I am coming from the other direction - getting to know Camel having previously explored Caravan. I didn’t know some of these albums existed, so I’ll have to do some more investigating. You really must check out Caravan. In The Land of Grey and Pink is an absolute masterpiece. Bright, euphoric, whimsical, other worldly, uplifting, nonsensical, psychedelic - did I say whimsical? But that’s just the hors d’oeuvre on side one, the magnum opus comes on side two and then life is complete.
@@jamesgriffithsmusic ha ha, yes, In fact I sold it to myself. I had to go and listen to the entire album having written that. After which I added a couple more adjectives!
I have seen Camel in the bins at many a record store but have never made a purchase. Thanks for the overview of their output. I will have to take a chance next time. Happy Holidays. --Randy
I don't know anything about Camel so it was great to hear you speak at length about them. Doesn't sound up my alley but I'll stream a bit and investigate. Thank you for sharing, James! Cheers, Tom
Hi James. Really enjoyed that. Don’t know much by Camel, other than the Moonmadness album. It’s nice when you discover a band and throw yourself into their stuff. That’s the best but about record collecting 👍
Hi James, thanks for the discography, I have been a Camel fan since 1977 around the Rain Dances era. Try and listen to the reformed Camel offerings starting with 'Dust and Dreams' in 1991 and finishing from a studio album point of view with 'a nod and a wink' in 2002. The direction has changed a little but the power of Andy Latimer as a guitarist is still very evident. Live, they remain a powerful force and there are various live albums which showcase their talents. The 'on the road' series of CD's would be a good place to start perhaps. Can I also mention the reworked version of the snow goose which was released in 2013 to coincide with the tour where they played the album in its entirety. Hope you enjoy finding out about Camel and hopefully, we will all get to hear them again live before too long.
I’ve liked the band for as long as I can remember owning any on their music. I only own two of their records but I’ve always thought about needed to dive into them a bit deeper. Great video (again) James. Cheers! - TONE
Very nice collection, James. So far, only Mirage has connected with me, but I think they are a band you have to be in a very specific mood to listen to.
Thanks for the quick Camel history. I have a couple of their records, but haven't listened to them too much. I'll have to remember to get them out. (Mirage and one called A Live Record.) Happy Holidays James!
Get review, my favourite was always Mirage, but I have never heard your favourite Moonmadness, so will have to give that a listen. If it is not too early to wish a happy Xmas, happy Xmas James & hoping 2021 is a bit better than 2020!
Thanks Dave..yeah definitely check out Moonmadness, it's a monster. Merry Christmas to you too, though you haven't seen the last of me yet (before then).
Hi James.Sorry if I’ve been way behind in your videos,great Camel collection I own a few of their albums on vinyl as well including two copies of Mirage on cd and vinyl respectively with different artwork..hope your staying safe and have a happy holidays! ✌️😎🎶
Hi James, you've managed to amass a good collection of Camel albums in a short period of time! Liked the band very much since first hearing them back in the 70s. Like you my favourite is Moonmadness, just slightly ahead of Mirage. I've only managed to see them live twice - both great concerts - the first time on the Nude tour, and the 2nd in the mid 2000s in Sheffield on what, at the time, was meant to be their final concert ever (Latimer had developed a serious health condition which thankfully he has recovered from). Single Factor and Stationary Traveller I only have on CD, and are my least liked albums by the band, a bit too poppy for my tastes. The next two Dust & Dreams and Harbour of Tears were an improvement - very atmospheric and soundtracky. Their last two albums Rajaz and A Nod And A Wink for me were a true return to form and I'd recommend them to you. I say last albums, but since returning to the live arena after Latimer's illness they have done one more studio album - a re-recording of The Snowgoose. I've not heard this, but have read good things about it. I'd check out their live albums too if I was you. BTW you must explore the music of Caravan - even better IMO. Have a great Xmas, and all the very best for the New Year / Peter
Hi James, big Camel collection this end, and saw them a number of times live. Recommend if you can find 'On the road 1981' great BBC recording from the In Concert series. Favourite for me Rain Dances , as you note some awesome bass playing and loved when Sinclair played fretless. Great video.
