MIRAGE

Camel's self-titled debut album released in 1973 was a huge disappointment. Only 5000 copies were sold and MCA didn't want to release a second album by the band but Decca signed them so the band went in 1974 to the Basing Street Studios in London to record their second studio album "Mirage".

According to guitarist Andrew Latimer the band made a huge step forward compared to their debut. The band wrote all the songs as team and also the interaction became better between him, organist Peter Bardens, bassist Doug Ferguson and drummer Andy Ward. Producer David Hitchcock convinced them to record the multi part song "Nimrodel/The Procession/The White Rider", which was inspired by J.R.R. Tolkiens "Lord of the Rings. The band liked the songs and decided to record another epic song, the final "Lady Fantasy". These two songs surely are the highlights of a really great progressive rock album. "Mirage" is in my opinion one of the best progressive rock albums ever released. The instrumental dominated "Mirage" really showcases four musicians, who all are master of their instruments and are able to create sensational music. And the band indeed made a big progress from their first album. The long compositions don't get boring even with a running time from over 9 minutes and the addition of the flute, which wasn't used for their first album fits to the progressive sound and makes it richer.

"Mirage" really is a strong release without any weak moment. It took me some time to really get into the album, but after hearing it 10 times I realized that this is one of the all time best progressive rock albums.