Hi Doug, this is Dave Sinclair's son Nic. Cheers for listening to my dad's Nine Feet Underground. It's good to know many fans are still out there and nice to see new audiences are discovering Caravan. We will look forward to you listening to side 1 of Grey & Pink and maybe the other albums? There is now an interview video on our channel that details how he created the keyboard sound with his Hammond A-100 organ and how Nine Feet Underground came to be. Also... my dad and I just launched a crowdfund campaign to revive that very same Hammond organ, that gave early Caravan and In The Land of Grey & Pink it's unique sound. May the album and hopefully the organ live another 50 years and inspire the next generation 🙂Best wishes
I discovered this song about 10 years ago and I’ve been listening to the album on average once a month since then, if not more. Much respect and love to your dad and the entire band.
I discovered Caravan literally today while driving for a few hours; heard about it before, just never got to it. Caravan is incredible, is now in my top 10.
Richard Sinclair's heartbreakingly melancholy voice, so redolent (if only to my ears and brain!) of a kinder, gentler, more socially cohesive England that seems to have, sadly, vanished.
Don’t sleep on Richard Coughlan’s drumming. He always propelled Caravan’s songs with style and power. He had such a great feel for what was needed at any given moment. Sadly no longer with us, and very much missed
9:56 it's not a synthesizer but an organ (either Hammond or Lowrey) ran through guitar amplifier and fuzz pedal instead of the classic Leslie cabinet , it is a very typical and distinctive trait of the "Canterbury sound". Definitely check out some Soft Machine after this (Third is highly recommended) , they were the most important and influential band of this style , Mike Ratledge made a trademark out of the "fuzzy organ" making it sound almost like a completely different instrument.
Caravan are an absolutely incredible band. Their run up to and including the album "For Girls Who Grow Plump in the Night" is just untouchable. Beautiful stuff. I'd love to witness Doug's reaction to some more Caravan music, perhaps something from the earlier era with Richard Sinclair or something from the previously mentioned "For Girls Who Grow Plump in the Night" (possibly my favorite Caravan album).
@@garyvanremortel5218 I need to revisit those couple albums after "For Girls..." I gave them a listen a number of years ago and they didn't really grab me, but it's been a while.
@@garyvanremortel5218 Hey Gary! "Cunning Stunts" was my first exposure to Caravan, which I bought because I loved the cover. I loved "The Show Of Our Lives", "No Backstage Pass", and especially "The Dabsong Conshirtoe". My next one was "Blind Dog at St. Dunstan's", which I loved as well. When I began working my way backwards, "For Girls Who Grow Plump In the Night" just blew me out of the water!! I do love "Nine Feet Underground", but to be honest, if I were ranking my favorite tracks, that one would not be in the top 5. Top 10? Maybe. Amazing for its time, but "Cunning" holds a special place in my heart as a sentimental and nostalgic favorite. Overall, I don't think any album surpassed "Plump". However, if you haven't heard it, the "BBC Live In Concert" will knock you out of your airplane!! en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC_Radio_1_Live_in_Concert_(Caravan_album)
I've listened to this album more often than any other. I bought it when it first came out & still listen to it today. Side one is definitely worth a listen, especially "Winter Wine". I imagine if Doug was to listen to this again he'd have something to say about Richard's bass lines. Caravan after Richard & David left were never the same for me. For those who don't know, there's a live Caravan DVD:- "Access All Areas" which includes "Nine Feet Underground" It benefits from having Jimmy Hastings on Sax & Flute. However, in my opinion, David not using any Organ is a loss, although I doubt. I could get his roadie to agree to that. I'm not saying it's rubbish, it isn't, I just prefer the album version. The inclusion of "For Richard" on the DVD is a definite plus, although I still prefer the album version. Time for a listen.
That's exactly my favourite side-long epic in all of prog music. Despite the fact that parts were written separately, the whole suite has a really nice flow with no sudden disturbant shifts. Somehow I didn't expect this reaction right now, but I'm very happy to witness this today. I would recommend five part suite The Love In Your Eye / To Catch Me A Brother / Subsultus / Debouchement / Tilbury Kecks from Waterloo Lily, the album Caravan released after In The Land of Grey and Pink. Waterloo Lily material is often overshadowed by its predecessor, but for me this five part suite is as excellent as Nine Feet Underground. And in general I think I like Waterloo Lily a tad more than In The Land of Grey And Pink.
You choose a well direction into the "Canterbury sound". Great comments. Perhaps you also could listen to Hatfield And The North, with the same Richard Sinclair. Absolutely fun and also even good music.
This!!!! This is a wonderful band, wonderful record, and side. I listened to this a few months ago on the channel, as a recommendation from the subs. It is proper good! Canterbury is a small city in Kent, south east of London. The scene doesn't describe a specific sound, more a collection of psychedelic/proggy/jazz fusion bands that came from the area.
It's Jim! Buy him a coffee. LOL @Doug Helvering I cannot recommend Jim's channel high enough. @Jim Newstead I'll have the book in the post in the next few days, and there'll be a nice little Marillion bonus too. btw coming up to see them at Aylesbury on Sept 24th.
Hi, Jim! I'd contend that although Canterbury doesn't describe a specific sound, there are some sounds (Mike Ratledge, Dave Stewart and David Sinclair's fuzz organs and electric pianos in particular) which are unmistakably Canterbury, so much so that Andy Tillison of The Tangent can produce 'modern' Canterbury tracks with these instruments (despite hailing from Yorkshire!)
Glad you finally got to this. It is a classic prog epic by a band that seldom gets the attention they deserve. I guess they just had a huge amount of very good competition.
I have been thinking for the last few days that Doug would love the Hatfiields and posted a comment above recommending him to check them out, so I'm delighted to find I'm not the only one who thought that.
Seconded, thirded, recommended, hell yes, do this, Doctor Doug. If a full album is too much, then at least do the "Mumps" suite from side two of The Rotters Club; you'll find a LOT to sink your compositional teeth into -- and it's all written by the brilliant and WOEFULLY under-appreciated keyboardist Dave Stewart (who subsequently worked with Bill Bruford in his late '70s band, later wrote for Keyboard magazine, and in more recent years has done string and choral arrangements for Steven Wilson & Porcupine Tree).