Hi Graham. Thanks for the recommendation, I've seen a few live clips of Camel on RUclips. Will definitely be on the look-out for 'On the Road'. Cheers.
Excellent collection James, really enjoyed this video for someone that is not too familiar with Camel. Sounds of it, a band I should dig deeper into. Looking forward to your festive video bud, as you usually do a video nearer to Xmas, really enjoyed those Xmas editions from the last few years. Take care mate and look forward to your next instalment.
Yet another group that I'd likely barely heard of, pre-VC, that I do now see shown every so often...not listened to anything by them that I'm aware of but from what you've described I might be interested to check them out, sounds like they are more poppy and not so overblown and serious as some prog bands of the time. Caravan I've only heard one album by, not one of the earlier, better known ones but I rather enjoyed it nonetheless and have been meaning to check out more. Have a nice weekend James, cheers!
Another band that I know of but don’t know much about. I am glad you did this, nice introduction. A lot of prog I struggle with, too much stuff going on or as you said on the bland side.
Thanks Steve. Camel are not really 'high-prog'. Quite accessible really. Hope you're gearing up for the festivities, digging the Xmas sweater in your latest thumbnail.
Wow James, You've out Cameled me. I must have missed this before Christmas. It's been a while since I listened to them thoroughly. My first by them was Rain Dances and I didn't enjoy it that much at the time. That must have been 25 years or so ago. In my 20s I still measured all prog with classic Yes as a yard stick. Sitting here now though it sounds quite good. Their earlier albums came to me quite late and I think I did appreciate the sharper edge on Mirage and Moonmadness when I got them. Snow Goose though was a bit too 'muzak' sounding for me though. I don't have the first album, nor do I have the next four after Rain Dances. Stationary Traveller is one I have on cassette. Then I have a couple of comps on vinyl too. The ProgArchives website rates their 1999 album Rajaz quite highly. Sadly though it was only issued on CD. I remember some years ago watching an interview with Andy Latimer where he said that he is surprised that he is still making Camel albums, but people keep buying them and still keep coming to the concerts. Nice
Thanks John. I don't get the Musak vibe from Snow Goose at all, though it's definitely there on some of the later ones. What's your opinion of the Nude album? I really like it but there's places where they could have gone for a harder sound I reckon.
You were right on the money with the band member names James. Really liked this one. I bought my first Camel album as a blind buy in the late eighties sometime. I bought 'Mirage' and I ended up liking it. I really like Rain Dances. Did you say which album was your favorite? Boy you come up with some quality video themes. I enjoyed this one. If I do not talk to you before next Friday I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas~ Rob/Boston
Hi Rob, sorry for late response. I think I said that Moon Madness was my favourite Camel album. Hope you had a restful holiday season, happy new year and see you in 2021.
I don’t have anything by Camel after the Moonmadness album but think I’d enjoy Rain Dances from your description. Richard Sinclair is definitely a great English prog musician. Will be on the lookout for some of the later Camel material. I reckon you’ll like Caravan too. I often like to wallow in some Canterbury whimsy and they possibly were the most consistent in that field. Take care, John.
Lovely overview of the Camel journey James. I was listenting to Mirage about two hrs ago. Lady fantasy is a stunning track. I think tey would have been bigger if they'd been a bit heavier and not so whimsical, although i personally love their sound and song writing from the 70's. Mirage and Moonmadness are standouts for me. Peace Andy H
Cheers Andy, yeah I'm inclined to agree about the slight element of whimsy in Camel's music. I like it, but I can hear how it might have been a turn-off for certain prog-heads.
