STATIONARY TRAVELLER

I'm not the one who's gonna bash the 80's. Especially not the early years. Too much good stuff in my head and heart from this period. And some bands actually did well in the 80's: Rush, Asia, Pink Floyd, Talk Talk and Supertramp. All of those where actually art rock, but Camel and Rush kinda stepped aside of them. They kept a constant sound and gave everything they could on a lot of records. And I'm actually surprised when I listen to Stationary Traveller. I really feared an "Hall and Oates" sound, but only Refugee and Cloak and Dagger Man feels a bit corny.

Some keyboard parts of Vopos are really cool and demonstrates a will to please the ears, but staying apart of the herd. That's my Camel. A more relaxed Camel but with heavy and effecient beats. Some keyboard lines are almost 'dance floor' crafted like in Cloak and Dagger. Also, the mood is appropriate for night driving or just listening with very little lighting in the room such with Missing or Fingertips.

I cannot recommend this to people under 28-30 years old. The kids would totally laugh at your face at the 'plastic' keyboard sound or the big guitar licks. Having a fondness for 80's rock will help put things in perspective. But I rank this little bomb in the same leagues as Rush's Grace Under Pressure.

A good record, even closer to very good. But do not start here for understanding Camel.

Underrated, yes. But listen before buying.