Caravan-Cunning Stunts (1975)

The sixth album by the British band Caravan marked the beginning of the end of their more classic era, moving towards a more predictable and conventional sound, far removed from the complexities of the Canterbury sound of their earlier work. On this occasion, their earlier jazz influences appear only sporadically, although the progressive elements of their earlier work are still present, albeit in a more accessible tone. This sixth release continues to be led by guitarist Pye Hastings and keyboardist David Sinclair, supported by Jimmy Hastings, Geoff Richardson, Richard Coughlan, and Mike Wedgwood. Tracks like "Dabsong Conshirto" retain the distinctive Caravan sound, while the orchestrated "The Show Of Our Lives", the energetic "Stuck In A Hole", and the predictable "Welcome The Day" and "Lover" close out an album that drew criticism from their more orthodox fans, but still retains much of their classic and unmistakable sound.