Camel

I got into Camel when i joined this site through the song samples (when you were able to D/L them) and loved them all. but up until yesterday, i owned 0 albums. i dont know why... so what do i do? i buy every studio album of there's except A Nod and a Wink (couldnt find it). even the not so good albums i find enjoyable. The Snow Goose and the debut are my favs right now, with Mirage and Moonmadness in close second, followed by Nude. after some intense listening all day, a question came to mind. why is this band so underrated on this site? and why are they not discussed as much as YES, Genesis, Dream Theater, ELP, Opeth, King Crimson, or any of the other giants of prog? the music is so beautiful and perfect it's mind boggling!

Rajaz, Harbour Of Tears, Dust And Dreams are IMHO, extremely well made albums, nothing bad at all. Just not up to par with the 70's albums, but still very good. i think the only one i wish i didnt buy was The Single Factor.

They don't get discussed as much because there is a strong contingent of Progophiles who seem to think that they are somehow second division because;

a) They write fantastic and accessible melodies
b) They don't go in for overblown virtuosity
c) They stay away from mind-bending avante-garde
d) They don't do polyrhythms or multi-tonalities

None of that matters to me, though - Camel are one of my favourite bands; Premier division Prog in my opinion

It may be a bit predictable, but Mirage is my favourite, followed by the less predictable Harbour of Tears.

I've had A Nod And A Wink and Stationary Traveler for quite some time. The other night, however, I went on a bender and ordered Moonmadness, Snowgoose, Mirage, and Rain Dances. Really looking forward to diving right into these when they arrive.

E

FIRST DIVISION. With no doubt.

Got into the band lately after many unfruitful attempts, but it just 'clicked'.  Bought their three mandatory albums, 'Mirage', 'The Snow Goose' and 'Moonmadness'.  All great albums! 

I only have the three classics, but am considering diving into some of their more recent stuff.  But of the three classic albums of theirs, I would rate them like this:

1. Moonmadness

2. Mirage

3. The Snow Goose

Camel have written some brilliant songs, though many feel because they appeared relatively late in 1973  some of their music contains many influences, using keyboards and flute. Personally i think they're a fantastic group and lately have been reacquainting myself with their music, having not heard very much of them for many years. Their early albums are good, my favourite is "Mirage" "Camel"  and "Snowgoose" is a grower!

For me Camel is the best band in the 70's prog. Call me subjective, I don't care, only Pink Floyd can be compared with them. Yes, Crimson, Genesis... all of them are maybe more complex, but Camel touch emotions like any other band.

Second division? Absolute nonsense- I don't get how a band as musically adept as Camel but with such a strong sense of melody and emotion could be shunned with such an underhand term.