Cunning Stunts

by Caravan

Overview

Contrasting the clever spoonerism from which Cunning Stunts derives its name, Caravan are heard on what is arguably their most uninspired material to date. The effort is certainly far from a total loss, but nowhere nearly as creative as their former studio effort For Girls Who Grow Plump in the Night (1973) -- the likes of which sadly would not be equalled. Instead of commencing the affair with the aggression and spirit that informed previous LPs -- such as "Memory Lain, Hugh" or "Waterloo Lilly" -- which had christened their earlier albums, "The Show of Our Lives" comes off comparatively heavy and practically dirge-like. Caravan's trademark instrumental agility while perhaps temporarily mired, is not lost on Pye Hastings' uptempo rocker "Stuck in a Hole." Heavy-handed, superfluous orchestration -- possibly a residual effect of their New Symphonia project from late 1973 -- mars "No Backstage Pass" and the 18-minute "Dabsong Conshirtoe." There are a few trademark and at times edgier passages, especially during the "Ben Karratt Rides Again" movement of the epic "Conshirtoe." Still, the orchestration is too slick sounding, as if it were teetering on the aural wallpaper that is (gasp!) Muzak. Caravan enthusiasts intent on including Cunning Stunts in their collections should be aware that the 2001 CD reissue contains a few choice supplementary selections. Chief among these is an unissued take of "Keeping Back My Love" -- which would ultimately be reworked three years later on Better by Far (1977). Here the band definitely display signs and sounds of the Caravan of old. For that cut alone, the renovated offering can be sufficiently recommended. The other significant bonus track is a live "For Richard" recorded at Fairfield Hall in Croydon, England. Originally, it was included on the 1976 Canterbury Tales best-of, but makes its digital debut here. ~ Lindsay Planer

Product Details

Release Date:	11/03/2023
Label:	Proper / Proper Records
UPC:	0805520240628
Rank:	46590

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Caravan   Primary Artist
John B.   Featured Artist
Dave Sinclair   Organ,Piano,Keyboards,Mini Moog,Piano (Electric)
Richard Coughlan   Drums,Percussion
Pye Hastings   Guitar,Vocals,Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric)
Jimmy Hastings   Conductor
Dick Jordan   Featured Artist
Avo   Featured Artist
Nick Jones   Featured Artist
Hugh Jampton   Featured Artist
Mike Wedgwood   Bass,Congas,Vocals,Brass Synth,Fretless Bass,Moog Synthesizer
Geoff Richardson   Flute,Viola,Guitar,Violin,Vocals,Soloist,Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric)
Mal Function   Featured Artist
Mu Ning   Featured Artist
Carol Ann   Strings
Tom Butler   Featured Artist
Boogie the Dog   Featured Artist
Chas "Prune" Gerber   Featured Artist
Che Vrolay   Featured Artist
Five Star Annie Chris Worral   Featured Artist
Jeremy "Hit Record" Thomas   Featured Artist
Joe "No Bullshit" Newman   Featured Artist
John the Truck   Featured Artist
Len-Me-the-Money   Strings
Mary Hinge   Featured Artist
Matt Fringe   Featured Artist
Maurice "It's Your Head" Haylett   Featured Artist
Miles Copeland   Strings
Nick Blackburn   Strings
Nick Sholen   Featured Artist
Paul Dabson   Featured Artist
Rene Sonce   Featured Artist
Terry and Terry and Terry and the Albertross   Featured Artist
Tony "Cheeks" Self   Featured Artist

Technical Credits

Bill Price   Engineer
Caravan   Composer
Graham Meek   Assistant Engineer
Dave Sinclair   Composer,Brass Arrangement,String Arrangements
Richard Coughlan   Composer
Julian Hastings   Mixing
Pye Hastings   Composer
Jimmy Hastings   Brass Arrangement
Richard Sinclair   Composer
Phil Smee   CD Package Design
David Hitchcock   Producer
John Burns   Engineer
Mark Lusardi   Assistant Engineer
Martin Haskell   Assistant Engineer
r. sinclair   Composer
Mike Wedgwood   Composer,String Arrangements
Geoff Richardson   Composer
Pete Swettenham   Engineer
Richard Evans   Graphic Assembly
Kevin Fuller   Engineer
Michael Allard   Photography