Caravan - 8 Albums (1968-1980) [Japanese Mini LP Collection 2009 - w. Bonus Tracks] RE-UP

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Caravan - 8 Albums (1968-1980) [Japanese Mini LP Collection 2009 - w. Bonus Tracks] RE-UP

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Caravan was 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 - Japanese Mini LP SHM-CD Collection contains: _________

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Caravan - 8 Albums (1968-1980) [Japanese Mini LP Collection 2009 - w. Bonus Tracks] RE-UP

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Caravan - Caravan (1968) [SHM-CD 2009]
EAC-FLAC with CUE & LOG - 324 MB | Full Scans - 548 MB | MP3 CBR 320 Kbps - 163 MB
Progressive Rock / Symphonic Rock | TT - 74:03 mins | Japanese SHM-CD, based on 2002 Remastering

allmusic.com says: 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 band's 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 London's 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. Caravan's self-titled debut is equally as inventive and infinitely more subtle than the Soft Machine's Volume One or Pink Floyd's Piper at the Gates of Dawn. Two of the album's best tunes – the ethereal "Place of My Own" was backed with the dreamlike "Magic Man" – were issued as the band's 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 Caravan's 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 "Grandma's 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, I'd 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.

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Caravan - 8 Albums (1968-1980) [Japanese Mini LP Collection 2009 - w. Bonus Tracks] RE-UP

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Caravan - If I Could Do It All Over Again, I'd Do It All Over You (1970) [SHM-CD 2009]
EAC-FLAC with CUE & LOG - 385 MB | Full Scans - 513 MB | MP3 CBR 320 Kbps - 146 MB
Progressive Rock / Symphonic Rock | TT - 64:52 mins | Japanese SHM-CD, based on 2002 Remastering

allmusic.com says: 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.

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Caravan - 8 Albums (1968-1980) [Japanese Mini LP Collection 2009 - w. Bonus Tracks] RE-UP

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Caravan - In The Land Of Grey And Pink (1971) [SHM-CD 2009]
EAC-FLAC with CUE & LOG - 463 MB | Full Scans - 557 MB | MP3 CBR 320 Kbps - 170 MB
Progressive Rock / Symphonic Rock | TT - 74:43 mins | Japanese SHM-CD, based on 2002 Remastering

allmusic.com says: 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." The remastered version of this album includes previously unissued demos/alternate versions of both tracks under the titles: "It's Likely to Have a Name Next Week" and "Group Girl," respectively. The remastered disc also includes "I Don't 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 Caravan's next album, Waterloo Lily.

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Caravan - 8 Albums (1968-1980) [Japanese Mini LP Collection 2009 - w. Bonus Tracks] RE-UP

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Caravan - Waterloo Lily (1972) [SHM-CD 2009]
EAC-FLAC with CUE & LOG - 307 MB | Full Scans - 664 MB | MP3 CBR 320 Kbps - 120 MB
Progressive Rock / Symphonic Rock | TT - 52:59 mins | Japanese SHM-CD, based on 2002 Remastering

allmusic.com says: 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 band's performance level did not suffer in the transition. In fact, the addition of Miller only punctuates Caravan's previously honed improvisational skills. Beginning with Waterloo Lily's leadoff title track, there is a sound more akin to the jazzier efforts of Traffic. Miller's "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 Miller's 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 Miller's formidable jazz chops to give the instrumental sections sustained substance throughout. The remastered CD offers three additional compositions circa the Waterloo Lily sessions. "Pye's 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 "Pye's Loop" – which acts as a coda to "Looking Left…" – mark their debut release here.

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Caravan - For Girls Who Grow Plump In The Night (1973) [SHM-CD 2009]
EAC-FLAC with CUE & LOG - 492 MB | Full Scans - 618 MB | MP3 CBR 320 Kbps - 180 MB
Progressive Rock / Symphonic Rock | TT - 78:49 mins | Japanese SHM-CD, based on 2002 Remastering

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allmusic.com says: 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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Caravan - Caravan & The New Symphonia (1974) [SHM-CD 2009]
EAC-FLAC with CUE & LOG - 472 MB | Full Scans - 540 MB | MP3 CBR 320 Kbps - 179 MB
Progressive Rock / Symphonic Rock | TT - 78:18 mins | Japanese SHM-CD, based on 2002 Remastering

allmusic.com says: 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 Radio's 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, He's 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, He's at It Again" allow Caravan to reach a whole different stratum. The second set features the orchestra with the band and commences with "Introduction," an orchestrated piece which 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 it's 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.

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Caravan - Cunning Stunts (1975) [SHM-CD 2009]
EAC-FLAC with CUE & LOG - 449 MB | Full Scans - 588 MB | MP3 CBR 320 Kbps - 156 MB
Progressive Rock / Symphonic Rock | TT - 68:50 mins | Japanese SHM-CD, based on 2002 Remastering

allmusic.com says: 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. Caravan's 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.

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Caravan - The Best Of Caravan Live (1980) [SHM-CD 2009]
EAC-FLAC with CUE & LOG - 540 MB | Full Scans - 640 MB | MP3 CBR 320 Kbps - 182 MB
Progressive Rock / Symphonic Rock | TT - 79:57 mins | Japanese SHM-CD, based on 2002 Remastering

allmusic.com says: 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 band's 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. Caravan's 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 Richardson's electric viola, as he deftly maneuvers between augmenting the band's vintage sound without ever overpowering it. Caravan's 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 band's 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.