CAMEL

This debut is mostly in the style of the next 3 albums and is considered part of the classic Camel line-up. The next 3 albums refine the sound of this album, but stick to the relatively same style of music. One thing that is prominent on Camel's first four albums is the interaction between the late Peter Bardens (died in 2002) and Andy Latimer. This is a key element to the band, and very pleasing to hear.

The music is good and an obvious connection can be made to the jazz/rock sound found in the Canterbury Scene (I have mistook this band for a Canterbury Scene band because of the sound similarities - another reason for this is Richard Sinclair from Caravan - a real Canterbury Scene band - played on a couple of albums). The lush organ from Bardens and emotional guitar from Latimer (can be compared to David Gilmour's style of playing in Pink Floyd) are really what make this debut album such a strong one as to merit 4 stars for me. The lyrics are not really necessary but make a good addition to the music and the vocals on here (supplied by Latimer, Bardens, and bass player Doug Ferguson) fit the music. This album is a good idea of what the next 4 albums are like, great songs, good lyrics that don't subtract the music, and very good instrumentals. This album is often overlooked because of the 3 great albums that followed (Mirage, Snow Goose, and Moonmadness). My favourite tracks on here are: Never Let Go because of the good guitar playing, Six Ate because it is a good jazzy instrumental, and Slow Yourself Down for being an all round good song and a great opener. This is a strong release that is always pleasing to hear and merits the 4 star rating I am giving it.

I have the remaster of this album and would like to add a few things about it. First it has a single release ofNever Let Go, which is shorter than the album version and would be for completionists. But the next track makes it necessary for any fan of this band to have. It is Homage to the God of Light, a piece from one of Peter Bardens solo albums before he joined Camel. It is necessary because it is an epical song (19 minutes long) that was recorded live at The Marquee Club and gives fans the ability to hear a 19-20 minute epic from this band (as the sadly did not make one).

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