01	It's a sad, sad, affair						03:23
	02	Somewhere in your heart						05:43
	03	Cold as ice						04:09
	04	Liar						06:07
	05	Don't want love						06:48
	06	Travelling ways						03:52
	07	This time						05:18
	08	If it wasn't for your ego						03:35
	09	It's not real						05:30
	10	Wendy wants another 6" mole						02:26
	11	I know why you're laughing						05:30

CARAVAN

Caravan (1968)
If I Could Do It All Over Again, I'd Do It All Over You (1970)
In The Land Of Grey And Pink (1971)
Waterloo Lily (1972)
For Girls Who Grow Plump In The Night (1973)
Caravan And The New Symphonia (1974)
Cunning Stunts (1975)
Blind Dog At St. Dunstan's (1976)
Better By Far (1977)
The Album (1980)
Back To Front (1982)
Live 1990 (Released 1992)
BBC Radio One Live In Concert (Recorded 1975, Released 1991)
Battle Of Hastings (1995)
Live: Canterbury Comes To London (1997)
Live In Holland - Back On The Tracks (1998)
Suprise Supplies (Recorded 1976, Released 1999)

Compilations/Other Recordings
Cool Water (Archive Tracks From 1977, Released 1994)
All Over You (1996, Remaking Of Old Tracks)
Songs For Oblivion Fishermen (Recorded 1970-74, Released 1998)
Either Way (Recorded 1975-77, Released 1998)
All Over You Too (1999, Remaking Of Old Tracks)
Show Of Our Lives (1999)
Headloss (1999)
Where, but for Caravan Would I (2000)
Green Bottles For Marjorie (Recorded 1968-72, Released 2002)

The Caravan Information Service http://www.caravan-info.co.uk/

County Of Origin: England
Established: 1968
Styles: Canterbury

Biography

Caravan was formed in Canterbury, England in 1968 by Pye Hastings (guitar/ vocals), Dave Sinclair (keyboards), Richard Sinclair (bass/ vocals) and Richard Coughlan (drums). The four had previously played at various times with the local Canterbury band that started it all, The Wilde Flowers, which also featured future Soft Machine members Robert Wyatt, Kevin Ayers and Hugh Hopper. The band's 1968 self-titled debut saw the first signing of a UK band to the American MGM/ Verve label. The band's second album, If I Could Do It All Over Again, I'd Do It All Over You was released in September 1970, and would mark the start of their classic period.

September 1971 saw the release of the seminal In the Land of Grey and Pink. By now a loyal fan base was developing and they were playing some prestigious gigs in front of audiences upwards 250,000 people. At this crucial point, Dave Sinclair decided to leave, and went on to form Matching Mole with former Wilde Flower mate Robert Wyatt. Delivery Keyboardist Steve Miller came in as a replacement for Dave - recommended to Richard Sinclair by Phil, Steve's brother and a guitarist who would go on to greater notoriety with Hatfield & the North and National Health. This line up was not a favorite with fans, who saw a change to a jazzier feel, based in large part around Steve's piano oriented keyboard style. This style dominated the next album, Waterloo Lily, released in May of 1972.

With the departure of both Miller and Richard Sinclair after the release of Waterloo Lily, auditions were held for replacements, and Stuart Evans and Derek Austin went on the road with the band. Not fitting in with the traditional Caravan sound, tensions lead to their departure shortly thereafter, while the rest of the band headed into the studio to record demos for the next album. Enter new members John G. Perry on bass, Geoffrey Richardson on viola and the return of David Sinclair on keyboards for the recording of For Girls Who Grow Plump in the Night. This album marked another change in the band's sound, this time towards a more straight symphonic rock sound. This lineup also recorded the live album Caravan and the New Symphonia. These would pretty much be the last solid releases from Caravan in the studio.

Mike Wedgewood replaced Perry on bass for Cunning Stunts in 1975. While the side long Sinclair penned "Dabsong Conshirto" was a strong piece, the first half of the album was definitely a low point for Caravan, and marked the beginning of a series of mediocre releases and lineup changes, eventually leading to the reunion of the original members on Back to Front.