The eponymous Hatfield and the North album has the marvellous Son of There's No Place Like Homerton and from keyboardist Dave Stewart's time in the band called Egg there is A Visit to Newport Hospital, both well worthy of scrutiny.
I'd just like to add that you're always marvellous company Doug - what a great way to spend half an hour! Especially as this piece of music means so much to me. Thank you.
It took me six hours to write out the chords and scales for this song. To see you do it so effortlessly is just a complete inspiration, I hope I can get to that point some day.
It is hard to define Caravan's style, but it is easy to recognize. Soft machine also followed this path for a little while during that period. Richard Sinclair was also playing with Camel in the mid seventies. By the way, there are many facets of Camel worth exploring.
I was thinking if someone didn't know any prog but the really big bands I would compare them to Genesis but Camel would be a more apt comparison but of course understanding time wise camel sounds like Caravan not the other way around
@@cesarincamendozaloyola4407 Dave Stewart is a great composer/keyboardist . He came to prominence in the 1970s as a founding member of the band National Health and later, joined Bruford, led by drummer Bill Bruford . He also had a column on Guitar Player and developed a harmony system based on fifths.
I totally wore this album out back in the day. Still love it - really holds up superbly today. Great to get your reaction - nothing like seeing an old friend through fresh eyes!
I'm 64. Been listening to it since I was about 18. Bought it from a record shop wholly on the cover and have introduced HUNDREDS to it ever since. Its just wonderful. Its a hammond organ that David ran through a wah wah pedal and fuzz box!
I am a Canterbury fan since 1969, when I saw Caravan for the the first time. Saw them many times on stage. Great, that you review Caravan and their best album ever. Give an ear to Camel!
"Who do you think you are"? I love Caravan, I was so pleased to have seen them play at NEARFest back in the day, a very memorable show. I never thought I'd get to ever see them live. Nine Feet Underground was just fantastic live.
Fantastic reaction, Doug. Thank you. I've listened to this suite so often, it's lovely to hear someone appreciate it for the very first time. On the same album is "In the Land of the Grey and Pink", which is like an Edward Lear nonsense poem set to music. Putting the whimsy into prog rock.
Great! I asked for this one while ago, so also pleased! Thanks Doug. The impact the album made on me at 14 was reinforced when they played it live to an audience of about 300 at my university. Very atmospheric in a smallish darkened auditorium. Loved Caravan - have every album. My dad, who was entirely classical, was always amused by the lyric "There was a man, he leapt to and fro clipping away at a hedge". "For Girls who Grow Plump in the Night" next?
Incidentally Doug I went to the reboot of BIG BIG TRAIN at Aylesbury with Alberto Bravin of PFM stepping into the large shoes of David Longdon. Pleased to say they acquitted themselves brilliantly and although their tour has been curtailed by the cancelled Leeds Festival the future shines bright for the continued growth of this magnificent band - you said you would get around to EAST COAST RACER live a long time ago! The band needs your oxygen to help popularise them more ….
The Canterbury Scene in the '70s was as good as it gets! I love this song so much. Now on to Hatfield and the North (more Richard Sinclair and the REAL Dave Stewart, not the guy in the Eurythmics), National Health, Gong, Henry Cow ....
This is one of my all time favourites since I was about 15 - almost 50 years ago! According to the band it refers to the flat of one of the members which was located 9 feet underground. For ages I was under the impression that this is about a guy thinking about his own after-funeral party. May sound strange, but it has something comforting and peaceful (I mean disassociation). Anyway, do yourself a favour and listen and react to their New Symphonia. Absolute masterpiece!
Thanks for diving into Caravan, Doug. Great place to start. They are still touring - saw them in Bristol earlier this year. For Richard is always the crowd favourite.
Side One is equally good, and there are many other classics on other albums…For Richard, The Love in Your Eye, A Hunting We Will Go, Dabsong Conshirtoe etc And then…you’ve got Hatfield and the North…Egg…Gilgamesh…Soft Machine…Matching Mole…Khan…National Health, and the wayward genius of Kevin Ayers too! 👍
I must admit that I never worried about the meaning of the lyrics of this piece... since its release the musical richness of this piece has always been enough for me. I smiled when I saw your eyebrows which rose with each harmonic transition and it must be said that there we are served... I have always loved this album, and this song, and I am happy to have listened to it once again with a bonus: in the company of a connoisseur who knew how to appreciate it thank you!
They are still playing live although only Pye Hastings remains of the original line up and the songs are still great I have seen them recently in a small venue in my local town and they are as good as ever
This is THE fuzz-organ masterpiece/master class of all prog rock. Dave Sinclair never played like this again. He, Mike Ratledge (Soft Machine) and Dave Stewart (Uriel, Egg, Khan, Hatfield and the North, National Health, and Bruford) were the masters of the fuzz-organ, as in the Canterbury Scene music the guitar was never prominent. The bass lines from Richard Sinclair are very precise yet eloquent; Richard Coughlan's drumming is energetic without being busy, and Pye Hastings essentially takes a back seat: much rhythm guitar strumming and little more. Their previous album, "If I Could Do It All Over Again I'D Do It All Over You" is another masterpiece. Do feature it!
Glad you have listened to Caravan, for the last several days I've been thinking of suggesting you listen to 'Hatfield and the North' another of the 'Canterbury' bands with some cross pollination of personnel . Try anything from either of their albums 'Rotters club' or 'Hatfield and the North'.
I've been a fan of Caravan since I first heard "If I could do it again Id do it all over you" back in 1970. I have seen them many times and will be seeing them again next month. For further reference of other British bands of that era that will challenge your listening try some Soft Machine and Van der Graf Generator, Colosseum and Camel. Gentle Giant you have already heard.
Finally Doug gets to hear what we have been so eager for him to discover and enjoy. Real music, real musicians, with real talent and not a computer in sight.
