Caravan – If I Could Do It All Over Again, I’d Do It All Over You (2013 Re-Issue) (1970/2023)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 47:32 minutes | 913 MB | Genre: Rock
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Decca (UMO)
Caravan followed up their eponymous debut with the cryptically titled If I Could Do It All Over Again I’d 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. Caravan’s 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 TV’s Top of the Pops program. – Lindsay Planer
Read more
Caravan – In The Land Of Grey And Pink (1971) [Japanese Limited SHM-SACD 2016]
PS3 Rip | ISO | SACD DSD64 2.0 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 43:26 minutes | Scans included | 1,76 GB
or FLAC(converted with foobar2000 to tracks) 24bit/88,2 kHz | Full Scans included | 921 MB
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 band’s 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 album’s 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 Sinclair’s lyrics are of particular note, especially the middle-earth imagery used on “Winter Wine” or the enduring whimsy of “Golf Girl”.
Read more
Caravan – In The Land Of Grey And Pink (1971) [Japanese Limited SHM-SACD 2010]
PS3 Rip | ISO | SACD DSD64 2.0 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 43:28 minutes | Scans included | 1,75 GB
or FLAC(converted with foobar2000 to tracks) 24bit/88,2 kHz | Scans included | 911 MB
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 band’s 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 album’s 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 Sinclair’s lyrics are of particular note, especially the middle-earth imagery used on “Winter Wine” or the enduring whimsy of “Golf Girl”.
Read more
Caravan – For Girls Who Grow Plump In The Night (1973) [Japanese SHM-SACD 2014]
PS3 Rip | SACD ISO | DSD64 2.0 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 45:32 minutes | Scans included | 1,84 GB
or FLAC(converted with foobar2000 to tracks) 24bit/88,2 kHz | Full Scans included | 852 MB
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 band’s trademark humor within the otherwise serious and challenging sonic structures. Two of the more dominant reasons for the change in Caravan’s 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 Caravan’s watershed moments. There are perhaps none better than the mesmerizing counterpoint melodies he weaves during the “L’Auberge 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, He’s 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.” “Derek’s 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.
Read more
Caravan – Paradise Filter (2013)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/44,1 kHz | Time – 49:10 minutes | 310 MB | Genre: Progressive Rock
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Caravan Records
Caravan was formed in Canterbury, England in 1968… On 14 October 2013 the band went into the studio in Canterbury to record a new album. This was released digitally under the name “Paradise Filter ” on 20 December 2013. On 1th December 2013, founding member Richard Coughlan passed away…
Read more
Caravan – Caravan & The New Symphonia
Vinyl | LOG | CUE | FLAC | Tags | Full LP Cover (1:1)
24bit/96kHz: 982mb – 16bit/44kHz: 294mb
Genre: Canterbury-Scene | Label: London Records / PS 650, Decca – PS 650 | Release: 1974
This Caravan record has a very good balance between electric guitars and electric viola: they are often played simultaneously. The electric guitar is really not timid here, and this contributes to give a very good sound to this record. The drums and bass are punchy and quite loud. The songs are recorded live. The main attraction is this omnipresent orchestration (horns and strings): it is absolutely delightful, very present and participating, reminding many orchestrated passages of the Renaissance band, circa “Scheherazade”, “Novella” and “Song for all seasons”. This is the best of the Caravan’s albums I own! This formula of rock-orchestra really works. Do not forget the nice keyboards, having about the same style as on “For girls who grow plump in the night”. Let us also mention the presence of saxes, flute and backing vocals, which complete the loaded ensemble. Very progressive, this record is a pleasure for your ears from the beginning to the end. There are 2 epic songs (12-13 minutes), which are really progressive. Unlike the other albums, this one is slightly less catchy, maybe because of the absence of Richard Sinclair’s lead vocals. Definitely an underrated album, having ALL its songs at least excellent!! If you hate strings ensemble and violins, then this record is not for you!
EXTREMELY RECOMMENDED!
progarchives.com