Caravan

Label: Decca
Country:
Released:
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Release Overview

Cunning Stunts is the sixth studio album by the English progressive rock group Caravan. The album was released on July 25, 1975, under Decca Records. It carries the catalog number SKL-R 5210 in the UK and BTM in the US. This release marks a significant moment for the band, as it introduces bassist and vocalist Mike Wedgwood into the lineup. Wedgwood was previously a member of Curved Air and joined the existing members: Pye Hastings, Dave Sinclair, Geoffrey Richardson, and Richard Coughlan.

Recording Details

The recording of Cunning Stunts took place between September 1974 and May 1975. The sessions were held at multiple studios, including AIR London, Decca No. 2, and Tollington Park studios. David Hitchcock produced the album alongside the band. The combination of these locations and the production team contributed to the album's unique sound.

Musical Composition

One of the album's standout features is its second side, which is anchored by "The Dabsong Conshirtoe." This 18-minute suite is divided into six parts and showcases the band's progressive rock roots. The arrangement includes brass instruments, which were conducted by Jimmy Hastings. This addition lends a rich texture to the already complex musical landscape that Caravan is known for.

Art and Design

The album's visual presentation is also noteworthy. The surreal gatefold cover design and photography were crafted by the design group Hipgnosis, known for their striking and imaginative artwork. The graphics were created by Richard Evans, adding another layer of creativity to the album's overall package.

Conclusion

Cunning Stunts was recorded at AIR London, Decca No. 2, and Tollington Park studios between September 1974 and May 1975.

Tracklist

A1	The Show Of Our Lives Soloist [Guitar] – GeoffWritten-By – SinclairWritten-By – Murphy*
A2	Stuck In A Hole Synthesizer [Moog Brass] – MikeWritten-By – Hastings
A3	Lover Arranged By [Strings] – MikeWritten-By – Wedgwood
A4	No Backstage Pass Arranged By [Strings] – DaveArranged By [Strings] – MikeOther [Backing Lyrics By Courtesy Of] – Pastor Music, N.J.Written-By – Hastings*
A5	Welcome The Day Written-By – Wedgwood*
The Dabsong Conshirtoe
B2	The Fear And Loathing In Tollington Park Rag Viola [Massed Violas] – GeoffWritten-By – Richardson

Credits

Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Vocals – Pye Hastings
Bass Guitar [Fretless], Bass Guitar [Fretful], Congas, Vocals – Mike Wedgwood
Cover [Design] – Hipgnosis
Design [Cover], Photography By [Cover] – Hipgnosis
Drums, Percussion – Richard Coughlan
Engineer [Assistant, AIR London Studios] – Mike Sellars
Engineer [Assistant, AIR London Studios] – Sean 'Pinball' Milligan*
Engineer [Assistant, Decca No. 2] – Graham Meek
Engineer [Assistant, Decca No. 2] – Mark Lusardi*
Engineer [Assistant, Tollington Park Studios] – Martin Haskell
Engineer [Mixing] – John 'GTF' Burns*
Engineer [Recording, AIR London Studios] – Bill Price
Engineer [Recording, AIR London Studios] – Pete Swettenham*
Engineer [Recording, Decca No. 2] – John 'For A Poond' Burns*
Engineer [Recording, Tollington Park Studios] – Kevin Fuller
Graphics – Richard Evans
Lacquer Cut By – W
Other [Emporium By Courtesy Of] – Bermans And Nathans
Photography By [Live Photos] – Michael Allard
Piano [Acoustic Piano], Synthesizer [Mini Moog, Freeman String Symphonizer], Organ, Electric Piano [Fender Piano], Electric Organ [Audio Electric Organ] – Dave Sinclair*
Producer – David Hitchcock
Producer [With] – Caravan
Tape Op [Tape Hop] – Martin Hasgone
Tape Op [Tape Jockey, Decca No. 2] – Martin Hasbeen
Viola, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Flute – Geoff Richardson*