A LIVE RECORD

This is the album that marks the end of an era for Camel.

Their first 5 albums for me define their "classic" era. Even though the band had a significant lineup change in "Rain Dances", new bass player Richard Sinclair and Mel Collins officially joining the band, that album still contained the essentially prog elements that defined that "classic" period. But this Live Record is what "Seconds Out" was to Genesis: a farewell to their progressive rock sound. It is true that Camel would always have some prog elements on the albums that followed, and contrary to what Genesis did, Camel would return during the late 90's to that characteristic prog sound, and would finally embrace its roots again in the 00's. But starting from 1979 on through the 80's and early 90's Camel basically became a pop band, albeit not commercially succesful.

A Live Record (the 2009 remaster) is a fine selection of tracks taken from 5 different performances between 1974 and 1977. Their most beloved songs and instrumentals from their days of glory are presented here in a live setting, including their masterpiece concept album "The Snowgoose" performed in its entirety, featuring nothing less than the London Symphony Orchestra, performed in nothing less than the Royal Albert Hall, the Holy Cathedral of rock. All musicians involved gave their absolute best; some tracks feature the original lineup of Latimer/Bardens/Ferguson/Ward, and others the addition of Collins/Sinclair.

I am not an expert in the audio quality and production; to me most stuff out there sounds great. But I really like the way the audience noise was perfectly balanced as to not be a nuisance and to make the listener feel as if being inside the venue.

Although I've never had to pleasure to hear the original 1978 release, neither the 2002 remaster, I truly and dearly recommend the 2009 remastered release, which is an absolute must-have.

5 stars, easily