Many different compilations and live albums were released in the intervening twelve years before a new studio album, Battle of Hastings, was released in 1995. Richard Sinclair had left again, replaced by Jim Leverton. With the addition of second guitarist Doug Boyle and percussionist Simon Bentall, Caravan is still active today, playing many live dates as well as being rumored to be preparing a new studio album for release in 2002. Decca/Deram has also remastered the band's classic albums, from If I Could Do It All Over Again, I'd Do It All Over You through Cunning Stunts, with a myriad of bonus material, copious liner notes and impeccable sound quality. 2002 also saw the band play their first performance in the United States in 28 years at NEARfest 2002. - Mike Prete [September 2002]

Source: Caravan Information Service Online
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If I Could Do It All Over Again, I'd Do It All Over You (1970)

Perhaps the preeminent statement of the Canterbury scene, If I Could... is classic Caravan all the way. This album sees the band at their apex, expertly blending pop, psychedelia and progressive rock. With long jams and fuzzed out organ dominating the work, If I Could... has a relatively raw sound that is at times similar to their contemporaries Soft Machine (Third was also released in 1970). The usual quotient of mellow and whimsical tracks is upheld here as well, along with the always enchanting vocal combination of Richard Sinclair and Pye Hastings.

"And I Wish I Were Stoned" and the classic "For Richard" are extended pieces dominated by the psychedelic jamming and fuzzed out organ sound, as well as memorable melodies, and are filled with great, complex playing; the former in particular having one of the most incredible guitar solos I've ever heard. The title track shows the band at their whimsical best, with a light jazzy touch and a pop feeling, showing why the band was just as comfortable on "Top of the Pops" as they were cranking out ten minute epics. "Hello, Hello" is another of my favorite pieces; a light and jazzy song with an intoxicating vocal melody.

The bonus tracks here consist mainly of demo versions of album songs, but also included is the previously unreleased "A Day In The Life Of Maurice Haylett" which would have fit right in on the album proper. In short, this is a simply amazing album that I cannot recommend highly enough. - Mike Prete [October 2001]


1. If I Could Do It All over Again, I'd Do It All Over You - 3:05
2. And I Wish I Were Stoned - 8:12
-Don't Worry
3. As I Feel I Die - 5:12
4. With an Ear to the Ground - 9:51
-Martinian
-Only Cox
-Reprise
5. Hello, Hello - 3:44
6. Asforteri - 1:20
7. Can't Be Long Now - 14:17
-Francoise
-For Richard
-Warlock
8. Limits - 1:32

Bonus Tracks:
9. A Day In The Life Of Maurice Haylett - 5:40
10. Why? (And I Wish I Were Stoned Demo) - 4:22
11. Clipping The 8th (Hello Hello Demo) - 3:13
12. As I Feel I Die (Demo) - 4:39

Pye Hastings - Guitar, Vocals
Brother James (Hastings) - Winds
Richard Coughlin - Drums, Percussion
Richard Sinclair - Bass
Dave Sinclair - Keyboards

Decca Records - 8829682 - 2001
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In The Land Of The Grey And Pink (1971)

One of the finest examples of the Canterbury sub-genre, In the Land of Grey and Pink is Caravan at their peak; capturing both their jazz-tinged, virtuosic jamming and charming English whimsy. Magical tales of far away lands and golf balls falling from the sky, while rather absurd, add to the band's naive charm. This album displays more of the band's poppy tendencies, although with interesting folk-like instrumentation and usually blended with long flights of instrumental ecstasy. The overtly jazzy rhythm section of Richard Sinclair and Richard Coughlan keep a strong yet open foundation, over which Dave Sinclair reigns supreme with blazing Hammond organ riffs. Intoxicating, ethereal melodies abound, often sung by the soft and mesmerizing voice of Richard Sinclair.

The band is at their best when melding both the pop and instrumental aspects together, and the two extended songs on the album are the highlights. "Winter Wine" drifts along like a dream, with a more acoustic nature and exquisite melodies developing over its course. The real treat though is the side long closer. "Nine Feet Underground" takes all these elements to epic heights, with endless, dynamic Hammond drenched keyboard passages and stunningly beautiful vocals. This is something that must be experienced.

