FOR GIRLS WHO GROW PLUMP IN THE NIGHT

This album reminds me of a scenario in which the 70s group AMERICA tried to play like THE WHO, or if HARRY NILSSON joined up with THE MOODY BLUES, or if THE OZARK MOUNTAIN DAREDEVILS decided to play CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG. It has such a different feel from In the Land of Grey and Pink. It has a very countrified, bluesified, folked-up, 'Southern Rock' like feel to it. I can't help but notice the greater importance lyrics have in this version of Caravan. Clever lyrics. Nice vocal harmonies. I love Hasting and Sinclair's playing off of the beautiful orchestration in "L'auberge..." (a longer "Macarthur's Park"). I also love the addition/presence of Geoff Richardson's viola as well as the orchestra.

1-a. "Memory Lain, Hugh" (5:00) opening with a twangy guitar riff and straightforward drum and bass pulse let's one know what's changed with the band--a kind of CCR/country pop sound that pervades the whole album. Great singing, great lyrics, and great melodic hooks both in the singing and instrumental parts. 1-b. "Headloss" (4:14)

2. "Hoedown" (3:18) (7.5/10)

3. "Surprise, Surprise" (4:05) one of the best "flower power" choruses ever! Could almost be an ASSOCIATION song. (8.5/10)

4. "C'thlu Thlu" (6:12) other than Geoffrey Richardson's floating, panning viola, this song opens with an older, Doors-like sound and feel to it, but things shift more into psych-pop territory with the chorus in the second minute. Like the CHICAGO-like use of multiple voices for sharing the storytelling. The turn into a heavier territory in the middle of the fourth minute is unexpected and interesting. The instrumental section that follows may be the best part of the song. (8.75/10)

5. "The Dog, The Dog, He's At It Again" (5:38) more poppy music--it's as if the boys have decided to try to make some songs that people might hear and that might actually make them think. But then at 2:20 we turn down a very proggy road with some serious weavery and soloing (on David Sinclair's new Davoli toy!). (8.75/10)

6. "Be Alright / Chance Of A Lifetime" (6:35) nice composition, with interesting directional shifts and complexity. (13.5/15)

7. "L'auberge Du Sanglier/A Hunting We Shall Go/Pengola/Backwards/A Hunting We ... (reprise)" (10:05) One of my top five favorite Caravan songs of all-time. (20/20)

8. "Derek's Long Thing" (11:00) a three-part instrumental jam, first part piano-based, second full band uptempo, and third a slowed down section with some very delicate, subtle, and beautiful contributions from all but especially from John G. Perry's bass and David Sinclair's organ. (18/20)

Total Time: 56:07

It's a very nice album; very enjoyable listening experience. Solid drumming and well recorded. Definitely a poppier side of prog. Solid 4 stars--excellent addition to any prog lover's music collection.

Personal faves: "L'auberge du sanglier" (10:06) (20/20), "Memory Lain, Hugh/Headloss" (9:24) (18.5/20), "Be Alright/Chance of a lifetime" (6:39) (13.5/15), and "Derek's Long Thing" (11:00) (18/20).

A-/five stars; a minor masterpiece of progressive rock music and a stellar representative of the classic Canterbury Scene.