1968/1969 is the air date for the first four tracks: "Green Bottles for Marjorie" -- the working moniker for the title track of their second long-player, If I Could Do It All Over Again, Id Do It All Over You (1970) -- "Place of My Own," "Ride," and a cover of Soft Machines "Feelin, Reelin, Squealin." While the sound quality is definitely on the modest side, every track is listenable in all its narrow frequency monaural majesty. Of particular note in this initial batch is the latter, as the band never issued a studio version -- although they would revisit "Feelin, Reelin, Squealin" on a subsequent Beeb session. But, more about that in a moment. Otherwise, the remaining trio of tunes are considerably close to the way theyd eventually turn up on Caravans 1968 self-titled debut and aforementioned follow-up, If I Could Do It All Over Again, Id Do It All Over You. The superior readings of "Nine Feet Underground" and the second "Feelin, Reelin, Squealin" hail from a May 6th [note: not 16th as the cover indicates] "Sunday Concert" hosted by John Peel, while "In the Land of Grey and Pink" is from a March 1971 appearance on Sound of the 70s. The final cut is notated as an April 1972 broadcast that included an epic take of "The Love in Your Eye" from the equally excellent Waterloo Lily (1971). In 2007, this collection was bested by the double-disc Deram vault release The Show of Our Lives (2007) with a majority of the material found here in infinitely superior audio. | ||
 | Album: 38 of 46 Title: The Unauthorised Breakfast Item Released: 2003 Tracks: 15 Duration: 1:40:11 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Smoking Gun (Right for Me) (05:36) 2 Revenge (05:15) 3 The Unauthorised Breakfast Item (04:44) 4 Tell Me Why (06:16) 5 Its Getting a Whole Lot Better (08:56) 6 Head Above the Clouds (07:21) 7 Straight Through the Heart (04:40) 8 Wild West Street (04:47) 9 Nowhere to Hide (08:54) 10 Linders Field (03:38) 1 Smoking Gun (Right for Me) (live) (07:56) 2 The Unauthorised Breakfast Item (live) (06:16) 3 Tell Me Why (live) (05:45) 4 Revenge (live) (05:42) 5 For Richard (live) (14:22) |
| The Unauthorised Breakfast Item : Allmusic album Review : The 21st century version of Caravan is here to entertain the die-hard Canterbury heads, and fans of the group should be pleased by some familiar names from the good old days of the 60s and 70s, who appear either as members of the core sextet or as special guests. Pye Hastings, Richard Coughlan, Geoffrey Richardson, Jan Schelhaas, Dave Sinclair, and Jimmy Hastings can all be heard at one point or another on the whimsically named The Unauthorised Breakfast Item, the 2003 CD whose title track references an apparent run-in of sorts with hotel restaurant staff when the band appeared at the 2002 NEARFest in Trenton, New Jersey. The well-produced ten-track CD includes a ten-page booklet filled with photos and lyrics to the eight non-instrumental tunes, whose presence in the track listing might be a warning sign for Caravan fans right from the get-go. For while various touches -- Sinclairs trademark fuzz organ keyboard tone during his solo at the conclusion of "Revenge," Jimmy Hastings lovely soprano sax during "Tell Me Why"s closing vamp -- might get an old Caravan aficionado pumped up a bit, the fact is that this CD is filled with catchy yet conventional rock songs, some pretty balladeering, and lots of lead vocalizing by Hastings (whose somewhat understated singing style remains engaging and sounds basically unchanged from the early days, even if the booklet