Caravan - In The Land Of Grey And Pink (1971)

Caravan - In The Land Of Grey And Pink (1971)

2001 Remaster
Decca/Deram/Universal 8829832

Line-up

[*] Richard Sinclair - bass guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals
[*] Pye Hastings - ]electric. guitars, acoustic guitar, vocals
[*] David Sinclair -]organ, piano, mellotron, harmony vocals
[*] Richard Coughlan -]drums, percussion
[*] Jimmy Hastings - flute, tenor saxophone, piccolo
[*] David Grinsted - cannon, bell, wind

]Biography from Progarchives.com

CARAVAN were the other half of the WILDE FLOWERS - the SOFT MACHINE being the other - that originated in Canterbury, Kent. The band itself was originally formed in early 1968 by guitarist/vocalist Pye HASTINGS, keyboardist Dave SINCLAIR, bassist/vocalist Richard SINCLAIR (later of HATFIELD & THE NORTH, NATIONAL HEALTH, etc.), and drummer Richard COUGHAN. All four members of CARAVAN were, at one time or another, in that band. They were a leading exponent of what became known as "the Canterbury sound".

Review #1 from Progarchives.com

Final album with the original lineup of Richard and David Sinclair, Pye Hastings and Richard Coughlin. For many, this album represents not only CARAVAN at their finest, but one of the finest the Canterbury scene has to offer, and I really can't disagree on that. I also really dig that Tolkien-esque cover, I wish I was living in one of those tiny houses like you see on that cover. "Golf Girl" features some rather silly lyrics, sung by Richard Sinclair. It's the rare time a Mellotron was used on a CARAVAN album, I'm pretty sure the Mellotron didn't belong to David Sinclair, but it's pretty obvious the model of tron being used was the Mark II. I love how the album starts off with a trombone, with silly lyrics about being dressed in a PVC raincoat because it was raining golfballs. "Winter Wine" is one of my favorite, with rather mystical lyrics, again Richard Sinclair handling the vocals. David Sinclair provided some great fuzzed organ solos in this song as well. Pye Hastings sung "Love to Love You (And Tonight Pigs Will Fly)" which is a short pop-oriented number, and they obviously meant that song for radio airplay. The side length "Nine Feet Underground" is largely instrumental, with only the occasional vocal passages. It's without a doubt David Sinclair's time to shine, as he gives plenty of organ solos. This is truly a great and classic album, and for those who like this kind of much, get this album.

Review #2 from Progarchives.com[

This is an epic progressive album, even though less known than others at the time. It combines a structured approach with jazzy improvization and a Mony-Pythonesque humor characteristic of Canterbury style prog. The keyboards dominate and they are played in the most relaxed, yet expressive manner by David Sinclair. The flute adds a pastoral, almost classical touch in the quieter passages. The are some intense moments, but overall, the album has a flowing feel to it. The best songs are Winter Wine, an almost symphonic prog piece, and the 20+ minute epic Nine Feet Underground, featuring some great organ playing and interesting melodic ideas. Golf Girl is a quirky little progressive pop piece, but it works very well. I'd give it a 4.5 really, I don't think it is a masterpiece because of some weaker material. But a great album nevertheless, very charming in a typical English way. I couldn't recommend it higher for fans of the old school progressive rock.

Track listing

1. Golf Girl (5:01)
2. Winter Wine (7:36)
3. Love To Love You (And Tonight Pigs Will Fly) (3:04)
4. In The Land Of Grey & Pink (5:00)
5. Nine Feet Underground (22:44)

Bonus tracks:

6. I Don't Know Its Name (Alias 'The Word' ) (6:10)
7. Aristocracy (3:42)
8. It's Likely To Have A Name Next Week ('Winter Wine' Instrumental) (7:48)
9. Group Girl (5:03)
10. Dissassociation / 100% Proof (New Mix) (8:34)