delivered much music of merit; and If I Could Do It All Over Again, I'd Do It All Over You--their second album, originally released in 1970--stands as their best. There was always a slightly wistful, pastoral quality to Caravan's music, and that's what comes across here, from its lush green cover to the music inside. Pye Hastings' voice is soft and enticing, particularly on "With an Ear to the Ground You Can Make It". Back then, shortness was not seen as a virtue, and in keeping with the mood of the times, "Can't Be Long Now" clocks in at a hefty 14 minutes. But Caravan could also be disciplined, as the single "Hello Hello" demonstrates. Bolstered by four intriguing bonus tracks and thorough new sleeve notes, If I Could Do It All Over Again... should bring back a host of happy memories. --Patrick Humphries
Advantages: Both stereo and mono mixes on one disc Disadvantages: can't think of any!
...Caravan are another of those groups who were (and are) around forever, playing concerts allover the world to enthusiastic audiences but who never seemed to sell many records. If you look in the Guinness Book of Hit Albums you find that over the course of the decade when the band was at its height--late 60s to late 70s-they racked up just 2 weeks in the chart, somewhere down at number 53. This is a travesty because Caravan consistently knocked out albums that were right up there with the best British Rock music of that halcyon period.
"Caravan" is, logically enough, the band's debut album, recorded in late '68 and issued in early '69 on the Verve label. Verve were an American label who had successfully mined the Folk and Protest scenes during the 60s. Caravan were the first signings to Verve's newly established European arm...
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Advantages: classic phonics Disadvantages: maybe not their best
...To Fill My Car Up' on 'Performance and Cocktails' in terms of beat and guitar chords. It tells a story about a security truck driver and his failed plot to steal the money and his regrets of the incident. It's a great track and one you can keep listening to over and over.
9. Maybe (4:34) -
This is a pretty average track in my opinion and resembles many tracks from previous albums. The sounds in this track are great though from piano's and other instruments.
10. Caravan Holiday (3:12) -
This is one of the slowest tracks and is inspired by a caravanning holiday and it's raining all week. This is probably one of the weak links in a very good album.
11. Rooftop (6:18) -
This is the longest track on the album and a great one at that, with feedback guitar and lots of harmonica sounds. This song is about a man who is contemplating...
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Advantages: Perfectly calm, tranquil music, with a kooky spirituality behind it Disadvantages: Won't exactly set the clubs alight this summer
...are unashamedly pop, the only songs here which could be labelled in such a way. All the other songs are primarily about atmosphere, creating a spectral presence, whilst these two tracks in particular are mostly about having fun. The moral of "Happiness" - 'give us all your money and you'll find/happiness and peace of mind' chants Goldfrapp - is questionable, but the carnival flair of the chorus provides the most enjoyable moment of the entire album. Likewise, the rush of "Caravan Girl" is unexpected and strangely thrilling, after an album of quiet introspection, which is why it should by all rights close the album, really. But I've already complained about that without providing any worthwhile suggestions for how that could be changed - "Monster Love", which actually does end the album, is a spectral number which takes off into the stars by the end...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
20.07.2005
14.04.2008
