ENDANGERED SPECIES

My copy of "Endangered species" forms part of a 2 on 1 CD the other half being Klaatu's "Sir army suit" album. Both albums are so short that the two fit comfortably on one CD with room to spare. The packaging is poor, with very little in the way of sleeve notes or historical information. With just 9 tracks and a total running time of 34 minutes, there is a clear suggestion that the band were devoid of ideas, and were running on empty.

Whatever vestiges of prog there were in the band's first albums have well and truly disappeared by the time of this their fourth album in 1980. There is certainly a retro feel to the music, starting with the Beach Boys influences opening track "I can't help it".

Occasionally the type of sounds which led to speculation that Klaatu was a secret Beatles project come to the fore. "Knee deep in love" may have echoes of the Beatles sound, but the song itself is far more anonymous. Indeed, it is the song-writing which is the real low point here. Every song is a plain piece of pop, devoid of inspiration. When that is coupled with a distinct lack of production technique, the results are all too predictable.

Bands such as 10CC have shown how it is possible to develop an album of pop songs into something enjoyable and appealing. All this album does is demonstrates the other side of the coin.

Avoid.

Irrelevant footnote: Andy Latimer wanted to use the title "Endangered species" for the Camel album "I can see your house from here".

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