PRESSURE POINTS

Just realized that I have not reviewed this legendary live album by Camel. It just happened last night when I played the cassette version of this album and amazed, again, on the music played by Camel throughout this record which I think it's much more dynamic than any song featured here performed at studio. It happened also not by intention that I played this cassette which I purchased at Yess records in Bandung, West Java sometime in November 1984. It's because on the present days I tried to play all cassette collection that I collected since 70s and 80s during the heydey of progressive rock so that finally I got this album. And when I checked with progarchives I then realized that I have not said anything about this album.

As far as content, I am quite happy with the tracklist capturing their famous tracks like West Berlin, Lies, Rhayader etc. But I am quite disappointed as I found there is no Lady Fantasy captured here. I am very happy with the overall performance of the band as this is is much better and much dynamic as compared to studio version. The music is really alive and the vibe is really good. No wonder this is a very good one because the musicians on top of Andy Latimer (the permanent member of the band) are great with Colin Bass, Ton Scherpenzeel (of Kayak fame) on lead keyboards, Chris Rainbow on vocal & keyboards and the famous sax player in prog music: Mel Collins. It quite entertaining this live record as the music is heavily dominated with keyboard as well as guitar solo almost in all tracks performed. For me personally, I like the fact that these tracks are featured on a right sequence: West Berlin (5:19) - Fingertips (4:48) - Wait (4:28) - Rhayader (2:29) - Rhayader Goes To Town (6:05). The sequels sounds like a concept album to my ears as they flow like one single song with a long duration.

Overall, it's really a very good and enjoyable live record. Keep on proggin' ...!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW