"If I Could Do It All Over Again, I'd Do It All Over You" is the second album by Canterbury scene band Caravan, released in September 1970. The album exemplifies the Canterbury scene genre with its characteristic organ solos and melodic vocals that define the band's style. It was released on Decca Records, and the title track was also issued as a single.
Caravan released their debut album, Caravan, in 1969 and gained some live success, appearing on UK and German television early that year. However, their label, Verve Records, shut down its British operations and dropped the band. Guitarist Pye Hastings later recalled that this situation "left us in limbo." The band regrouped, continued performing live, and eventually found a new manager, Terry King. David Hitchcock, who worked in Decca Records' art department, saw the band perform at the London Lyceum and recommended them to his boss, Hugh Mendl, leading to their signing with Decca.
Recording for their second album began at Tangerine Studios on Balls Pond Road, Dalston, London, in September 1969. The band self-produced the sessions, with Robin Sylvester engineering. Hastings noted that the self-production led to conflicts as each member wanted their instrument to be more prominent. The band recorded several tracks, but these were set aside as they toured, gaining popularity on the university circuit in Britain and Europe. They reconvened in February of the following year and recorded the album's songs mostly live onto 8-track tape.
A highlight of the sessions was the fourteen-minute jazz-rock piece "Can't Be Long Now," which was assembled from various sections contributed by the band. It was listed as "For Richard" on the 1973 live album Caravan and the New Symphonia. Keyboardist David Sinclair composed the basic structure of the piece, while bassist Richard Sinclair wrote the main tune. Hastings invited his brother Jimmy to guest on saxophone and flute, which became a regular feature in Caravan's studio work.
The album cover was photographed by David Jupe in Holland Park, London.
