Caravan - If I Could Do It All Over Again, I'd Do It All Over You (Decca 1970) 24-bit/96kHz Vinyl Rip

Caravan followed up their eponymous debut with the cryptically titled If I Could Do It All Over Again, I'd Do It All Over You in the Autumn of 1970. If I Could Do It All Over Again contains significant progressions over the first album. These include the intricacy with which compositions are sculpted around some of the finest instrumental improvisation in British rock at the time – or arguably since. Caravan's uncanny ability to create a montage that effortlessly manoeuvres through acoustic folk and electric progressive rock is best exemplified on the "With an Ear to the Ground" suite. The extended instrumental passages weave in and out of each other, creating a hypnotic and otherwise psychedelic soundscape that would become a trademark of the European progressive rock movement. Another epic, "For Richard" quickly found solid standing as the Caravan live performance closer for decades after first appearing on this album. Juxtaposed against these pieces are several shorter works, which in essence clear the palette for the longer ones. The title track, as well as "Hello, Hello" are perfect examples of how Caravan was able to one-up many of their progressive contemporaries, creating shorter and more accessible songs for radio airplay – resulting in a guest appearance on BBC TV's Top of the Pops programme. Lindsay Planer AMG

Track Listing:

A1. If I Could Do It All Over Again, I'd Do It All Over You

A2. And I Wish I Were Stoned/Don't Worry

A3. As I Feel I Die

A4. With An Ear To The Ground You Can Make It/Martinian/Only Cox/Reprise

B1. Hello Hello

B2. Asforteri 25

B3. Can't Be Long Now/Françoise/For Richard/Warlock

B4. Limits

Richard Coughlan : drums, congas, bongos, maracas, finger cymbals
Richard Sinclair : bass guitar, tambourine, hedge-clippers
Pye Hastings : 6 and 12 string electric guitars, 6 string acoustic guitar, claves, worn leather strap,
impersonation of a friendly gorilla and assorted ashtrays
David Sinclair : organ, piano, harpsichord
Jimmy Hastings : sax and flute
Produced by Terry King and Caravan