Caravan – In the Land of Grey and Pink (Double-LP on Grey & Pink Splatter Vinyl)

Originally released on 8 April 1971, In the Land of Grey and Pink is the third album by Canterbury’s own Caravan.

Here, this progressive rock masterpiece is reissued as a two-disc edition featuring two full sides of bonus outtakes taken from the album’s original recording sessions at A.I.R. and Decca studios in London across 1970 and 1971.

In the Land of Grey and Pink is considered by many to the pinnacle release from Caravan. The album contains an undeniable and decidedly European sense of humour and charm. In addition, this would mark the end of the band’s premiere lineup. Co-founder David Sinclair would leave Caravan to form Matching Mole with Soft Machine drummer and vocalist Robert Wyatt in August of 1971.

As a group effort, In the Land of Grey and Pink displays all the ethereal brilliance Caravan created on their previous pair of albums. Their blending of jazz and folk instrumentation and improvisational styles hints at Traffic and Family, as displayed on Winter Wine, as well as the organ and sax driven instrumental introduction to Nine Feet Underground. These contrast the decidedly aggressive sounds concurrent with albums from King Crimson or Soft Machine.

In fact, beginning with the album’s title, there seems to be pastoral qualities and motifs throughout. Another reason enthusiasts rank this album among their favourites is the group dynamic which has rarely sounded more singular or cohesive.

David Sinclair’s lyrics are of particular note, especially the middle-earth imagery used on Winter Wine or the enduring whimsy of Golf Girl. This release includes previously unissued demos/alternate versions of both tracks under the titles: It’s Likely to Have a Name Next Week and Group Girl, respectively.

Disc Two also includes I Don’t Know Its Name and Aristocracy, two pieces that were completed, but shelved in deference to the time limitations imposed during the days of wine and vinyl. The latter composition would be reworked and released on Caravan’s next album, Waterloo Lily.

Track Listing

Side One

1. Golf Girl
2. Winter Wine
3. Love to Love You (And Tonight Pigs Will Fly)
4. In the Land of Grey and Pink

Side Two

1. Nine Feet Underground

Side Three

1. I Don’t Know Its Name
2. Disassociation / 100% Proof

Side Four

1. Aristocracy
2. It’s Likely to Have a Name Next Week / Winter Wine
3. Group Girl

Format: Vinyl / 12” Album (Coloured Vinyl)

No of Discs: 2

Label: Klimt Records

Catalogue No: MJJ352DLP

Barcode: 889397272913

Release Date: 3 Nov 2017