CARAVAN/IN THE LAND OF GREY AND PINK SDL R1 (-71) UK

A classic psych/prog album and by most fans considered their best. It was the first in a line of Caravan albums produced by David Hitchcock - prominent UK prog producer who also worked with Genesis, Marillion, Camel, Mellow Candle and Pink Fairies. The two former albums had been more experimental and open, sliding between genres. On this they adapt a more common British psych/prog sound, keeping the compositions together as a whole but also making it less special. The chord changes and melodies bears resemblance to earlier work, but the total outcome is more coherent. While the core is experimental and progressive, the surface is soft and proper and the vocals almost polite. I don't appreciate the long side two suite as much as I did forty years ago, but the remaining four tracks still makes me happy. Although it's a good album I prefer the debute. To me the emotional and enthusiastic always beat the restrained and well produced. First US on London (PS 593). Premiere UK with brown/white label as shown here (later red/white) and laminated fold/out cover. (DÄRR*)