Record Reviews

CAMEL ~ BREATHLESS (EXPANDED EDITION) ESOTERIC 2155 (Barcode: 5013929725522) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1978 Released: 2009 7th album by British Prog legends CamelFind albums by this artist, which marks a transition period in the band´s history, which followed a five years of personnel stability and incredibly productive output, as documented by their albums released during that period. Prior to the recording of this album´s predecessor – "Rain DancesFind albums with this title" – founding member / bassist Doug FergusonFind albums by this artist left the band, leaving the remaining three founding members: keyboardist Peter BardensFind albums by this artist, guitarist Andy LatimerFind albums by this artist and drummer Andy WardFind albums by this artist in need for replacement. They soon found the incredibly gifted bass player Richard SinclairFind albums by this artist (CaravanFind albums by this artist, Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist) and also added saxophonist / flautist Mel CollinsFind albums by this artist (King CrimsonFind albums by this artist) as a permanent member of the band, making it a quintet for the first time, and this lineup recorded "Rain Dances". However, during the recording of "BreathlessFind albums with this title", Peter Bardens announced, that he´ll be leaving the group, which was a serious blow, considering his enormous input to the group´s creative process. The quintet lineup managed to record the album, with Bardens leaving immediately after. As to the music included on the album; at the time of its release it was considered both by the band´s fans and critics as disappointing and way too "commercial" in comparison to the band´s earlier efforts. In retrospect, although different indeed, it still preserves an incredibly high musical standard and integrity, both on the compositional and performance level, and suggests that it was rather the fans, who disliked change, then the band, which propagated change, which caused the fracture. There is no doubt that this album belongs to the proud heritage of music left to us by one of the best British Prog bands in the genre´s history. Recommended!

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

CAMEL ~ MOONMADNESS (DELUXE EDITION) DECCA 5316187 (Barcode: 600753161876) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1976 Released: 2009 Following the brilliant "The Snow GooseFind albums with this title" album, CamelFind albums by this artist´s 4th album proved to be another masterpiece, considered by many to be the absolute highlight of their entire career. Although not a concept album as such, the individual songs have a loose conceptual underling and the musical unity is truly remarkable. The material, written as usual by keyboardist Peter BardensFind albums by this artist and guitarist Andy LatimerFind albums by this artist, is wonderfully coherent, melodic and highly emotional, with ample space for extended instrumental passages. Bassist Doug FergusonFind albums by this artist and drummer Andy WardFind albums by this artist support the two soloists with taste and passion and the album immediately achieved the status of a timeless classic. As with all works of substance, in retrospect the music still sounds uplifting and inspiring 34 years later with no trace of getting outdated. This new edition adds bonus material and a whole second CD with live recording. Simply outstanding and an essential piece of music history!

CD 2 Digipak Slipcase Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

CAMEL ~ THE SNOW GOOSE (DELUXE EDITION) DECCA 5314614 (Barcode: 600753146149) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1975 Released: 2009 One of the most impressive Prog concept albums of all times, CamelFind albums by this artist´s 3rd album remains a beacon shading its light up to this very day upon the desolated shores of today´s music. Brilliantly composed, orchestrated and performed, this subtle music symbolizes everything that was the great musical eruption, which happened in the early 1970s. Completely disregarding any commercial influences, the band and mainly the two members, who composed this magnificent music, keyboardist Peter BardensFind albums by this artist and guitarist Andy LatimerFind albums by this artist showed that music has no boundaries and ambition and talent are rewarded in the long run. Bassist Doug FergusonFind albums by this artist and drummer Andy WardFind albums by this artist support the two soloists with taste and passion and the entire piece immediately achieved the status of a timeless classic. As with all works of substance, in retrospect the music still sounds uplifting and inspiring 34 years later with no trace of getting outdated. This new edition adds bonus material and a whole second CD with live recordings done for the BBC, an endless source of historic material. Simply outstanding and an essential piece of music history!

CD 2 Digipak Slipcase Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend