Artist: CAMEL
Album: CAMEL EXPANDED & REMASTERED (CD)

Year: 1973/ 2002
Media type: CD

Camel is the first studio album by English progressive rock band Camel. It was released in 1973.

Andrew Latimer (guitar), Andy Ward (drums) and Doug Ferguson (bass) had been playing as a trio called The Brew around the Guildford, Surrey area of England. They recruited Peter Bardens (keyboards) and after an initial gig to fulfill a Bardens commitment on 8th October 1971 in Belfast, Northern Ireland under the name of Peter Bardens' On, they changed their name to Camel and their first gig was at Waltham Forest Technical College, London supporting Wishbone Ash on 4 December.

In August 1972 Camel signed with MCA Records and their eponymous debut album was released six months later. The record was not a success and the band moved to Decca Records.

In 1974 they released their second album, the critically acclaimed Mirage on which Latimer showed he was adept on flute also. Although failing to chart at home, it gained success on the U.S. west coast, prompting a three month tour there.

The instrumental, orchestrated concept album The Snow Goose 1975, inspired by the Paul Gallico short story of the same name, was the breakthrough which brought Camel wider attention. Gallico, who loathed smoking, thought the band were related to the cigarette brand and threatened to take legal action. Camel avoided this by adding the prefix 'Music inspired by...' to the album's cover. The album's success led to a prestigious sell out concert at the Royal Albert Hall, London, with the London Symphony Orchestra in October 1975.

A fourth album, Moonmadness in 1976, continued the success, but was the last to feature the original line up. Mel Collins' saxophone augmented the band for the subsequent tour, beginning an eight year association. Drummer Ward was pushing for a more jazz direction and the demand for this on Ferguson led to his departure in early 1977.

Richard Sinclair (previously in Caravan) replaced Ferguson and this line-up released Rain Dances (1977) and Breathless (1978). The latter the last album to feature Bardens, who announced his departure before the supporting tour. He was replaced by two keyboard players: Dave Sinclair (cousin of Richard and also from Caravan) and Jan Schelhaas (who, some years later, was to join Caravan). The Sinclair cousins both left the band after the tour, replaced by Kit Watkins and Colin Bass.

This line up recorded the more commercial I Can See Your House from Here (1979), an album which caused problems for the advertisers due to its irreverent cover, displaying a crucified astronaut looking at earth. Despite some fans' reservations about commercial leanings, the album concludes with a ten minute instrumental 'Ice', showcasing Latimer's lead guitar skills.

TRACKLIST:

"Slow Yourself Down" (Latimer, Ward)– 4:47
"Mystic Queen" (Bardens) – 5:40
"Six Ate" (Latimer) – 6:06
"Separation" (Latimer) – 3:57
"Never Let Go" (Latimer) – 6:26
"Curiosity" (Bardens) – 5:55
"Arubaluba" (Bardens) – 6:28

Bonus Tracks on 2002 Remaster:

"Never Let Go" (Single Version) 3:36
"Homage to the God of Light" (Recorded Live at The Marquee Club) 19:01

LINE-UP:

Andrew Latimer: Guitar, Vocals
Peter Bardens: Keyboards, Vocals
Doug Ferguson: Bass, Vocals
Andy Ward: Drums, Percussion