THE ANSWER [AKA: VINTAGE '69]

Sometimes before one moves on to a new phase in life, love, work, or play, one might reflect on the prior era and maybe give it one more dusting off before concluding that it is, indeed, time to move on and push off. The dawn of the 1970s brought changes to all of Peter Bardens' co-conspirators, from THEM and a certain VAN MORRISON to FLEETWOOD MAC. This allowed them to be remembered more as artists who began in the 60s than those who were relics forever consigned to that time frame. The evolution of Peter Bardens from blistering blues keys man to progressive rock wizard was as striking as any other of its day, but "The Answer", his first solo album, is virtually all rear view mirror.

This is a VERY 60s sounding heavy psych blues rock record with scads of jamming and repetitive vocals. Even for a live recording it sounds sloppy, but I suppose that is part and parcel of the genre as I see it. References to substance abuse are far less veiled than they would later become, and more in relation to being wasted than to having visions worth accompanying with progressive music. The only hint at the future is in the final cut, "Homage to the God of Light", in which the organ phrasings approach those familiar to CAMEL fans, but you could probably slice off 10 minutes and retain the essence.

If you are seeking clues to Camel's origins, this artifact is not the answer. For historical completists only, and barely.