STATIONARY TRAVELLER

As if The loss of Ward was not sufficient, Camel (now a Latimer project) entered a period of legal problems that had plagued the band for years. Former manager Geoff Jukes had filed a lawsuit against the band claiming past commissions from Camel's earlier days. Having literally abandoned the band in 1978 at the point of Bardens' departure and upon the eve of a world tour, Jukes' lawsuit would ultimately prove futile. The legal battle began to heat up by 1983. Latimer battled the suit alone despite all members being named and it would take five stressful years at great expense, both spiritually and financially, before settlement in Camel's favour. In this year of change, Latimer fought hard but Camel was worth the battle.

In those difficult times, I guess that it was not easy to concentrate on music. This is another concept album from Camel. Well, I should say from Latimer. He almost does everything here. There are some good tracks on this album : but too few to make this effort memorable.

The opener is quite good : Latimer makes his guitar cry (or shout?). This track will take its full dimension while played live. A bit too short to my taste here. The problem with this album is that too many tracks are just average ("Refugee", "Vopos", "Cloak and Dagger Man", "West Berlin", "Missing", "After Words").

The beautiful title track is brilliant. Fantastic guitar with lots of feelings : Latimer produced another "Ice" oriented track. The first real highlight. Just too short (again).

"Fingertips" is a pleasant song : melancholic, with a great Mel on sax. A very nice melody as well. In one word : Camel like I have always liked. It has the mood of the album "Rajaz" already.

"Long Goodbyes" is a good poppy song and a decent closing number. This inspired melody should hold everything a Camel fan is waiting for : subtle and melodious vocals (a bit mellowish and naïve), and a very good guitar solo at the end.

Five out of ten, but I can hardly rate it as a three star piece. So, I will downgrade it to two.