THE SNOW GOOSE

This seems to be the album that everyone sees as being the pinnacle of Camel's recording career. The one album, although completely instruental, that garners 5 star reviews from 70% of the reviewers. I, on the other hand, have given this 3 stars, and I think that is being somewhat generous.

I'm certainly not denying the fact that this album has its moments of sheer beauty and genius, but unfortunately there aren't enough of those moments to keep my interest very long. Every time I feel the need to give this disc another spin I end up longingly looking at my Camel collection and trying to figure out why I hadn't played something else. I generally love instrumental tracks, but perhaps an entire album without the wonderful vocals of Latimer, Bardens, or Ferguson is a bit too much for me. As far as being a prog masterpiece, I can't agree. Is this even a prog album? Art rock maybe, prog is being optimistic.

Standout tracks are "Flight Of The Snow Goose", "Rhayader Goes To Town", and the "Preparation / Dunkirk" piece. The rest of the disc tends to wander although their are several other moments of greatness to found within.

If I had to tell a newcomer about this album I'd simply point them in the direction of the band's first two platters, or the wonderful follow-up album "Moonmadness." Sorry if I offeneded anyone with my rather opposite view, but their is something lacking here!! Maybe something called vocals!!??