Reading through the comments there is a lot of love for 'Hatfield and the North' (the name comes from a road sign outside London) here is a sample from 'The Rotters Club' their second album ruclips.net/video/ymfzq2OGw0g/видео.html
"Brings it all back to me" remains a tune which breaks me (and mends me) every time: such hopeful melancholy. Heard this album first in my teens (I'm 64 now) - it changed my world a bit and I know why. Thanks for your fresh reaction, Doug, and some of the chord analysis, it was a fucking treat to see your face hear this stuff for the first time.
All the Canterbury scene bands were amazing and created some extraordinary music with space for improv - often in tricky time signatures. If you like this you’ll love HATFIELD AND THE NORTH. Caravan loved puns as in great albums called: CUNNING STUNTS …. FOR GIRLS WHO GROW PLUMP IN THE NIGHT
Great album, thanks for the reaction! The looming question is, if you hadn't listened to any of the albums you've reacted to so far, what in the hell were you listening to all these years?? At 20 years old I was diving deep into 1920s and 30s classic jazz, along with classical music, Indian classical music, flamenco, and or course rock. I can't conceive of a musician/composer not exploring everything out there past and present.
@@jimhardiman3836 They also don't control you in your time outside of school. And I learned music theory and harmony under Truman Fisher, who taught Capt Beefheart, Frank Zappa, and Eddie Van Halen. So he actually was aware of prog rock and Coltrane and Steve Reich to name a few things he referenced.
This is a fair point. Circa 1974 our (classically-trained) music teacher at a very old-fashioned school once took a lesson or two to point us in the direction of Rick Wakeman's Journey to the Centre of the Earth and 'Sounds Interesting' which was Radio 3's (UK BBC classical music station) look at adventurous rock/avant-garde music. Always thanked him for that and goes to show that a classical training should involve investigation of ALL genres of music.
No synthesiser - all Hammond through a Lesley. Don’t forget Pye’s excellent guitar through with those murderous chords. He’s a superb musician, singer and composer. I remember watching the band for the Nth time at Guildford Town Hall, before which I interviewed Pye for a small magazine I worked for. After the interview, Mike Wedgwood, Dave, Pye and I went for a great meal and chat! Mike is my oldest friend. As always they were stunning.
Great to hear Caravan. (I think Steve Winwood got his organ tone on LSOHHB from David Sinclair and Mike Ratledge, not the other way around.) A lot of unique bands associated with Canterbury: Soft Machine, Egg, Matching Mole, Hatfield and the North, Henry Cow, etc. Not all are from that area, as I understand. But a lot of the musicians were co-mingled in different bands and projects associated with the scene.
Yes and NATIONAL HEALTH - HATFIELD AND THE NORTH were a wonderful band playing very tricky music with wit and flair and lugubrious Richard Sinclair on bass and witty vocals. Brilliant Dave Stewart on keyboards ( from Egg) Phil Miller underrated guitar player and Pip Pyle on drums. They used to talk about breaking drummers! Bill Bruford drummed for a while with NATIONAL HEALTH formed by Dave Stewart with Alan Gowen from GILGAMESH with Phil miller again. Dave then went on to join Bill Bruford’s band … all excellent and when hear any of them live and improvising the musicianship is off the charts
Great video Doug. This for me, is the ultimate in 1970/71 style 'drifting' improvisatory music. Two or three dominant chords and modal invention over the top. Beautiful vocals by Richard and a serene mood maintained throughout. I hope you'll have a listen to 'winter wine' on the other side. It's fantastic.
I love this album...side 1 is also fantastic...Gilgamesh...Hatfield And The North...National Health...all great bands that were part of same scene...Hatfield And The North ROTTERS CLUB...a particular standout album...
I only heard this back in '71-'72 because the local college radio station was starting to play lengthy prog rock, whole album sides sometimes while the student DJ's were doing their thing. I liked it enough after a few listens to pick up the album. I always liked putting it on when I had chores to do in the apartment. It was great! I always like the bass line pretty much throughout. It seemed more prominent in the mix when I'd listen to it back then than what I'm hearing here. You didn't mention it, but I thought it made a lengthy song with a lot of keyboards more "filled out." Thanks for reviewing it!
Great band, I own an original and sweet reissue of this on vinyl. You'd probably dig Richard Sinclair's other band Hatfield and the North. Some crazy arrangements!
안녕하세요~ 유튜브로 caravan 라이브 곡을 검색하다가 이 채널을 발견했네요. 좋아하는 곡을 덕분에 색다르게 감상 할 수 있었습니다. 구독합니다. 수많은 록 밴드들의 70년대 초반 앨범들이 90년대 초중반에 재발매되는 경우가 많았습니다. caravan의 여러장을 당시 구매했었는데, 그중 이 앨범을 가장 즐겨 들었네요. Nine feet underground는 아직도 자주 듣곤 합니다. 유튜브 덕분에 그들의 라이브도 감상 할 수 있구요. Thank you Doug~!
Check out Rock Bottom. A solo LP by Robert Wyatt who was the drummer in soft Machine and matching mole, essential Canterbury sound band. In my humble opinion Rock Bottom is a masterpiece
The time I heard Caravan it felt like home - so very British, complex but not too showy. Kind of like a rock Elgar. The other bands mentioned here, Hatfield and The North, Egg, National Health are all worth a listen. Camel are a Guildford based band but at one time included several members of Caravan. Dave Sinclair does not enough credit as many other more showy keyboard players If you have not been there Canterbury is beautiful and even near gives off a really cool vibe.
Great video! I'm glad you got to listen to this amazing band. I'd love to see you do one of these longer album side videos on some of the other Canterbury scene bands like Soft Machine, Matching Mole, Hatfield and the North, Egg or National Health. Keep up the great work!
This is a great episode. Great track. Nice subgenre dive into the Canterbury Scene. Lots of great music in that scene. Nice addition to ones musical journey of discovery. Great to hear Doug name check other great musicians that he has discovered on his journey. Great reaction. 😎👍
At last indeed! They toured Australia in 73 on bottom of a triple bill with Lindisfarne and Slade. Despite the absurdity of the mix, they impressed. Agree you should do Hatfields next, but the first album with the core Canterbury figure, Robert Wyatt, guesting.
