A LIVE RECORD

As others have mentioned the remastered and expanded version of this original live recording is a keeper. This was re-issued in 2002 just after Peter Bardens death and so it is dedicated to his memory and musical legacy. It's kind of cool that Peter introduces and thanks the London Symphony Orchestra at the start of disc two which is the complete "Snowgoose" album done live in 1975. And I have to agree with others who feel this turned out better than the studio version.

The first disc is mostly from the "Raindances" tour and so features songs from that record along with many other earlier tracks. A good companion to this live album is the "Coming Of Age" double live album which only has four tracks (from "Snowgoose") on it that are featured on "A Live Record". So those two live albums cover a lot of CAMEL material. This particular live recording also has Mel Collins and Richard Sinclair on the first disc adding their immense talents.There are so many highlights on this recording I don't know where to start. In particular "First Light" which is so uplifting at times and "A Song Within A Song" which is simply gorgeous. Check out "Lunar Sea" and "Lady Fantasy" both incredibly done. My favourite as usual is "Never Let Go". So emotional for me and the sax is a nice touch. The bass, guitar and organ also get a chance to shine here.

I must admit i've never warmed up to the "Snowgoose" studio album but this live version is an upgrade and one I really enjoy.

Easily 4 stars for CAMEL's first live album which is finally given the treatment it deserves with this remastered and expanded edition.