Tag: Caravan

Title: Caravan – In The Land Of Grey And Pink (1971) [Japanese Limited SHM-SACD 2016]
Genre: Rock
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

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”.

hraudio | allmusic | discogs

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Title: Caravan – In The Land Of Grey And Pink (1971) [Japanese Limited SHM-SACD 2010]
Genre: Rock
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

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”.

hraudio | allmusic | discogs

(more…)

Title: Caravan – For Girls Who Grow Plump In The Night (1973) [Japanese SHM-SACD 2014]
Genre: Rock
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

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.

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