I lived and worked in Canterbury in 71-74, Great place to be involved in. It was alive with artists of all types, Bands and music everywhere. very cool place then.
Try Winter Wine 🍷 by Caravan! Think you would really enjoy it. Great chord changes. Richard Sinclairs lovely voice. There's a live performance of the piece from the Beat Club in Germany 1971, I believe. It's a fun, jazzy/prog listen. Fairly long tune. Caravan had sum interesting albums from the early 70s.
When this album came out in 1971, I bought it. And played it. The next day I went back to the shop and bought another copy. I sealed that one and stored it at a save place, for later use. Because! I knew I was going to ruin the first copy by playing it over and over and over again!😂 And now, I am 71. And still love it!🥰
"For Girls Who Grow Plump In The Night" was the first Caravan album I heard. More song oriented and less improvisational and jazzy than this one here as I recall, but really terrific.
I haven't listened to Caravan since the 90s. Even then I wasn't terribly familiar with the band. The opening section of this song seems to have a Steely Dan vibe to me. Does anyone agree?
Doug, a small correction of what was sung. Pye Hastings' actual words were, "My mind is yours. Yours is mine." That sounds more reciprocal to me, but probably still incomprehensible overall. I very much enjoyed watching and listening to your interactions with Nine Feet Underground. Thanks for doing it. You offered some great associations. I'll see your organ playing Steve Winwood and raise you one saxophone playing Chris Wood. I hope you'll dig into more Caravan soon. Also, please check out the group Richard Sinclair went on to form called Hatfield and the North.
Hi Doug, this is Dave Sinclair's son Nic. Cheers for listening to my dad's Nine Feet Underground. It's good to know many fans are still out there and nice to see new audiences are discovering Caravan. We will look forward to you listening to side 1 of Grey & Pink and maybe the other albums?
There is now an interview video on our channel that details how he created the keyboard sound with his Hammond A-100 organ and how Nine Feet Underground came to be. Also... my dad and I just launched a crowdfund campaign to revive that very same Hammond organ, that gave early Caravan and In The Land of Grey & Pink it's unique sound. May the album and hopefully the organ live another 50 years and inspire the next generation 🙂Best wishes
I discovered this song about 10 years ago and I’ve been listening to the album on average once a month since then, if not more. Much respect and love to your dad and the entire band.
@@avramlevi4771 Thank you 🙂 Best wishes
Caravan became my favorite band with this album. It's so good and brilliant I don't know how is this not more popular.
I discovered Caravan literally today while driving for a few hours; heard about it before, just never got to it. Caravan is incredible, is now in my top 10.
Bought this in the 70s and lent it to a friend.took me 10 years to get it back.then bought it again on cd and play it often in the car.just the best!
Richard Sinclair's heartbreakingly melancholy voice, so redolent (if only to my ears and brain!) of a kinder, gentler, more socially cohesive England that seems to have, sadly, vanished.
Richard is also a tremendous bass player.
So well said.
I’ve always thought the qualities of Richard’s voice you so well described were best displayed on Winter Wine. My favorite of his songs
A kinder gentler more cohesive England is just a romantic fiction. Read some Dickens.
You stole my thunder John, and I am glad - one of the greatest songs ever, and his voice is one of the most beautiful...
Oh boy, getting into Canterbury aren't we? Freaking love Caravan
"It's the Blimp! It's the Blimp, Yuri! It's the Blimp!"
@@tonyyeatropoulos6829 The mothership, the mothership!
@@shroomzed2947 "Put me on the white hook back in the fat rack, Shad-rach-ee-shack"
@@shroomzed2947 "Floppy boot, stomp down, to the ground!"
"When I see you floating down the gutter, I'll give you a bottle of wine"
This is my all-time favourite track in my 70 years on this planet!
Me too!
And mine - now 72. Sounds as fresh as when it first came out….
I am listening to this album for 30 years already and it never failed to give me goosebumps. Gosh how I love Caravan!!!
Don’t sleep on Richard Coughlan’s drumming. He always propelled Caravan’s songs with style and power. He had such a great feel for what was needed at any given moment. Sadly no longer with us, and very much missed
Great comment, John! RIP mr. Coughlan
9:56 it's not a synthesizer but an organ (either Hammond or Lowrey) ran through guitar amplifier and fuzz pedal instead of the classic Leslie cabinet , it is a very typical and distinctive trait of the "Canterbury sound". Definitely check out some Soft Machine after this (Third is highly recommended) , they were the most important and influential band of this style , Mike Ratledge made a trademark out of the "fuzzy organ" making it sound almost like a completely different instrument.
It`s a Hammond A100.
@@gunvaldmkilli9131 Played, I believe, through a Burns Buzzaround.
Third is a must listen for anyone interested in the Canterbury sound.
Please check out moon in June it’s another suite from soft machine!
You know your Canterbury bands. Soft Machine and Caravan were the best. And Soft Machine III is one of my favorite all time albums.
Caravan are an absolutely incredible band. Their run up to and including the album "For Girls Who Grow Plump in the Night" is just untouchable. Beautiful stuff. I'd love to witness Doug's reaction to some more Caravan music, perhaps something from the earlier era with Richard Sinclair or something from the previously mentioned "For Girls Who Grow Plump in the Night" (possibly my favorite Caravan album).
Absolutely!!!
Cunning Stunts.
@@garyvanremortel5218 I need to revisit those couple albums after "For Girls..." I gave them a listen a number of years ago and they didn't really grab me, but it's been a while.
@@garyvanremortel5218 Hey Gary! "Cunning Stunts" was my first exposure to Caravan, which I bought because I loved the cover. I loved "The Show Of Our Lives", "No Backstage Pass", and especially "The Dabsong Conshirtoe". My next one was "Blind Dog at St. Dunstan's", which I loved as well. When I began working my way backwards, "For Girls Who Grow Plump In the Night" just blew me out of the water!! I do love "Nine Feet Underground", but to be honest, if I were ranking my favorite tracks, that one would not be in the top 5. Top 10? Maybe. Amazing for its time, but "Cunning" holds a special place in my heart as a sentimental and nostalgic favorite. Overall, I don't think any album surpassed "Plump". However, if you haven't heard it, the "BBC Live In Concert" will knock you out of your airplane!!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC_Radio_1_Live_in_Concert_(Caravan_album)
If I Could Do It... is my favourite of theirs. Absolutely stellar album from top to bottom.
This piece is a master class of organ playing by David Sinclair, one great composed solo after another, none improvised.
Indeed, he was known for being uncomfortable with improvisation and preferring to stick to the music as written.
I've listened to this album more often than any other. I bought it when it first came out & still listen to it today. Side one is definitely worth a listen, especially "Winter Wine". I imagine if Doug was to listen to this again he'd have something to say about Richard's bass lines. Caravan after Richard & David left were never the same for me.
For those who don't know, there's a live Caravan DVD:- "Access All Areas" which includes "Nine Feet Underground" It benefits from having Jimmy Hastings on Sax & Flute. However, in my opinion, David not using any Organ is a loss, although I doubt. I could get his roadie to agree to that. I'm not saying it's rubbish, it isn't, I just prefer the album version. The inclusion of "For Richard" on the DVD is a definite plus, although I still prefer the album version.
Time for a listen.
At last! you're a step away from one of the greatest English music figures in the history of Rock music. Wonder when you'll discover Robert Wyatt...
I'd love Doug to do side B of Ruth is stranger than Richard...Side Richard with all the magnificient MOUSE interludes
I was a little surprised at how many episodes he’s done and Robert Wyatt has zero appearances. He should just do the entire Rock Bottom.
That's exactly my favourite side-long epic in all of prog music. Despite the fact that parts were written separately, the whole suite has a really nice flow with no sudden disturbant shifts. Somehow I didn't expect this reaction right now, but I'm very happy to witness this today.
I would recommend five part suite The Love In Your Eye / To Catch Me A Brother / Subsultus / Debouchement / Tilbury Kecks from Waterloo Lily, the album Caravan released after In The Land of Grey and Pink. Waterloo Lily material is often overshadowed by its predecessor, but for me this five part suite is as excellent as Nine Feet Underground. And in general I think I like Waterloo Lily a tad more than In The Land of Grey And Pink.
You choose a well direction into the "Canterbury sound". Great comments. Perhaps you also could listen to Hatfield And The North, with the same Richard Sinclair. Absolutely fun and also even good music.
Ever since the early 70’s. One of my favorite bands of all time. Still listen to this and For Girls Who Grow Plump in The Night.
Definitely one of the best progressive rock albums of all time . Many DJ's missed this record but I have 2 copies .
@@gordonlandreth9550 never got it’s just due.
This!!!! This is a wonderful band, wonderful record, and side. I listened to this a few months ago on the channel, as a recommendation from the subs. It is proper good!
Canterbury is a small city in Kent, south east of London. The scene doesn't describe a specific sound, more a collection of psychedelic/proggy/jazz fusion bands that came from the area.
It's Jim! Buy him a coffee. LOL @Doug Helvering I cannot recommend Jim's channel high enough.
@Jim Newstead I'll have the book in the post in the next few days, and there'll be a nice little Marillion bonus too. btw coming up to see them at Aylesbury on Sept 24th.
Hi, Jim! I'd contend that although Canterbury doesn't describe a specific sound, there are some sounds (Mike Ratledge, Dave Stewart and David Sinclair's fuzz organs and electric pianos in particular) which are unmistakably Canterbury, so much so that Andy Tillison of The Tangent can produce 'modern' Canterbury tracks with these instruments (despite hailing from Yorkshire!)
Nice to see you here, Jim! I really like your videos.
My home town! (was)
Glad you finally got to this. It is a classic prog epic by a band that seldom gets the attention they deserve. I guess they just had a huge amount of very good competition.
I first heard this track 34 years ago on a Caravan compilation called Canterbury Tales, which I picked up for £1.00. I still own it.
Yeah, that's how I first heard this in 1980
Have been listening to it for 50 years. Awesome suite of songs.
I was given that album by Caravan bassist Mike Wedgwood, who’s coming to visit us on March 10th 24!
More Canterbury Scene: The Rotters' Club by Hatfield And The North which included Richard Sinclair on Bass and Vocals.
I have been thinking for the last few days that Doug would love the Hatfiields and posted a comment above recommending him to check them out, so I'm delighted to find I'm not the only one who thought that.
@@alphaomega6062 Thank you. I was quite amused to find out their name came from two Road Signs🛣
Seconded, thirded, recommended, hell yes, do this, Doctor Doug. If a full album is too much, then at least do the "Mumps" suite from side two of The Rotters Club; you'll find a LOT to sink your compositional teeth into -- and it's all written by the brilliant and WOEFULLY under-appreciated keyboardist Dave Stewart (who subsequently worked with Bill Bruford in his late '70s band, later wrote for Keyboard magazine, and in more recent years has done string and choral arrangements for Steven Wilson & Porcupine Tree).
The eponymous Hatfield and the North album has the marvellous Son of There's No Place Like Homerton and from keyboardist Dave Stewart's time in the band called Egg there is A Visit to Newport Hospital, both well worthy of scrutiny.
Absolutely +1 for Hatfield and the North!
Wake up - Land of Grey and Pink is one of the greatest albums ever.
And even better in surround thanks to Steve Wilson!
Yes it is
this band and the scene they were in were great. they were all capable of some cunning stunts
Nice. Lifetime fan.
Richard Sinclair’s singing is always so real and earthy and brings a tear every time. An all time classic! Thanks for doing this song and band!
A magnificent bass player as well
I'd just like to add that you're always marvellous company Doug - what a great way to spend half an hour! Especially as this piece of music means so much to me. Thank you.
It took me six hours to write out the chords and scales for this song. To see you do it so effortlessly is just a complete inspiration, I hope I can get to that point some day.
