What makes The Best of Caravan – Canterbury Tales by Caravan notable?

This compilation helped solidify Caravan's influence on the progressive rock genre, capturing essential tracks from their earlier works that would inspire later artists. It was well-received, often praised for its eclectic mix and musical innovation, standing out in a crowded field of similar compilations during the era. The album's track 'Nine Feet Underground' is particularly noted for its ambitious structure and complexity, making it a landmark piece within the genre. Released in 1973, 'The Best of Caravan – Canterbury Tales' serves as a retrospective compilation during Caravan's peak in the progressive rock movement. By this point, they had established themselves firmly within the Canterbury scene, following their critically acclaimed albums like 'In the Land of Grey and Pink' (1971) and 'Caravan' (1968). The album showcases their unique sound while also marking a moment of transition before their subsequent experiments in the late 1970s.

Who is The Best of Caravan – Canterbury Tales for?

The Best of Caravan – Canterbury Tales works well if you're into whimsical storytelling through music, extended tracks for deep engagement and playful energy for group listening.

How many songs are on The Best of Caravan – Canterbury Tales?

The Best of Caravan – Canterbury Tales has 21 tracks, running approximately 152 minutes.

The Best of Caravan – Canterbury Tales

Caravan

152 min · 21 tracks · progressive rock

A whimsical tapestry of progressive rock that intertwines complex arrangements with lyrical storytelling.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

whimsical storytelling through music
extended tracks for deep engagement
playful energy for group listening
cathartic journeys with dynamic shifts
for afternoon daydreaming

Maybe skip if you want

prefer concise, radio-friendly tracks
seek immediate gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1973, 'The Best of Caravan – Canterbury Tales' serves as a retrospective compilation during Caravan's peak in the progressive rock movement. By this point, they had established themselves firmly within the Canterbury scene, following their critically acclaimed albums like 'In the Land of Grey and Pink' (1971) and 'Caravan' (1968). The album showcases their unique sound while also marking a moment of transition before their subsequent experiments in the late 1970s.
Stylistic neighbors: Gentle Giant· Camel· Soft Machine

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

1 Place of My Own 4:04
2 Magic Man 4:04
3 Hello Hello 3:47
4 If I Could Do It All Over Again, I'd Do It All Over You 3:07
5 And I Wish I Were Stoned / Don't Worry 8:19
6 Can't Be Long Now / Francoise / For Richard / Warlock 14:26
7 Love to Love You (And Tonight Pigs Will Fly) 3:06
8 Golf Girl 5:01
9 Nine Feet Underground 22:42
10 Songs and Signs 3:39
11 The World Is Yours 3:36

Disc 2

1 Memory Lain, Hugh 4:52
2 Headloss 4:22
3 The Dog, the Dog, He's at It Again 5:59
4 Be All Right / Chance of a Lifetime 6:34
5 L'auberge du Sanglier / A Hunting We Shall Go / Pengola / Backwards / A Hunting We Shall Go (reprise) 10:04
6 The Love in Your Eye (live) 12:13
7 For Richard (live) 14:14
8 Stuck in a Hole 3:10
9 Lover / No Backstage Pass 9:40
10 The Show of Our Lives 5:44

What to play next

Listen next

With an Ear to the Ground

Go back to

BBC Radio 1 Live in Concert

Full Caravan discography Artists like Caravan

progressive rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata