If you like Camel, Tell me why

It's appreciation for the music that came from the early chemistry of the band (especially Latimer, Bardens, and Ward) Being mostly instrumental helped too, even though they could sing well. They knew the instrumentation was where it was at, and only added vocals where necessary. Nothing about those years was forced or inauthentic, just natural. They also did well with volume and intensity; stronger energetic parts, beautiful quieter parts, and everything in between. There's an art to making all of that flow.

Edited by Boojieboy - October 01 2021 at 13:40

The thing with Camel is either you like them or you don't. They're one of those bands where there's no middle ground. 

I always found their music . . . incomplete--as if something is/was missing. Even now, in my post-parenting period of prog rebirth, I find Camel music to be little more than interesting, even tolerable; definitely what I'd call "second tier" or even early "Prog Lite." To my ears, even syrupy albums like Focus' Mother Focus or Kalaban's Resistance Is Useless seem more complex and adept than Camel music. I can't explain why--and I've owned most everything they released--on vinyl--since the 70s. Nude and "Lunar Sea" are about the only things I'll listen to for enjoyment.

Edited by BrufordFreak - October 02 2021 at 07:35

'Like' is definitely about it and only the first four albums (of ones that I've heard) and mainly The Snow Goose which is unique. If they hadn't done that then I wouldn't care very much tbh. Obviously very high professional standards and useful they were all on the same page at the same time (many seventies prog bands weren't!)

I have a very personal connection to Camel, many of their melodies, that is really hard to explain. It's like that in music, to some things there is some direct emotional connection that goes beyond what can be described in "objective" terms. Latimer and Ward of course are great instrumentalists and the line-up with Bardens, Sinclair and Collins could play circles around pretty much everyone. They have their fair share of sophistication (where they wanted to - Camel never did complexity for complexity's sake and have many things that indeed are very straight) but for sure were never the most original innovators. Still they did/do something very special. 


Edited by Lewian - October 02 2021 at 03:08

Great band. Probably the best guitarist I’ve heard. They’re in my top 5

Rottenprogger wrote: The thing with Camel is either you like them or you don't. They're one of those bands where there's no middle ground.  I think they're musically amazing.

Hercules wrote: Because they have the best discography of any band and they have the best guitarist I've ever heard. Is that a good enough reason?

thats it? Camel gonna Replace pink floyd popularity? I see a lot of Camel post here lately. few months ago the forum was louded with pink floyd posts.

Edited by yogev - October 06 2021 at 03:15

After being blown away by Andy and Co's excellent performance on the recent LIVE FROM ROYAL ALBERT HALL DVD I completely agree with you. 

Edited by Rottenprogger - October 06 2021 at 14:52