It is hard to define Caravan's style, but it is easy to recognize. Soft machine also followed this path for a little while during that period.
Richard Sinclair was also playing with Camel in the mid seventies. By the way, there are many facets of Camel worth exploring.
'Mirage' especially.
I was thinking if someone didn't know any prog but the really big bands I would compare them to Genesis but Camel would be a more apt comparison but of course understanding time wise camel sounds like Caravan not the other way around
Hatfield And The North is even more intense and virtuosic
@@cesarincamendozaloyola4407 Dave Stewart is a great composer/keyboardist .
He came to prominence in the 1970s as a founding member of the band National Health and later, joined Bruford, led by drummer Bill Bruford . He also had a column on Guitar Player and developed a harmony system based on fifths.
I totally wore this album out back in the day. Still love it - really holds up superbly today. Great to get your reaction - nothing like seeing an old friend through fresh eyes!
Incredible how utterly danceable it is
Yes, side 1 would make an excellent Friday afternoon listen. Some great fun tracks there. Some of them even make sense lyrically…
I'm 64. Been listening to it since I was about 18. Bought it from a record shop wholly on the cover and have introduced HUNDREDS to it ever since. Its just wonderful. Its a hammond organ that David ran through a wah wah pedal and fuzz box!
The first band I saw live! About 1970 at the University of East Anglia. Never got over it! Had the Vinyl and now the CD.
Yes! Canterbury scene at last! I'd love to to see Doug playing along with Hatfield and the North!
One of the best sides from one of the greatest bands. Used to put on my headphones after smoking a joint. Have never tired of listening to these guys.
Can’t go wrong with Caravan!
I am a Canterbury fan since 1969, when I saw Caravan for the the first time. Saw them many times on stage. Great, that you review Caravan and their best album ever. Give an ear to Camel!
"Who do you think you are"? I love Caravan, I was so pleased to have seen them play at NEARFest back in the day, a very memorable show. I never thought I'd get to ever see them live. Nine Feet Underground was just fantastic live.
Fantastic reaction, Doug. Thank you. I've listened to this suite so often, it's lovely to hear someone appreciate it for the very first time.
On the same album is "In the Land of the Grey and Pink", which is like an Edward Lear nonsense poem set to music. Putting the whimsy into prog rock.
Great! I asked for this one while ago, so also pleased! Thanks Doug.
The impact the album made on me at 14 was reinforced when they played it live to an audience of about 300 at my university. Very atmospheric in a smallish darkened auditorium.
Loved Caravan - have every album. My dad, who was entirely classical, was always amused by the lyric "There was a man, he leapt to and fro clipping away at a hedge".
"For Girls who Grow Plump in the Night" next?
Incidentally Doug I went to the reboot of BIG BIG TRAIN at Aylesbury with Alberto Bravin of PFM stepping into the large shoes of David Longdon. Pleased to say they acquitted themselves brilliantly and although their tour has been curtailed by the cancelled Leeds Festival the future shines bright for the continued growth of this magnificent band - you said you would get around to EAST COAST RACER live a long time ago! The band needs your oxygen to help popularise them more ….
The Canterbury Scene in the '70s was as good as it gets! I love this song so much. Now on to Hatfield and the North (more Richard Sinclair and the REAL Dave Stewart, not the guy in the Eurythmics), National Health, Gong, Henry Cow ....
They have him jumping all over the keys! It's been said Caravan was one of the few rock bands who could swing.
A classic track off a classic album. Nice one Doug.
This is one of my all time favourites since I was about 15 - almost 50 years ago!
According to the band it refers to the flat of one of the members which was located 9 feet underground. For ages I was under the impression that this is about a guy thinking about his own after-funeral party. May sound strange, but it has something comforting and peaceful (I mean disassociation).
Anyway, do yourself a favour and listen and react to their New Symphonia. Absolute masterpiece!
Canterbury albums are so interesting. Joy of a Toy by Kevin Ayers is one of my faves.
Great album, but I prefer Whatevershebringswesing and Confessions Of Dr Dream!
And, of course the first 'Soft Machine' album.
Thanks for diving into Caravan, Doug. Great place to start. They are still touring - saw them in Bristol earlier this year. For Richard is always the crowd favourite.
Side One is equally good, and there are many other classics on other albums…For Richard, The Love in Your Eye, A Hunting We Will Go, Dabsong Conshirtoe etc
And then…you’ve got Hatfield and the North…Egg…Gilgamesh…Soft Machine…Matching Mole…Khan…National Health, and the wayward genius of Kevin Ayers too! 👍
I want to add "gong" to this list
Although they are more from The New Wave of Canterbury Scene music, I think Syd Arthur should also be added to that list!!!
If Doug ever react to For Richard or The lover in your eye, it should be the New Symphonia version
I highly recommend the final track from "For Girls Who Grow Plump In The Night". Amazing!!
The "L'Auberge du Sanglier" medley!!
Up!
Yep, amazing stuff! Along with the Lovecraft's referenced "Cthulhu Cthulhu"
@@risboturbide9396 One of my favorites on the album, to be sure!!!
I must admit that I never worried about the meaning of the lyrics of this piece... since its release the musical richness of this piece has always been enough for me.
I smiled when I saw your eyebrows which rose with each harmonic transition and it must be said that there we are served...
I have always loved this album, and this song, and I am happy to have listened to it once again with a bonus: in the company of a connoisseur who knew how to appreciate it
thank you!
Now its time for a little Camel Moonmadness....
Play side one please Doug some great tracks especially Winter Wine
There's footage of CARAVAN LIVE, from circa. 1990, with this line up. It was a British TV broadcast. Really worth checking out.
It's wild that the Canterbury sound is still listened to half way round the world about 50 years after it was recorded.
Nine feet underground is the best by far of the classic prog epics. Nothing comes close to it.
Was lucky enough to see Caravan play live back in 2019, including an entire Nine Feet Underground performance. Awesome.
Going to see them for the third time in a few weeks!
They are still playing live although only Pye Hastings remains of the original line up and the songs are still great I have seen them recently in a small venue in my local town and they are as good as ever
Was 117 in 1970 now 69,and still listening to caravan, try Gong and Steve Hillage,axe-man extraordinär.
This is THE fuzz-organ masterpiece/master class of all prog rock. Dave Sinclair never played like this again. He, Mike Ratledge (Soft Machine) and Dave Stewart (Uriel, Egg, Khan, Hatfield and the North, National Health, and Bruford) were the masters of the fuzz-organ, as in the Canterbury Scene music the guitar was never prominent. The bass lines from Richard Sinclair are very precise yet eloquent; Richard Coughlan's drumming is energetic without being busy, and Pye Hastings essentially takes a back seat: much rhythm guitar strumming and little more. Their previous album, "If I Could Do It All Over Again I'D Do It All Over You" is another masterpiece. Do feature it!
With an ear to the ground you can make it is one of their best songs
So glad you finally got round to the Canterbury scene. Such a rich seam of fine music.
Glad you have listened to Caravan, for the last several days I've been thinking of suggesting you listen to 'Hatfield and the North' another of the 'Canterbury' bands with some cross pollination of personnel . Try anything from either of their albums 'Rotters club' or 'Hatfield and the North'.
I've been a fan of Caravan since I first heard "If I could do it again Id do it all over you" back in 1970. I have seen them many times and will be seeing them again next month. For further reference of other British bands of that era that will challenge your listening try some Soft Machine and Van der Graf Generator, Colosseum and Camel. Gentle Giant you have already heard.
Finally Doug gets to hear what we have been so eager for him to discover and enjoy. Real music, real musicians, with real talent and not a computer in sight.
Doug reacts to a lot of computer music?
Weird. I'm actually looking at a computer now, and there are two others around. Three computers in sight*
Amazing album !
It really is. Golf girl is a perfect slice of whimsy.
It would certainly speed the household chores along.
With a magnificent artwork
Reading through the comments there is a lot of love for 'Hatfield and the North' (the name comes from a road sign outside London) here is a sample from 'The Rotters Club' their second album ruclips.net/video/ymfzq2OGw0g/видео.html
"Brings it all back to me" remains a tune which breaks me (and mends me) every time: such hopeful melancholy. Heard this album first in my teens (I'm 64 now) - it changed my world a bit and I know why. Thanks for your fresh reaction, Doug, and some of the chord analysis, it was a fucking treat to see your face hear this stuff for the first time.
The whole record is a masterpiece. "For girls who grow plump in the night" (1973) is up there too.
All the Canterbury scene bands were amazing and created some extraordinary music with space for improv - often in tricky time signatures. If you like this you’ll love HATFIELD AND THE NORTH. Caravan loved puns as in great albums called: CUNNING STUNTS …. FOR GIRLS WHO GROW PLUMP IN THE NIGHT
Hatfield is a must for a "wierd Wednesday", Gong, Matching Mole will fit in the perfectly as well
Great album, thanks for the reaction! The looming question is, if you hadn't listened to any of the albums you've reacted to so far, what in the hell were you listening to all these years?? At 20 years old I was diving deep into 1920s and 30s classic jazz, along with classical music, Indian classical music, flamenco, and or course rock. I can't conceive of a musician/composer not exploring everything out there past and present.
They don’t teach progressive rock in music schools.
@@jimhardiman3836 They also don't control you in your time outside of school. And I learned music theory and harmony under Truman Fisher, who taught Capt Beefheart, Frank Zappa, and Eddie Van Halen. So he actually was aware of prog rock and Coltrane and Steve Reich to name a few things he referenced.
This is a fair point. Circa 1974 our (classically-trained) music teacher at a very old-fashioned school once took a lesson or two to point us in the direction of Rick Wakeman's Journey to the Centre of the Earth and 'Sounds Interesting' which was Radio 3's (UK BBC classical music station) look at adventurous rock/avant-garde music. Always thanked him for that and goes to show that a classical training should involve investigation of ALL genres of music.
Amazing how many great albums that I love you cover. I love this album very much.
No synthesizer, it' an organ through a fuzz, one of the best keyboard sounds of the 70's.
No synthesiser - all Hammond through a Lesley. Don’t forget Pye’s excellent guitar through with those murderous chords. He’s a superb musician, singer and composer.
I remember watching the band for the Nth time at Guildford Town Hall, before which I interviewed Pye for a small magazine I worked for. After the interview, Mike Wedgwood, Dave, Pye and I went for a great meal and chat! Mike is my oldest friend. As always they were stunning.
Great to hear Caravan. (I think Steve Winwood got his organ tone on LSOHHB from David Sinclair and Mike Ratledge, not the other way around.) A lot of unique bands associated with Canterbury: Soft Machine, Egg, Matching Mole, Hatfield and the North, Henry Cow, etc. Not all are from that area, as I understand. But a lot of the musicians were co-mingled in different bands and projects associated with the scene.
Yes and NATIONAL HEALTH - HATFIELD AND THE NORTH were a wonderful band playing very tricky music with wit and flair and lugubrious Richard Sinclair on bass and witty vocals. Brilliant Dave Stewart on keyboards ( from Egg) Phil Miller underrated guitar player and Pip Pyle on drums. They used to talk about breaking drummers! Bill Bruford drummed for a while with NATIONAL HEALTH formed by Dave Stewart with Alan Gowen from GILGAMESH with Phil miller again. Dave then went on to join Bill Bruford’s band … all excellent and when hear any of them live and improvising the musicianship is off the charts
I loved this; my favourite Caravan album too. Thanks, Doug, this completely justified my Patreon sub this month. 😊
Great video Doug.
This for me, is the ultimate in 1970/71 style 'drifting' improvisatory music. Two or three dominant chords and modal invention over the top. Beautiful vocals by Richard and a serene mood maintained throughout.
I hope you'll have a listen to 'winter wine' on the other side. It's fantastic.
The album is iconic and imho one of the most significant releases in progressive rock. Thanks for the reaction, Doug
I love this album...side 1 is also fantastic...Gilgamesh...Hatfield And The North...National Health...all great bands that were part of same scene...Hatfield And The North ROTTERS CLUB...a particular standout album...
