Camel

Camel is one of the few classic symphonic rock bands I where I witnessed many women on their concerts  I use to describe their albums (until Stationary Traveller) as 'warm bath symphonic rock', it sounds so melodic, harmonic and moving and you can feel the emotion, especially when Andy Latimer delivers another compelling guitar solo. I have seen Camel many times between 1981 and now: the concerts were always sold out, the atmosphere was always great and Camel never disappointed so perhaps Second Division but being in the Premier League doesn't mean you play attractive .. I tend to say, in contrary ...

Edited by erik neuteboom - September 20 2006 at 13:02

About Nude, had a listening session with my Dad once, we both loved it. A great band. Stationary Traveller is a good album, Melomaniac!!

Second division? Absolute nonsense- I don't get how a band as musically adept as Camel but with such a strong sense of melody and emotion could be shunned with such an underhand term.

For me Camel is the best band in the 70's prog. Call me subjective, I don't care, only Pink Floyd can be compared with them. Yes, Crimson, Genesis... all of them are maybe more complex, but Camel touch emotions like any other band.

Camel have written some brilliant songs, though many feel because they appeared relatively late in 1973  some of their music contains many influences, using keyboards and flute. Personally i think they're a fantastic group and lately have been reacquainting myself with their music, having not heard very much of them for many years. Their early albums are good, my favourite is "Mirage" "Camel"  and "Snowgoose" is a grower!

I only have the three classics, but am considering diving into some of their more recent stuff.  But of the three classic albums of theirs, I would rate them like this:

1. Moonmadness

2. Mirage

3. The Snow Goose

Got into the band lately after many unfruitful attempts, but it just 'clicked'.  Bought their three mandatory albums, 'Mirage', 'The Snow Goose' and 'Moonmadness'.  All great albums! 

FIRST DIVISION. With no doubt.

I've had A Nod And A Wink and Stationary Traveler for quite some time. The other night, however, I went on a bender and ordered Moonmadness, Snowgoose, Mirage, and Rain Dances. Really looking forward to diving right into these when they arrive.

E

They don't get discussed as much because there is a strong contingent of Progophiles who seem to think that they are somehow second division because;

a) They write fantastic and accessible melodies
b) They don't go in for overblown virtuosity
c) They stay away from mind-bending avante-garde
d) They don't do polyrhythms or multi-tonalities

None of that matters to me, though - Camel are one of my favourite bands; Premier division Prog in my opinion

It may be a bit predictable, but Mirage is my favourite, followed by the less predictable Harbour of Tears.