Hey James, sorry I'm so late here. You've acquired quite a bit of Camel in a shortish space of time! I have wondered about that Mirage cover and whether the cigarette company approved/allowed it... gave away my copy of the snow goose, kind of wish I hadn't now.... "The splendidly named bass player, Colin Bass" - I did love that James, very nicely done. Maybe that was a subtle concession to the punks naming themselves. "Stationary Traveller" - wonder if that's something of an influence on our Alan Static Traveller? "their music has an internal consistency to it" - that's a very good point about bands and their music, and I wonder just how many that compliment truly applies to... enjoyable video James. Hope to catch up on your vinyl finds video soon!
Hi Dean, compliments of the season to you and yours. Sorry to hear you gave up The Snow Goose...it kind of surprises me, knowing your taste for the dreamy instrumental side of things! Intriguing theory about Static Alan....he didn't comment on the video so I guess we'll never know! Thanks for all your support and friendship on the VC this year as always. Here's to a brighter 2021.
@@jamesgriffithsmusic thanks James, and likewise to you and your family. Feeling like 2021 might be a touch calmer this way, can only really pray that happens for you all as well.
Hi James, you've listened to a lot more Camel than I have - just the first four albums for me about a year ago. Like yourself, the album covers were imprinted in my memory, especially Mirage and Snow Goose. I've just read about them in A New Day Yesterday by Mike Barnes (no relation). The European wing of the cigarette company were OK with the cover of Mirage, but they wanted to use it to shift product, which was averted somehow. The US wing didn't want to know as their market was older smokers and so the US version has a different cover with a dragon. Gallico was going to sue them over the Snow Goose (hence, 'Music Inspired by...') because he was doing his own album with Ed Welch and (drumroll) Spike Milligan! Looks like you'll have to keep your eye open for that! Cheers, Ian
Hi Ian. Me and Camel were perfect timing somehow, that great thing where you discover an old band at the exact moment where you seem to be in the mood for the kind of music they do (did). Caravan are next...
Have you since heard the post 1990s albums after Stationary Traveller... Dust And Dreams Harbour Of Tears Rajaz A Nod And A Wink The Snow Goose 2013 re-recording. All superb.
Nice spotlight on Camel, love them. Many people tend to shrug their early 80's off, but for me it's just as good as their 70's stuff, in a more "accessable" vein. Consistently nice melodies and great listening. I hope Latimer stays with us, he was very ill for some time and is up there in age too of course. They did some fine albums later on as well, Rajaz and A Nod and a Wink are both excellent. Cheers!
Yeah I know Latimer had been ill, but I wasn't exactly sure what it was and I didn't want to give out inaccurate information. I will definitely be checking out the later albums. Thanks for watching.
Nice look at Camel's back catalogue, James. I admit that I have only ever heard one Camel song which you sent as a link a while back. I also only recognise one album cover, the ciggie packet one, so this was a cool look through their discography.
Hey James, Very nice seeing this as I've been curious about them for years, though just never dove in. I've been into Pete Barden's solo stuff for a long time, though that was my only connection to them for the most part. 'Snow Goose' sounds very appealing, also in mentioning David Bedford who I like quite a bit. He also did a nice solo keyboards album called 'Great Equatorial' which I recommend. 'Moon Madness' and 'Rain Dances' also especially make me more curious. Also the one with Kit Watkins as I've been a big fan for years. Nice Phil played with them a bit, though he was collaborating a lot more then it seems anyway. Very interesting history they had. Looking forward to exploring the songs you have here. Thanks much for sharing this. Feel like I just may be starting a new journey here! :-) -Carm
Hi Carm, glad you enjoyed this peek inside the Camel. I need to hear Bardens' solo work - might look into that in the new year. Your best starting off point for Camel may well be The Snowgoose, as it's their one instrumental work. Moon Madness has some great keyboard sounds and playing on it. Thanks for tuning in, cheers for now.