photos suggest he might be physically morphing into Bill Clinton). In the bands heyday, Caravan let loose with stunning instrumental passages on extended suites like "For Richard," "Nine Feet Underground," and "The Love in Your Eye." Certainly this pegged the group as a prog rock outfit, but unlike most others in this much-maligned style, Caravan never stalled the momentum or became heavy-handed in their sometimes intricate extended jams. Here, the brief instrumentals "Wild West Street" and "Linders Field" might toss a bone to those who would like the bandmembers to step back from the mikes and just play for a bit, but the bands spacy instrumental interludes often seem less than fully developed, tending almost toward smooth jazz with an adult contemporary or new age sheen. The hottest soloing is reserved for a comparative youngster, guitarist Doug Boyle, whose blues-rock approach (hes a former Robert Plant axeman) passes for street cred in this group and also suggests hes a big fan of Andy Latimer. The Unauthorised Breakfast Item has enough heartfelt vocalizing, driving rhythms, hooky choruses, burning solos, contemporary jazz overtones, and atmospheric production effects to give some satisfaction to Caravan fans of yore. But newcomers should seek out the bands discography from about 30 years (or more) earlier to experience stronger doses of excitement. | ||
 | Album: 39 of 46 Title: A Nights Tale: Live in the USA Released: 2003-01-24 Tracks: 6 Duration: 1:17:42 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 All The Way / A Very Smelly, Grubby Litttle Oik (11:29) 2 Nine Feet Underground (18:36) 3 Medley: Dabsong Conshirtoe / All Aboard / Where But For Caravan Would I / O Caroline / The Dabsong / Love In Your Eye / Backwards / A Hunting We Shall Go (15:24) 4 Nightmare (09:44) 5 I Know Why Youre Laughing (07:49) 6 For Richard (14:37) |
 | Album: 40 of 46 Title: Nowhere to Hide Released: 2003-07-21 Tracks: 8 Duration: 1:06:10 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 All the Way / A Very Smelly Grubby Little Oik (10:58) 2 Liar (07:07) 3 The Dog, the Dog, Hes at It Again (06:27) 4 Nowhere to Hide (08:40) 5 Nightmare (07:53) 6 For Richard (11:57) 7 Memory Lain, Hugh / Headloss (09:20) 8 If I Could Do It All Over Again, Id Do It All Over You (03:48) |
 | Album: 41 of 46 Title: With Strings Attached Released: 2003-08-11 Tracks: 7 Duration: 1:14:09 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Headloss (05:07) 2 The Dog, the Dog, Hes at It Again (05:46) 3 Travelling Ways (04:01) 4 Medley: The Dabsong Conshirtoe / All Aboard / Where but for Caravan Would I? / O Caroline / The Dabsong / The Love in Your Eye / Backwards / A Hunting We Shall Go (16:00) 5 Nine Feet Underground (18:25) 6 Nightmare (10:26) 7 For Richard (With Orchestra) (14:22) |
 | Album: 42 of 46 Title: Grey Pink & Gold Released: 2004 Tracks: 16 Duration: 2:15:51 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Headloss (04:36) 2 In The Land Of Grey And Pink (04:38) 3 Videos Of Hollywood (06:38) 4 Nine Feet Underground (18:59) 5 Winter Wine (07:47) 6 If I Could Do It All Over Again (03:17) 7 For Richard (13:15) 1 All the Way / A Very Smelly Grubby Little Oik (10:37) 2 Medley: Dabsong Conshirtoe / All Aboard / Where but for Caravan Would / O Caroline / The Dabsong / Love in Your Eye / Backwards / A Hunting We Shall Go (15:24) 3 Nightmare (09:44) 4 I Know Why Youre Laughing (05:33) 5 Liar (07:07) 6 The Dog, the Dog, Hes at It Again (06:27) 7 Nowhere to Hide (08:40) 8 Memory Lain, Hugh / Headloss (09:13) 9 If I Could Do It All Over Again, Id Do It All Over You (03:48) |
