After 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.
by Lindsay Planer
1. Memory Lain, Hugh/Headloss - 9:19
2. Hoedown - 3:10
3. Surprise, Surprise - 3:45
4. C'thlu Thlu - 6:10
5. The Dog, The Dog, He’s At It Again - 5:53
6. Be Alright/Chance Of A Lifetime - 6:38
7. L'auberge Du Sanglier/A Hunting We Shall Go/Pengola/Backwards/A Hunting We Shall Go (Reprise) (P. Hastings, John G. Perry, Mike Ratledge) - 9:46
8. Memory Lain, Hugh/Headloss - Us Mix - 9:18
9. No! - "Be Alright"/Waffle - "Chance Of A Lifetime" - 5:10
10.He Who Smelt It Dealt It - "Memory Lain, Hugh" - 4:43
11.Surprise, Surprise - 3:15
12.Derek's Long Thing (Richard Coughlan, Pye Hastings) - 11:00
All compositions by Pye Hastings except where indicated
Caravan
*Pye Hastings – Singer, Vocals, Guitar
*Geoff Richardson – Viola
*David Sinclair – Organ, Piano, Electric Piano, Davoli Synthesizer, A.R.P. Synthesizer
*John G. Perry – Bass Guitar, Vocals, Percussion
*Richard Coughlan – Drums, Percussion, Timpani
Additional personnel
*Rupert Hine – A.R.P. Synthesizer
*Frank Ricotti – Congas
*Jimmy Hastings – Flute
*Paul Buckmaster – Electric Cello
*Tony Coe – Clarinet, Tenor Sax
*Pete King – Flute, Alto Sax
*Harry Klein – Clarinet, Baritone Sax
*Henry Lowther – Trumpet
*Jill Pryor – Voice
*Chris Pyne – Trombone
*Barry Robinson – Piccolo
*Tom Whittle – Clarinet, Tenor Sax
*Orchestra Arranged By John Bell And Martyn Ford, Conducted By Martyn Ford
1968 Caravan (Japan SHM remaster)
1970 If I Could Do It All Over Again, I'd Do It All Over You (Japan SHM remaster)
1971 In The Land Of Grey And Pink (Japan SHM remaster)
1972 Waterloo Lily (Japan Mini LP)
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Marios thank you very much for these superb Caravan's albums !!
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