I also got into Camel recently James. Absolutely love the Mirage album, but will try the other picks from your list. On a side note James, do you have a big Kate Bush collection? Interested to hear your thoughts. Cheers and happy xmas!
Hi Alex. I do have a few of Kate's records but my collection is sadly incomplete! I have talked about her album Never Forever in past videos...check out my video 'The Happiness of Records' for my thoughts on that one. Merry Christmas!
One of my favourite bands. I don’t think they were ever (really) Prog, no more than Barclay James Harvest were. If you like their sunny outlook, Caravan are the same only more so (but quirkier). Camel weren’t actually a Canterbury band, either, despite the later Richard Sinclair involvement but they sort of ‘fit’ into that tranche. Interesting that you like Down On The Farm, the only Camel track I don’t like! :) Andy Ward is still alive, apparently, though no idea as to his state of health. His drumming on A Live Record is truly monstrous (in a good way).
I don't know why I like Down on the Farm so much, it is a bit silly. I think it's the contrast between the really heavy 'proggy' intro and what happens next. Caravan are on the list.
Nice video... I've been into Camel a few years now. David Bedford worked a lot with Mike Oldfield... One of the greatest instrumentalists of all time. Ps. Lol it's Colin B 'a' ss not B 'A' ss Just my mams maiden name was Bass so l can relate lol.
@@jamesgriffithsmusic ah yes I do recall watching that video. You also pointed me towards Jeff's wonderful video that went through his story of being a lifelong fan. Check out those post 1990s Camel albums and check out more Oldfield stuff. I think you'll love it. There's an artist called Robert Reed too who is a huge fan of Oldfield and has released 3 long form instrumental Sanctuary albums and a 2 CD album called The Ringmaster featuring several people that have worked with Oldfield. On top of that are his prog groups Cyan And Magenta. All worth checking out. Take care mate 🍻
The first Camel album I really listened to was Breathless. Excellent album, it's still one of my favorites.
I am coming from the other direction - getting to know Camel having previously explored Caravan. I didn’t know some of these albums existed, so I’ll have to do some more investigating. You really must check out Caravan. In The Land of Grey and Pink is an absolute masterpiece. Bright, euphoric, whimsical, other worldly, uplifting, nonsensical, psychedelic - did I say whimsical? But that’s just the hors d’oeuvre on side one, the magnum opus comes on side two and then life is complete.
Some great adjectives there Richard, you're selling it to me!
@@jamesgriffithsmusic ha ha, yes, In fact I sold it to myself. I had to go and listen to the entire album having written that. After which I added a couple more adjectives!
I have seen Camel in the bins at many a record store but have never made a purchase. Thanks for the overview of their output. I will have to take a chance next time. Happy Holidays. --Randy
Thanks Randy....the first four albums I can definitely recommend. Moon Madness, Snow Goose and Mirage are all great.
Hi James, nice feature, I think Camel's first four albums are great. Take care Dale
Cheers Dale. Agreed the first four albums are probably the high watermark.
Hi James, Rain Dances my favourite , bought my copy in 1980 from Rumbelows In Morecambe! Fantastic band seen live quite a few times.
Great stuff Graham. I wish. I'd seen them in their hay-day. I don't think I remember Rumbelows!
I don't know anything about Camel so it was great to hear you speak at length about them. Doesn't sound up my alley but I'll stream a bit and investigate. Thank you for sharing, James!
Cheers, Tom
Cheers Tom. I recommend Mirage and Moon Madness as jumping off points.
@@jamesgriffithsmusic I actually quite like the design of that Mirage cover!
Hi James. Really enjoyed that. Don’t know much by Camel, other than the Moonmadness album. It’s nice when you discover a band and throw yourself into their stuff. That’s the best but about record collecting 👍
Cheers John. Check out the track 'One of these Days I'll Get an Early Night'. Great disco/funky feel on that one.