The bonus tracks on the remaster are rather interesting, with a totally unreleased song and radically different versions of "Golf Girl" ("Group Girl") and "Aristocracy", which would appear in finalized form on Waterloo Lily. This album is an outstanding classic that, like its predecessor, comes with my highest recommendation. - Mike Prete [October 2001]

1. Golf Girl - 5:05
2. Winter Wine - 7:46
3. Love To Love You (And Tonight Pigs Will Fly) -3:06
4. In The Land Of The Grey And Pink - 4:51
5. Nine Feet Underground - 22:40
- 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!
- Dissassociation
- 100% Proof

Bonus Tracks:
6. I Don't Know It's Name (Alias: The Word) - 6:12
7. Aristocracy (Demo) - 3:42
8. It's Likely To Have A Name Next Week (Winter Wine Demo) - 7:48
9. Group Girl (Golf Girl Demo) - 5:04
10. Dissassociation/100% Proof (New Mix) - 8:35

Richard Sinclair - Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals
Pye Hastings - Guitars, Vocals
David Sinclair - Organ, Piano, Mellotron, Harmony Vocals
Richard Coughlan - Percussion, Drums
Jimmy Hastings - Flute, Piccolo, Sax
David Grinsted - Cannon, Bell, Wind

Decca Records - Dream 8829832 - 2001
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Waterloo Lily (1972)

Perhaps marking the height of Caravan's jazz influenced compositions, Waterloo Lily steers away from the traditional sound of the group with the addition of electric pianist Steve Miller and the progressively jazz oriented contributions of Richard Sinclair. This new facet of the band's sound, a more refined improvisational bent, is emphasized on "Nothing At All". While there are some great moments here, the track also suffers from a fair share of meandering and some nasty fade-ins and outs, which is probably the result of having spliced together bits and pieces of a jam session with Phil Miller.

"The Love in Your Eye" is easily the high point of the album. This epic suite integrates a symphonic leaning into their currently jazzy tendencies, utilizing strings and brass as well as woodwinds with a subtle, focused intensity. The traditional Caravan sound is most present on the title track and "Aristocracy", both of which combine the whimsy and playfulness we've come to know and love along with intense jamming and a softer more melodic side. While the album is often dismissed by fans as being "boring jazz-rock", there is in fact plenty here to appeal to lovers of the group's earlier work.

This remaster also has the most interesting bonus material, including some completely new material; two tracks with just Pye and acoustic guitar, and the full band track "Looking Left, Looking Right". There is plenty here for the Caravan enthusiast. - Mike Prete [October 2001]
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For Girls Who Grow Plump In The Night (1973)

A marked change from the jazz-rock heavy predecessor, For Girls Who Grow Plump in the Night sees the band adopting a more streamlined symphonic approach. This is easily attributable to the departures of both Richard Sinclair and Steve Miller, who were in turn replaced by John G. Perry and Dave Sinclair, along with the addition of Geoffrey Richardson on viola. Gone are the whimsical, jazz tinged and Hammond drenched songs of earlier albums, replaced here by driving symphonic rock. Although this certainly produced an interesting change, it's just not what I want to hear from Caravan, as there are plenty of other bands out there doing the same thing, and for the most part, doing it better.

"Memory Lain, Hugh/Headloss" and "L'Auberge du Sanglier/A Hunting We Shall Go" are very good symphonic rock pieces in their own right, and there is no lack of energy or strong playing. However, Perry's nasal vocals, while not the focus on most songs, make me wish for the return of Richard Sinclair. Like all the other Decca/Dream remasters, this album features a plethora of bonus material. Unlike the other albums, this is mostly comprised of demos that aren't much different than the final versions. However, they do have hold some notable interest for Caravan devotees as being the only recordings with interim members Stuart Evans (bass) and Derek Austin (keyboards).

For Girls Who Grow Plump in the Night is not a bad album taken by itself, but the classic Canterbury sound stopped here. For a more representative look at Carvan in their prime, check out the preceding three albums. - Mike Prete [October 2001]

1. Memory Lain, Hugh/Headloss - 9:19
2. Hoedown - 3:20
3. Surprise, Surprise - 4:07
4. C'thlu Thlu - 6:15
5. Dog, the Dog, He's at It Again - 5:58
6. Be All Right/Chance of a Lifetime - 6:37
7. L'Auberge du Sanglier/A Hunting We Shall Go - 10:07

Bonus Tracks:
8. Memory Lain, Hugh/Headloss (US Mix)
9. No!/Waffle (Be Alright/Chance Of A Lifetime Demo)
10. He Who Smelt It Dealt It (Memory Lain, Hugh Demo)
11. Surprise, Surprise (Demo)
12. Derek's Long Thing

John G. Perry - Bass, Vocals
Richard Coughlan - Percussion, Drums, Tympani [Timpani]
Jimmy Hastings - Flute, Conductor, Wind
Pye Hastings - Guitar, Vocals
Geoff Richardson - Guitar, Viola, Vocals
Dave Sinclair - Organ, Synthesizer, Piano, Keyboards, Piano (Electric)

Decca Records - Dream 8829802 - 2001
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Caravan And The New Symphonia (1974)

With their newfound symphonic direction, the decision to record with a full symphony orchestra was probably the next logical step for Caravan. Recorded live at the Theater Royal, Drury Lane on October 28th, 1973, the new Decca/Dream remaster presents this concert in its entirety, as opposed to the previous release which only contained the tracks recorded with the orchestra, and also lacked the encore of "A Hunting We Shall Go".

The first three tracks consist of the warm-up section of the concert, with just the band itself. These spirited renditions add some life to the studio versions. The actual concert begins with three new pieces, along with the classic "Love in Your Eye". With its original orchestration, this would be the perfect piece to showcase here, but is sadly ruined in parts by the addition of Perry's caterwauling in the background. The new pieces aren't all that strong either, and foreshadowed the lackluster output that was still to come from the band in their career. The band does redeem themselves somewhat in the end with intense renditions of "For Richard" and "A Hunting We Shall Go", making this a fairly necessary release for fans of the band. - Mike Prete [October 2001]


1. Introduction by Alan Black/Memory Lain, Hugh Headloss - 11:00
2. The Dog, the Dog, He's at It Again - 6:36
3. Hoedown - 3:54
4. Introduction - 6:49
5. The Love in Your Eye - 12:49
6. Mirror for the Day - 4:29
7. Virgin on the Ridiculous - 7:57
8. For Richard - 14:18
9. A Hunting We Shall Go - 10:23

John G. Perry - Bass, Vocals
Richard Coughlan - Drums
Pye Hastings - Guitar, Vocals
Geoff Richardson - Electric Viola
Dave Sinclair - Organ, Synthesizer, Electric Piano
The New Symphonia Orchestra

Decca Records - Dream 8829692 - 2001
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Songs For Oblivion Fishermen (1998)

Songs for Oblivion Fishermen is a compilation of live material recorded by Caravan for various BBC programs during the 70s. Caravan, like most of the other jazz wielding Canterbury bands, tended to incorporate intricate jamming and joyous improvisations into their work. This approach tended to carry over quite well in the live atmosphere, making this album a nice companion piece to the studio material, rather than a by-the-numbers rehash.

Considering that the songs on this release are most of the band's best, there is nothing that really stands out, as everything is solid. The combination between the shorter, poppier songs and the extended suites is perfect. There is also a nice balance between the different lineups of the group, with the first six songs coming from the original lineup, and the last six from the For Girls... era. Also included is one previously unreleased song, "Love Song Without Flute".

My one complaint is that this doesn't really flow like a real live album, with all the pieces from different live studio appearances, without an audience, not to mention the change of lineups halfway through. Nonetheless, this would make a good introduction to the band, as it is comprised of some of their strongest material - Mike Prete [October 2001]


1. Hello, Hello - 2:51
2. If I Could Do It All over Again, I'd Do It All Over You - 2:48
3. As I Feel I Die - 4:31
4. Love Song Without Flute - 3:20
5. Love to Love You - 2:25
6. In the Land of Grey and Pink - 3:39
7. Memory Lain Hugh - 4:54
8. Hunting We Shall Go/Backwards - 8:25
9. Love in Your Eye - 13:52
10. Mirror for the Day - 4:15
11. For Richard - 15:03
12. Virgin on the Ridiculous- 7:00

Richard Coughlan - Drums
Pye Hastings - Guitar, Vocals
Geoffrey Richardson - Viola
Dave Sinclair - Keyboards, Vocals
Richard Sinclair - Bass, Vocals
John G. Perry - Bass, Vocals

Hux Records LTD - HUX 002 - 1998