CAMEL: "The Snow Goose" (Deluxe Edition)

Original released on LP Decca SKL-R 5207

(UK, May 1975)

Camel's classic period started with "The Snow Goose", an instrumental concept album based on a novella by Paul Gallico. Although there are no lyrics on the album - two songs feature wordless vocals - the music follows the emotional arc of the novella's story, which is about a lonely man named Rhayader who helps nurse a wounded snow goose back to health with the help of a young girl called Fritha he recently befriended. Once the goose is healed, it is set free, but Fritha no longer visits the man because the goose is gone. Later, Rhayader is killed in battle during the evacuation of Dunkirk. The goose returned during the battle, and it is then named La Princesse Perdue, symbolizing the hopes that can still survive even during the evils of war. With such a complex fable to tell, it is no surprise that Camel keep their improvisational tendencies reined in, deciding to concentrate on surging, intricate soundscapes that telegraph the emotion of the piece without a single word. And even though "The Snow Goose" is an instrumental album, it is far more accessible than some of Camel's later work, since it relies on beautiful sonic textures instead of musical experimentation. (Stephen Erlewine in AllMusic)

CAMEL: "Mirage"

Original released on LP Deram SML 1107

(UK 1974, March 1)

With their second album, "Mirage", Camel begin to develop their own distinctive sound, highlighted by the group's liquid, intricate rhythms and the wonderful, unpredictable instrumental exchanges by keyboardist Pete Bardens and guitarist Andy Latimer. Camel also distinguish themselves from their prog rock peers with the multi-part suite "Lady Fantasy," which suggests the more complex directions they would take a few albums down the line. Also, Latimer's graceful flute playing distinguishes several songs on the record, including "Supertwister," and it's clear that he has a more supple technique than such contemporaries as Ian Anderson. Camel are still ironing out some quirks in their sound on "Mirage", but it's evident that they are coming into their own. (Daevid Jehnzen in AllMusic)

CAMEL Debut Album

Original released on LP MCA MUPS 473

(UK, February 1973)

One of the Canterbury scene's most underrated albums and certainly Camel's most underrated. Along with "Mirage" (which is rightly considered to be a classic), this is the most typically Canterbury sounding album of Camel's career (actually sounds even more like a Canterbury album than "Mirage") and yet, though the playing is impressive and the material is strong, this album has always pretty much been ignored, even by big Camel fans. Which is a shame, because there's some great stuff here. "Mystic Queen" is one of their loveliest numbers (almost approaching "White Rider" levels of majestic beauty) and "Never Let Go" is another great tune in a similarly emotional vein, while "Arubaluba" and "Six Ate" are dizzy complex instrumental workouts. Just give a listen to it and judge for yourself.