It’s not always easy when it comes to deciding what is and isn’t part of the Canterbury Scene. Certainly geography itself is of little help with only Caravan and Soft Machine hailing from the environs and surroundings of that Cathedral city.
The borders of the scene are especially permeable, absorbing a list of groups and artists from all kinds of locations and backgrounds that have little to do with the city in Kent.
For example, all of the following have been cited at one time or another as belonging to the Canterbury scene: Soft Machine, Caravan, Kevin Ayers, Bruford, Egg, Hatfield And The North, National Health, Rapid Eye Movement,(basically anything with Dave Stewart in the line-up), Henry Cow, Khan, Soft Heap, Radar Favourites, Gong, Slapp Happy, In Cahoots, Mike Oldfield, Camel, Gilgamesh, Matching Mole, Quiet Sun and that’s just in the UK. In Europe Supersister, D.F.A, The Wrong Object, Moving Gelatine Plates, Picchio Dal Pozzo, Alco Frisbass, Forgas Band Phenomena are also judged to be part of the Canterbury club.
While clearly very diverse, what all of the above have in common is a series of musical traits, often overlapping and sometimes within the span of one song, that could be described as humorous, cerebral, poppy, complex, melodic, lyrical, experimental and, well, strange. Clearly Canterbury is more a state of mind and attitude to making music than any adherence to strict geographical boundaries.
It can be confusing but here are some examples of the Canterbury scene that should help it all make sense. And if it doesn’t, well it’s just some damn fine music regardless.
