Caravan

Label: Deram
Country: UK
Released: 1973
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Album Overview

"For Girls Who Grow Plump In The Night" is Caravan's fifth studio album, released on October 5, 1973. The album was produced by David Hitchcock and recorded in multiple locations including Tollington Park Studios, Chipping Norton Recording Studios, and Decca Studios in London. This album followed the departure of bassist and vocalist Richard Sinclair and keyboardist Steve Miller, with John G. Perry stepping in on bass and vocals, while original keyboardist Dave Sinclair returned after a two-album absence. The band also welcomed violist Geoffrey Richardson for this release.

Musical Composition

The album begins with "Memory Lane, Hugh," which features a brass and woodwind section arranged and conducted by Jimmy Hastings. This track sets the tone for a diverse musical experience throughout the album. Other songs like "Headloss" and "Hoedown" showcase the band's ability to blend rock with progressive elements. "C'Thlu Thlu" offers a more experimental sound, while "The Dog, The Dog, He's At It Again" introduces a playful vibe. The album culminates in a multi-part closing suite that includes "Be All Right," "Chance Of A Lifetime," and others, contributing to a cohesive yet varied listening experience.

Production and Arrangements

The orchestral arrangements on the album are particularly noteworthy. The closing suite features "Backwards," which was arranged and conducted by Martyn Ford and John Bell. This track was penned by Mike Ratledge, a notable figure from Soft Machine, and is unique as the only song on the album not attributed to band members Pye Hastings or John G. Perry. This inclusion demonstrates Caravan's willingness to collaborate and explore different musical textures.

Visual Presentation

The cover design and photography for "For Girls Who Grow Plump In The Night" were handled by Mark Lawrence. The artwork complements the album's whimsical and eclectic nature, which aligns with the band's progressive rock ethos.

Release Details

This album was released under the Deram label, further establishing Caravan's presence in the UK rock scene during the 1970s. The album's recording spanned from December 1972 to January 1973, leading up to its release, marking a period of transition and renewal for the band.

For Girls Who Grow Plump In The Night was recorded at multiple studios including Tollington Park Studios and Chipping Norton Recording Studios in London.

Tracklist

A1a	Memory Lain, Hugh Arranged By, Conductor [Conducted By] [Woodwind And Brass] – Jimmy HastingsClarinet, Baritone Saxophone – Harry KleinClarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Tommy WhittleClarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Tony CoeFlute [Solo] – Jimmy HastingsFlute, Alto Saxophone – Pete KingFlute, Piccolo Flute – Barry RobinsonSynthesizer [A.R.P.] – Rupert HineTrombone – Chris PyneTrumpet – Henry LowtherWritten-By – P. Hastings	5:00
A1b	Headloss Congas – Frank RicottiSynthesizer [A.R.P.] – Dave SinclairSynthesizer [A.R.P.] – Rupert HineWritten-By – P. Hastings	4:19
A2	Hoedown Congas – Frank RicottiWritten-By – P. Hastings*	3:10
A3	Surprise, Surprise Written-By – P. Hastings*	3:45
A4	C'Thlu Thlu Congas – Frank RicottiVoice [Larynx] – Jill PryorWritten-By – P. Hastings*	6:10
B1	The Dog, The Dog, He's At It Again Written-By – P. Hastings*	5:53
B2a	Be All Right Congas – Frank RicottiElectric Cello – Paul BuckmasterSynthesizer [A.R.P.] – Rupert HineWritten-By – P. Hastings*	6:38
B2b	Chance Of A Lifetime Congas – Frank RicottiWritten-By – P. Hastings*
B3a	L'Auberge Du Sanglier Written-By – P. Hastings*	9:46
B3b	A Hunting We Shall Go Written-By – P. Hastings*
B3c	Pengola Written-By – Perry*
B3d	Backwards Arranged By [Orchestra] – John BellArranged By [Orchestra] – Martyn FordConductor [Conducted By] – Martyn FordWritten-By – Mike Ratledge
B3e	A Hunting We Shall Go (Reprise) Arranged By [Orchestra] – John BellArranged By [Orchestra] – Martyn FordConductor [Conducted By] – Martyn FordWritten-By – P. Hastings*