Author: Peter Podbrežnik
Artist: Caravan
Label: Eclectic Discs
Released: 2003
Length: 60:07
Rating: 3.5/5
Caravan, the English prog-rock pioneers from Canterbury, went back into the studio a few more times after the end of the seventies, when their ‘golden age’ was already over. And although the later albums never matched the brilliance of the material recorded in the first decade of their existence, there was still plenty on them for the long-time faithful to enjoy. One such album, which even fans of their catalog rarely mention, though it was far from bad, was definitely »The Unathorised Breakfast Item« from 2003, the last Caravan record with original drummer Richard Coughlan, who died in 2013.
The main and only problem with »The Unauthorised Breakfast Item« is that Caravan, in the lineup of Coughlan, singer/guitarist Pye Hastings, lead guitarist Doug Boyle, violist Geoffrey Richardson, keyboardist Jan Schelhaas and bassist Jim Leverton, haven’t been standard-bearers of sonic innovation for a long time, and most of the arrangements on »The Unauthorised Breakfast Item« aren’t as inspired as most Caravan devotees would like, since they know full well what the legendary band was capable of in its prime. Still, even in the 21st century Caravan have kept their recognizable style, with a heavy emphasis on melody that at times verges on symphonic pop rock, with plenty of folk arrangements and jazzy rhythmic touches. Pye’s distinctive, ‘angelic’ voice, Richardson’s crisp string passages, Schelhaas’ warm Hammond organ sound and that typically English humor are all part of »The Unauthorised Breakfast Item«, which has quite a few moments that recall the ‘good old days’. But there are also a few pieces where you can feel the lack of real inspiration, and they’re more or less just filling space on the album.
You also miss the greater rhythmic complexity of the past, since Coughlan no longer has his old explosive, eclectic drumming. But considering that doctors diagnosed him with arthritis just two years after this album came out, which marked the start of his health troubles, he still held up well. The opening track, »Smoking Gun (Right For Me)«, which kicks off with a bluesy guitar riff, honestly recalls certain highlights from the golden era with its sheer playfulness, while lead guitarist Boyle shines with witty variations. Boyle’s stint in the band lasted around ten years and was a fairly interesting experiment, since Caravan never had two guitarists before or after, except when Richardson occasionally picked up a guitar and joined Pye. Returning member Schelhaas, who replaced original keyboardist Dave Sinclair in 2002, much as he had replaced him in Camel back in 1979, did a solid job, though in places there could have been more of the Hammond organ that so defined their classic work.
»Revenge« moves at a faster tempo, and what stands out most here are the slick guitar variations and the mischievous sax passages courtesy of (regular) guest member Jimmy Hastings. The title track has a light pulse and a playful tone, while the chorus doesn’t leave much of a deeper impression. Certain instrumental variations come off more interesting, clearly showing the band members’ exceptional technical chops. »Tell Me Why« is a light, slightly dull folk-stamped ballad that’s at least a touch too long, given that it doesn’t offer much in the way of atmospheric depth or rhythmic variety. The only real praise here goes to Pye’s singing. His traditionally high voice has dropped only barely noticeably over the years. The dreamy »It’s Getting a Whole Lot Better« has a slow, slightly psychedelic-jazzy pulse with elements of a love ballad. Apart from nicely played sax, piano and guitar solos, nothing earth-shattering happens on it, but it works as good background music for a late dinner at a restaurant with a jazz piano and sax accompaniment. »Head Above the Clouds« is among the album’s less inspired moments, as the main motif is far too repetitive, which gets downright annoying at times. Not even the excellent guitar solo in the closing stretch can rescue the pale impression.
»Straight Through the Heart« is another love ballad, one that confirms Caravan haven’t lost their knack for radio-friendly songs over the past decades. They’ve always been one of those prog bands that could have racked up quite a few hits with a bit more promotion, had that been what they were after. »Wild West Street« is a still-life instrumental with the focus on string and acoustic guitar arrangements, with a good dose of folk flavor. »Nowhere to Hide« is one of the album’s highlights, and also the only track on which David Sinclair appears on keyboards, with bassist Leverton taking over lead vocals. It’s one of the few moments, especially in the second, instrumental, improvisation-leaning section, with a bit more of an experimental spirit, which is otherwise what’s missing most of the time on »The Unauthorised Breakfast Item«. The album closes with the shorter instrumental »Linders Field«, which focuses on flute improvisations by Jimmy Hastings, one of the better flautists in the history of progressive rock.
At a time when new albums from the Canterbury prog scene had become rarer than rain in the Gobi Desert, Caravan did a good job with »The Unauthorised Breakfast Item«, turning out a thoroughly solid and very listenable record. Of course, it can’t be compared to Caravan albums from the first half of the seventies, but it still has a nice number of nostalgic moments that remind you how very much alive their traditional sound still was at the start of the 21st century. With a bit more rhythmic vitality, especially where the drums are concerned, it could have turned out even better.
Lineup
Pye Hastings – lead vocals, guitar
Richard Coughlan – drums
Geoffrey Richardson – viola, banjo, ukulele, acoustic guitar, backing vocals
Doug Boyle – lead guitar
Jan Schelhaas – keyboards, backing vocals
Jim Leverton – bass guitar, vocals, backing vocals
GUEST MUSICIANS:
Jimmy Hastings – tenor and soprano saxophone, flute
David Sinclair – keyboards on “Nowhere to Hide”
Simon Bentall – percussion
Ralph Cross – additional percussion on “The Unauthorised Breakfast Item”
Production
Julian Gordon Hastings
Track list
1. Smoking Gun (Right For Me) (5:36)
2. Revenge (5:15)
3. The Unauthorised Breakfast Item (4:44)
4. Tell Me Why (6:16)
5. It’s Getting A Whole Lot Better (8:56)
6. Head Above The Clouds (7:21)
7. Straight Through The Heart (4:40)
8. Wild West Street (4:47)
9. Nowhere To Hide (8:54)
10. Linders Field (3:38)
