NUDE

I used to play this one a lot in the early eighties. Along with ANTHONY PHILLIPS' 1984, I think it one of the under-appreciated gems of the early 80s. Lots of catchy melodies, pretty song structures founded in some traditional Japanese music, the album has a really nice flow of songs to tell the concept album's story (based on a true life event) about about a Japanese soldier from World War II who has been living alone on a small Pacific Island for thirty years without knowing that the war is over--thinking that he is still fighting for his emperor and country. found and brought back to Japan, Hiroo Onoda has to come to grips with the extraordinary changes in the world, his country, and his family. The album's weakness is its New Age keyboard sounds and horrible play and recording of the drums. (Was this really Andy WARD--THE Andy Ward?!?!) There are several really nice vintage CAMEL instrumental passages/songs ("Beached" [3:32] [9/10] was always a highlight for me on Side One and "Reflections" [2:45] "The Birthday Cake"[4:05] and "Nude's Return" [3:42] on Side Two. Still, the music is often a bit simplistic and corny, which is why I can't give this one more than three stars.