CAMEL

CAMEL are one of my all-time favourite bands and this is where it all began for them with their self titled release from 1973. Bardens was the last piece of the puzzle for this band, and at this point he had been playing professionally for 10 years. He had been playing with Mick Fleetwood and Peter Green before joining CAMEL. Interesting that when bassist Doug Ferguson joined earlier he almost insisted that his former band mate and drummer Andy Ward also be part of the group. Both were accepted. There's something very special about the playing of Bardens and Latimer not only on this record but on subsequent releases. Andy Ward who was still a teenager at this point really impresses me with his prominant and energetic playing. Their first concert under the CAMEL name was opening for WISHBONE ASH. During the recording of this album they tried to find a vocalist but that having failed the band shared the vocal duties between Latimer, Ferguson and Bardens.

"Slow Yourself Down" features Latimer on vocals. I like the organ early. The guitar after 2 minutes is raw and abrasive. The organ that follows is outstanding. "Mystic Queen" is simply an amazing tune. It's sung by Ferguson as acoustic guitar, light drums, bass and organ tastefully play. The guitar 1 1/2 minutes in livens things up. Latimer then comes in with a beautiful solo before 2 1/2 minutes. Vocals return as themes are repeated. Mournful guitar 5 minutes in. "Six Ate" is a great jazzy tune with pulsating organ. The drums are quite active throughout. Guitar before 2 minutes. The organ and drums are outstanding later on. "Seperation" is led early by energetic drumming. Vocals from Latimer come in. Aggressive guitar a minute in and later 3 1/2 minutes in to end it.

"Never Let Go" is my favourite song on here. This is the only song Bardens sings on. This is also the only track with mellotron. It opens with acoustic guitar as waves of mellotron flood in. A groovy melody follows a minute in with vocals. I'm in love. Something about the lyrics and music that is so moving for me. Check out the flute / mellotron interlude after 2 1/2 minutes. Guitar is back 4 minutes in. The drumming is so good. A guitar solo after 5 minutes to the end rocks. Brilliant track. "Curiousity" is laid back early before the tempo picks up before a minute. A loud guitar solo 2 minutes in. Piano follows. A more tasteful guitar solo 4 minutes in. Ferguson is on vocals for this one. "Arubaluba" is the closing instrumental and the longest song on here. I like the organ a lot in the intro. The tempo starts to pick up 1 1/2 minutes in. Check out the organ 4 minutes in ! Great drumming late.

I just love the mood of this album.