Caravan – In The Land of Grey and Pink (1971) 24-bit/96kHz New Vinyl Rip

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 humour and charm. In addition, this would mark the end of the band's premiere line-up. 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 favourites 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." Lindsay Planer. Allmusic.

Track listing:

01. Golf Girl
02. Winter Wine
03. Love to Love You (And Tonight Pigs Will Fly)
04. In the Land of Grey and Pink

05. 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

Personnel:

Richard Sinclair: Bass guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals
Pye Hastings: Electric guitars, acoustic guitar, vocals
David Sinclair: Organ, piano, mellotron, harmony vocals
Richard Coughlan: Drums and percussion
Jimmy Hastings: Flute, tenor sax, piccolo
David Grinstead: Cannon, bell and wind
Produced by David Hitchcock
Recorded at A.I.R. studios and Decca Studios.