Hi James, thanks for the discography, I have been a Camel fan since 1977 around the Rain Dances era. Try and listen to the reformed Camel offerings starting with 'Dust and Dreams' in 1991 and finishing from a studio album point of view with 'a nod and a wink' in 2002. The direction has changed a little but the power of Andy Latimer as a guitarist is still very evident. Live, they remain a powerful force and there are various live albums which showcase their talents. The 'on the road' series of CD's would be a good place to start perhaps. Can I also mention the reworked version of the snow goose which was released in 2013 to coincide with the tour where they played the album in its entirety. Hope you enjoy finding out about Camel and hopefully, we will all get to hear them again live before too long.
Cheers Tony. I'm looking forward to checking out the band's later work.
I’ve liked the band for as long as I can remember owning any on their music. I only own two of their records but I’ve always thought about needed to dive into them a bit deeper. Great video (again) James. Cheers! - TONE
Hi Tone, great to hear from you. Hope you're keeping well....yeah man, check out some more Camel! Which two do you have?
Hi James I don’t think camel are my thing . But I enjoyed this video . Cheers James 👍.
Thanks Rob, glad you enjoyed it. Compliments of the season.
Very nice collection, James. So far, only Mirage has connected with me, but I think they are a band you have to be in a very specific mood to listen to.
It's been a long time since I've connected with a band so quickly....we live for those moments. Thanks Kris, merry Xmas to you and yours.
Thanks for the quick Camel history. I have a couple of their records, but haven't listened to them too much. I'll have to remember to get them out. (Mirage and one called A Live Record.) Happy Holidays James!
Thanks Randy, let me how you get on with the Camel spin session!
Get review, my favourite was always Mirage, but I have never heard your favourite Moonmadness, so will have to give that a listen. If it is not too early to wish a happy Xmas, happy Xmas James & hoping 2021 is a bit better than 2020!
Thanks Dave..yeah definitely check out Moonmadness, it's a monster. Merry Christmas to you too, though you haven't seen the last of me yet (before then).
Hi James.Sorry if I’ve been way behind in your videos,great Camel collection I own a few of their albums on vinyl as well including two copies of Mirage on cd and vinyl respectively with different artwork..hope your staying safe and have a happy holidays! ✌️😎🎶
Great to hear from you, hope you're doing well. I didn't know there was an alternative cover to Mirage.
Hi James, you've managed to amass a good collection of Camel albums in a short period of time! Liked the band very much since first hearing them back in the 70s. Like you my favourite is Moonmadness, just slightly ahead of Mirage. I've only managed to see them live twice - both great concerts - the first time on the Nude tour, and the 2nd in the mid 2000s in Sheffield on what, at the time, was meant to be their final concert ever (Latimer had developed a serious health condition which thankfully he has recovered from). Single Factor and Stationary Traveller I only have on CD, and are my least liked albums by the band, a bit too poppy for my tastes. The next two Dust & Dreams and Harbour of Tears were an improvement - very atmospheric and soundtracky. Their last two albums Rajaz and A Nod And A Wink for me were a true return to form and I'd recommend them to you. I say last albums, but since returning to the live arena after Latimer's illness they have done one more studio album - a re-recording of The Snowgoose. I've not heard this, but have read good things about it. I'd check out their live albums too if I was you. BTW you must explore the music of Caravan - even better IMO. Have a great Xmas, and all the very best for the New Year / Peter
Hi Peter, fantastic info, thanks!
Hi James, big Camel collection this end, and saw them a number of times live. Recommend if you can find 'On the road 1981' great BBC recording from the In Concert series. Favourite for me Rain Dances , as you note some awesome bass playing and loved when Sinclair played fretless. Great video.
Hi Graham. Thanks for the recommendation, I've seen a few live clips of Camel on RUclips. Will definitely be on the look-out for 'On the Road'. Cheers.
Very good james. I picked up a double live lp the last time you spoke about them. Need to play it more.
Cheers George..yeah, I need to pick up that live album. Compliments of the season!