I only heard this back in '71-'72 because the local college radio station was starting to play lengthy prog rock, whole album sides sometimes while the student DJ's were doing their thing. I liked it enough after a few listens to pick up the album. I always liked putting it on when I had chores to do in the apartment. It was great! I always like the bass line pretty much throughout. It seemed more prominent in the mix when I'd listen to it back then than what I'm hearing here. You didn't mention it, but I thought it made a lengthy song with a lot of keyboards more "filled out." Thanks for reviewing it!
Glad to see you check out Caravan.
That riff (the Heavy one) sounds very reminiscent of Smoke on the Water, interesting this song was released several months before.................
This was what Tony Banks was listening to when developing his style
Great band, I own an original and sweet reissue of this on vinyl. You'd probably dig Richard Sinclair's other band Hatfield and the North. Some crazy arrangements!
안녕하세요~ 유튜브로 caravan 라이브 곡을 검색하다가 이 채널을 발견했네요.
좋아하는 곡을 덕분에 색다르게 감상 할 수 있었습니다. 구독합니다.
수많은 록 밴드들의 70년대 초반 앨범들이 90년대 초중반에 재발매되는 경우가 많았습니다.
caravan의 여러장을 당시 구매했었는데, 그중 이 앨범을 가장 즐겨 들었네요.
Nine feet underground는 아직도 자주 듣곤 합니다. 유튜브 덕분에 그들의 라이브도 감상 할 수 있구요.
Thank you Doug~!
If they bury em nine feet underground, they really don't want them coming back😂
Check out Rock Bottom. A solo LP by Robert Wyatt who was the drummer in soft Machine and matching mole, essential Canterbury sound band. In my humble opinion Rock Bottom is a masterpiece
The time I heard Caravan it felt like home - so very British, complex but not too showy. Kind of like a rock Elgar. The other bands mentioned here, Hatfield and The North, Egg, National Health are all worth a listen. Camel are a Guildford based band but at one time included several members of Caravan. Dave Sinclair does not enough credit as many other more showy keyboard players
If you have not been there Canterbury is beautiful and even near gives off a really cool vibe.
Love this band and happy to see this fine piece of music have an opportunity to reach a broader audience. "Memory Lain, Hugh / Headloss" next please!
Probably my favorite cut from this band. Seconded!
I bought this LP in 1971 in my final year at High School. Everybody I knew had this record. 8 years later I married and my wife had this album.
Great video! I'm glad you got to listen to this amazing band.
I'd love to see you do one of these longer album side videos on some of the other Canterbury scene bands like Soft Machine, Matching Mole, Hatfield and the North, Egg or National Health.
Keep up the great work!
This is a great episode. Great track. Nice subgenre dive into the Canterbury Scene. Lots of great music in that scene. Nice addition to ones musical journey of discovery. Great to hear Doug name check other great musicians that he has discovered on his journey.
Great reaction. 😎👍
On side 1 there's one of my personal favorites Caravan tracks: Winter Wine. The other three songs are just good, Winter Wine is great.
Totally agree. The rest of the side 1 tracks are nice, but Winter Wine is far superior in my opinion.
@@Bsith there is a fantastic live version of Winter Wine from German TV here on RUclips. Check it out, mate!
Absolutely love Winter Wine. Such brilliant music makers
Hey, the title track is superb. Probably my favorite by Caravan
@@hankbannister Yup, I know that version and it's so good. Thank you anyway!
At last indeed! They toured Australia in 73 on bottom of a triple bill with Lindisfarne and Slade. Despite the absurdity of the mix, they impressed. Agree you should do Hatfields next, but the first album with the core Canterbury figure, Robert Wyatt, guesting.
I lived and worked in Canterbury in 71-74, Great place to be involved in. It was alive with artists of all types, Bands and music everywhere. very cool place then.
For Girls Who Grow Plump In the Night, please...especially Memory Lain, Hugh / Headloss. Naw, the heck with it, do the whole fracking album.
Oh, oh, oh. Thank you Doug. Love this album soooo much. I have not seen any reaction to any Caravan songs before. They were amazing.
Try Winter Wine 🍷 by Caravan! Think you would really enjoy it. Great chord changes. Richard Sinclairs lovely voice. There's a live performance of the piece from the Beat Club in Germany 1971, I believe. It's a fun, jazzy/prog listen. Fairly long tune. Caravan had sum interesting albums from the early 70s.
The keyboards are reminiscent of Pete Bardens of Camel who were one of Caravan's contemporaries.
When this album came out in 1971, I bought it. And played it. The next day I went back to the shop and bought another copy.
I sealed that one and stored it at a save place, for later use.
Because! I knew I was going to ruin the first copy by playing it over and over and over again!😂
And now, I am 71. And still love it!🥰
"For Girls Who Grow Plump in the Night" is their peak album.... their strongest and most enjoyable. that organ sound is a Canterbury trademark.....
"For Girls Who Grow Plump In The Night" was the first Caravan album I heard. More song oriented and less improvisational and jazzy than this one here as I recall, but really terrific.
I have loved Caravan since the 1970’s. Dave sinclaire’s keyboards were fantastic. This with Close to the Edge by Yes are my favourite prog songs.
i’m not 9 feet under yet,but this suite has been with me for the past 50 years….
... and I hope it will be with you for the 50 years to come !
I haven't listened to Caravan since the 90s. Even then I wasn't terribly familiar with the band. The opening section of this song seems to have a Steely Dan vibe to me. Does anyone agree?
Doug, a small correction of what was sung. Pye Hastings' actual words were, "My mind is yours. Yours is mine."
That sounds more reciprocal to me, but probably still incomprehensible overall.
I very much enjoyed watching and listening to your interactions with Nine Feet Underground. Thanks for doing it. You offered some great associations. I'll see your organ playing Steve Winwood and raise you one saxophone playing Chris Wood.
I hope you'll dig into more Caravan soon. Also, please check out the group Richard Sinclair went on to form called Hatfield and the North.