STATIONARY TRAVELLER

This would be CAMEL's 10th studio album followed by the longest break of their careers as it would be 7 years before "Dust And Dreams" would be released. It's weird looking at the lineup here and seeing that the only original member left is Andy Latimer. In the liner notes he thanks among others "Mel (one-take) Collins, Alan Parsons (for nosh), and Kate Bush for the fairlight". This is a concept album written by Andy's partner Susan Hoover.

"In The Arms Of Waltzing Frauleins" is a short depressing track with reserved vocals, piano and synths. "Refugee" is more upbeat with Latimer on vocals. A catchy tune. "Vopos" has this melancholic intro. Latimer comes in vocally before 1 1/2 minutes. A good rhythm to this one. Guitar before 4 minutes. I like the synths. "Cloak And Dagger Man" is very 80's sounding with guest vocalist Chris Rainbow singing. A catchy tune with lots of synths and guitar.

"Stationary Traveller" is the first of three instrumentals. Some pan-pipe (say what ?) in this one, and I like the guitar 3 minutes in as the drums join in to create a full sound. "West Berlin" is another 80's sounding tune with the vocals and drums standing out. "Fingertips" is a relaxed tune with fretless bass, a beat and vocals standing out. Sax from Collins after 2 minutes. "Missing" is uptempo with lots of keyboards. A guitar solo after 2 minutes. "After Words" is piano and synths throughout. "Long Goodbyes" features synths and flute early. Bass joins in then vocals. It kicks in after a minute. Contrasts continue. Nice guitar 4 minutes in.

For me this is barely a 3 star album, probably 2 stars in reality.