GOLF GIRL

As every CARAVAN listener instantly knows already by looking at the titleless cover design, this single is an outtake from the beloved album In the Land of Grey and Pink. The album's title track is placed on the B-side. Both of these 5-minute songs appear in an unedited form.

I deeply enjoy the album as a whole, but without the presence of the longer, more fascinating tracks ('Nine Feet Underground' and 'Winter Wine') these simple songs remain...hmm, certainly sympathetic and nice, but a bit boring on the long run. As compositions per se, that is. However, the charming overall sound of the album is well present on them too; David Sinclair's fuzzy organ, Jimmy Hastings' lighthearted flute, Richard Sinclair's gentle and elegant voice. The Englishness, the wit, and above all, the good-humoured atmosphere of Caravan and its related acts in the Canterbury family.

I was once asked to name quickly five albums with which I would introduce [classic] prog to a newcomer, and In the Land of Grey and Pink was one of my picks, thinking that it might appeal to friends of jazz. How is it with these two songs alone? They're hardly progressive as compositions, nor jazzy, so they can't really be thought as introductions to the prog genre, in other sense than just to show how accessible and happy songs a prog context can contain. And who knows how valuable that notion can be to someone with prejudices about progressive rock. 3' stars rounded down for being a mere album outtake.

These may not be the most progressive songs that Caravan ever put out but I love them. Both are shorter songs from their 3rd album, (maybe their best one), THE LAND OF GREY AND PINK. Kinda poppy and whimsical, but fun, with classic Caravan beats and lyrics. I would even say that "Golf Girl" is a tad naughty with double meanings. And anything with Sinclair's soothing voice always draws me in. The drumming always makes my toes tap along.. For a great nostalgic experience, check out the Youtube video of the guys doing Golf Girl and Winter Wine on German TV's Beat Club in 1971. Amazing old trippy special effects and everything...even some lyric changes. While not essential, especially if you own the complete album, I still find these 2 tunes absolutely enjoyable listens. 4 stars.