THE SNOW GOOSE

So, on one faithful, sunny, June afternoon, person x and dude y asked me, "What's this 'Symphonic' Praw...err Progg...Prog stuff?" With a double-take and a glare, I respond, "CAMEL's 'The Snow Goose' is Symphonic Prog, dood. It's good stuff." Actually, nobody besides my father would ever spontaneously bring up Progressive Rock, especially one of it's sub-genres, and I wish someone were really named "x" or "y," because I'd make fun of them. Right in this review. Erherghm...anyways...

CAMEL's "The Snow Goose" is a fine example of the basis of symphonic structure: we have an introduction, variety, a climax, more variety, and a finale. Through a course of sixteen tracks, CAMEL captures a fantastic assortment of moods, from the symphonic, "anthem- like" structure of Rhayader, through the acoustic and jazz-esque beauty of the title track, the explosive and bombastic textures of The Flight of the Snow Goose, the alternating, marching time-signatures of Dunkirk, all the way to the quiet ending in which the entire 45- minute, instrumental story-book began.

Musically, it's fairly difficult to label the entire album with a consistent sound, since it fluidly flows in and out of every musical color and emotion that you could possibly imagine. Elements of Jazz-Rock Fusion, Jazz, Rock, Symphonic Prog, etc. can be found on this one, so there's a little bit of everything for everyone. Each musician is of top class on this one, liberating the emotional qualities of each and every note with their playing.

I apologize for the lack of an in-depth review, but overall, "The Snow Goose" is one of those albums that requires a listen and personal appreciation to do it justice fully. It may not be flawless (close), but I loved it after my first listen and I still feel likewise after the 100th, still believing that it's one of the best, the most classic, and overall the most important albums in the Symphonic Prog genre. Get it!!!

4.5/5