CAMEL ON THE ROAD 1972

Coincident with setting up their own production company and label, Camel also lovingly combed its archives to release reasonably priced live material, this one being the earliest representation. While their self titled debut was a somewhat unpolished and embryonic gem, this recording shows that, in a live setting, Camel was very much a band even before a formal release. This is especially so on the two numbers that would eventually surface from "Mirage", "Lady Fantasy" being the highlight, especially some of the interplay on the soft section before the final shift into overdrive. "God of Light Revisited" also shows respect for Bardens' early reputation and considerable achievements, as they regularly incorporated it into their live set during this period. It is far more jammy and lacks the focused lens through which Camel would tend to view their contributions, but is perhaps the most historically valuable piece here, given its rarity. At its best, it brings to mind Barclay James Harvest's assault on "Medicine Man" in the live format.

In spite, and perhaps more because of the not unsurprisingly flat production, "Camel on the Road 1972" provides a greater sensation of "being there" than subsequent efforts, but is ultimately of interest to diehard fans.