The Wilde Flowers was a popular UK sixties band from Canterbury. They went through a number of settings from 1964-68 without releasing any records, but the break-up resulted in two well known combos - Soft Machine and Caravan. Wilde Flowers was mainly responsable for creating and developing the "Canterbury Sound" - a mix of psych, folk, rock and jazz with a British touch. The two offsprings went in different directions. While Soft Machine concentrated on hard-core psych/prog, Caravan initially embraced a more melodic folk psych style wich is shown on this debute album. I love every second of it - the flowing organ, the elaborated melodies, the arrangements and the dark cozy atmosphere of the whole thing. It's hard to believe at the time they didn't even own any appropriate equipment but had to borrow from their mates in Soft Machine for the recording. In interviews band members have said they weren't pleased with the first released stereo. Some was unbalanced, leaving the vocals way too low in the mix. Luckily a separate one-channel version was made and that is perfect - balance, separation and audio just blows my mind. It's more sturdy and powerful and everything comes natural. Just after the recording MGM halted the distribution of Verve in England, so even if the LP sold well initially it was soon withdrawn in UK and not re-issued until 1972 on MGM (2353058), then in stereo only with different sleeve design. US Decca 2000 CD-issue (PID 847362) has both mono and stereo versions of the songs. First US on Verve Forecast (FTS-3066). Premiere UK with label as shown here and laminated flip/back cover. (YMÖ*)
Caravan had bad luck, this album (and two next records) should be at the top of the charts. I agree that the mono version is a hundred times better than stereo. I have this album on CD only, but you can hear clearly the difference. Stereo is not dynamic, poorly mixed. Mono has high quality production.
SvaraRaderaThis debut album is one of my favourite. I envy you this very rare and expensive record :)
Thanks for confirming the CD quality. I know it exists but never heard it. I agree it's Caravans best. Most people prefer the later albums, but this is so unique in style and atmosphere it's become one of my favorite records all together. Maybe one have to hear the mono mix to appreciate it fully.
Radera