hatfield and the north

That's too bad.  It's one of my favorite albums.  Oh well.

What sort of "adventure" are you looking for?

flaxton wrote: i jist thought they would be a bit more avant gard, a bit like gong or national health.

Ah, I see.  If "avant-garde" is your thing, have you checked out RIO/Avant prog or Zeuhl?

It's rather a subdued album, in many ways. Often rather quiet and dreamy. Don't give up on it just yet - spin it a few more times and the wonderful subtleties of the album will hopefully start to be a bit more noticeable for you. I think to call them "a weaker version of caravan" is to really do them a massive injustice.

Also, try their second album as well. It's much more lively, and you'll hear a LOT of National Health in there, especially in tracks like Mumps.

A weaker version of Caravan? I find even the Hatfields' first effort generally more demanding a listen than Caravan (though this is not intended as a value judgment - I love both bands, as my reviews show quite clearly). On the other hand, it is also true that their first album is quite subdued and atmospheric, while their second, The Rotters' Club, is more complex and upbeat. Both are great albums, in my opinion - though I've seen the band described as 'easy-listening  influenced jazz-rock' (or something to that effect).

flaxton wrote: the connection with caravan is mostly the vocals.

Well, yes, that's a pretty good connection. 

i have listened to it again and it is definately a grower. thanks guys.

Rotters is a classic. The debut album is cool, but probably has 2 or 3 too many tracks. Hatfield are great though