 | Album: 43 of 46 Title: The World Is Yours: The Anthology 1968-1976 Released: 2010-03-22 Tracks: 42 Duration: 4:14:51 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Place of My Own (04:01) 2 Magic Man (?) 3 Love Song With Flute (stereo) (04:11) 4 Grandmas Lawn (?) 5 Cecil Rons (?) 6 Where but for Caravan Would I? (?) 7 A Day in the Life of Maurice Haylett (05:08) 8 If I Could Do It All Over Again, Id Do It All Over You (?) 9 Clipping the Eighth (Hello, Hello demo) (?) 10 And I Wish I Were Stoned / Don’t Worry (08:12) 11 Asforteri 25 (01:23) 12 Cant Be Long Now / Françoise / For Richard / Warlock (?) 13 With an Ear to the Ground You Can Make It / Martinian / Only Cox (?) 1 Golf Girl (05:01) 2 In the Land of Grey and Pink (05:02) 3 Nine Feet Underground / Nigel Blows a Tune / Loves a Friend / Make It 76 / Dance of the Seven Paper Hankies / Hold Grandad by the Nose / Honest I Did! / Disassociation / 100% Proof (22:44) 4 Winter Wine (07:38) 5 I Dont Know Its Name (06:10) 6 Love To Love You (03:13) 7 Feelin, Reelin, Squealin (09:31) 8 The Love In Your Eye (11:29) 9 The World Is Yours (03:37) 10 Aristocracy (03:03) 1 Waterloo Lily (06:48) 2 Any Advance On Carpet ? (09:09) 3 Cthlu Thulu (06:13) 4 Memory Lain Hugh / Headloss (09:16) 5 The Dog, the Dog, Hes at It Again (05:58) 6 LAuberge du Sanglier / A Hunting We Shall Go / Pengola / Backwards / A Hunting We Shall Go (10:04) 7 A Mirror For The Day (04:31) 8 For Richard (14:53) 9 Virgin On The Ridiculous (06:51) 1 Be Alright / Chance Of A Lifetime (06:18) 2 The Show Of Our Lives (05:48) 3 Keeping Back My Love (08:57) 4 No Backstage Pass (04:32) 5 Stuck In A Hole (03:10) 6 The Love In Your Eye (15:43) 7 The Dabsong Conshirtoe (15:13) 8 Here I Am (06:18) 9 A Very Smelly, Grubby Oik / Bobbing Wide (05:48) 10 All The Way (08:57) |
 | Album: 44 of 46 Title: All Over You And You Too Released: 2012 Tracks: 22 Duration: 1:42:35 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 If I Could Do It All Over Again, Id Do It All Over You (03:30) 2 Place of My Own (04:06) 3 The Love in Your Eye / To Catch Me a Brother (04:15) 4 In the Land of Gray & Pink (03:42) 5 Golf Girl (04:33) 6 Disassociation (Nine Feet Underground) (03:50) 7 Hello, Hello (03:13) 8 Asfoteri 25 (02:44) 9 For Richard / Cant Be Long Now / Françoise / For Richard / Warlock (08:11) 10 Memory Lain Hugh (05:01) 11 Headloss (04:50) 12 Be Alright / Chance of a Lifetime (04:39) 13 If I Could Do It All Over Again, Id Do It All Over You (03:24) 1 Hoedown (04:08) 2 Very Smelly Grubby Little Oik (03:28) 3 Bobbing Wide (03:01) 4 The Dog, the Dog, Hes at It Again (06:01) 5 Stuck in a Hole (03:57) 6 Ride (07:27) 7 Nightmare (07:00) 8 Cthlu Thlu (07:03) 9 Bobbing Wide (reprise) (04:21) |
 | Album: 45 of 46 Title: Paradise Filter Released: 2013-12-20 Tracks: 10 Duration: 49:11 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 All This Could Be Yours (04:30) 2 I’m on My Way (04:27) 3 Fingers in the Till (04:45) 4 This Is What We Are (04:11) 5 Dead Man Walking (05:59) 6 Farewell My Old Friend (04:07) 7 Pain in the Arse (04:30) 8 Trust Me I Am a Doctor (04:28) 9 I’ll Be There for You (06:14) 10 The Paradise Filter (06:00) |
 | Album: 46 of 46 Title: The Back Catalogue Songs Released: 2014-02-24 Tracks: 6 Duration: 48:55 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Memory Lain, Hugh (04:44) 2 Headloss (04:45) 3 In the Land of Grey and Pink (04:52) 4 The Dog, the Dog, Hes at It Again (05:10) 5 For Richard (11:41) 6 Nine Feet Underground (17:41) |