Excellent collection James, really enjoyed this video for someone that is not too familiar with Camel. Sounds of it, a band I should dig deeper into. Looking forward to your festive video bud, as you usually do a video nearer to Xmas, really enjoyed those Xmas editions from the last few years. Take care mate and look forward to your next instalment.
Cheers Sam. Yep, I've got the Christmas jersey out of the cupboard and have been plotting and scheming already!
Yet another group that I'd likely barely heard of, pre-VC, that I do now see shown every so often...not listened to anything by them that I'm aware of but from what you've described I might be interested to check them out, sounds like they are more poppy and not so overblown and serious as some prog bands of the time. Caravan I've only heard one album by, not one of the earlier, better known ones but I rather enjoyed it nonetheless and have been meaning to check out more. Have a nice weekend James, cheers!
I really need to check out Caravan. They're on the list for 2021, along with Alice Cooper and Warren Zevon. Cheers Doug!
Another band that I know of but don’t know much about. I am glad you did this, nice introduction. A lot of prog I struggle with, too much stuff going on or as you said on the bland side.
Thanks Steve. Camel are not really 'high-prog'. Quite accessible really. Hope you're gearing up for the festivities, digging the Xmas sweater in your latest thumbnail.
Wow James, You've out Cameled me. I must have missed this before Christmas. It's been a while since I listened to them thoroughly. My first by them was Rain Dances and I didn't enjoy it that much at the time. That must have been 25 years or so ago. In my 20s I still measured all prog with classic Yes as a yard stick. Sitting here now though it sounds quite good. Their earlier albums came to me quite late and I think I did appreciate the sharper edge on Mirage and Moonmadness when I got them. Snow Goose though was a bit too 'muzak' sounding for me though. I don't have the first album, nor do I have the next four after Rain Dances. Stationary Traveller is one I have on cassette. Then I have a couple of comps on vinyl too. The ProgArchives website rates their 1999 album Rajaz quite highly. Sadly though it was only issued on CD. I remember some years ago watching an interview with Andy Latimer where he said that he is surprised that he is still making Camel albums, but people keep buying them and still keep coming to the concerts. Nice
Thanks John. I don't get the Musak vibe from Snow Goose at all, though it's definitely there on some of the later ones. What's your opinion of the Nude album? I really like it but there's places where they could have gone for a harder sound I reckon.
@@jamesgriffithsmusic I don't have the Nude album so I can't comment. Or was that a clever pun that went over my head?
You were right on the money with the band member names James. Really liked this one. I bought my first Camel album as a blind buy in the late eighties sometime. I bought 'Mirage' and I ended up liking it. I really like Rain Dances. Did you say which album was your favorite? Boy you come up with some quality video themes. I enjoyed this one. If I do not talk to you before next Friday I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas~
Rob/Boston
Hi Rob, sorry for late response. I think I said that Moon Madness was my favourite Camel album. Hope you had a restful holiday season, happy new year and see you in 2021.
I don’t have anything by Camel after the Moonmadness album but think I’d enjoy Rain Dances from your description. Richard Sinclair is definitely a great English prog musician. Will be on the lookout for some of the later Camel material. I reckon you’ll like Caravan too. I often like to wallow in some Canterbury whimsy and they possibly were the most consistent in that field. Take care, John.
Thanks John, yeah I will definitely be checking out Caravan in 2021. Can't beat a bit of Canterbury whimsy.
Lovely overview of the Camel journey James. I was listenting to Mirage about two hrs ago. Lady fantasy is a stunning track. I think tey would have been bigger if they'd been a bit heavier and not so whimsical, although i personally love their sound and song writing from the 70's. Mirage and Moonmadness are standouts for me.
Peace
Andy H
Cheers Andy, yeah I'm inclined to agree about the slight element of whimsy in Camel's music. I like it, but I can hear how it might have been a turn-off for certain prog-heads.
James,
Would you consider doing a blue note top 10 video?
Andy H
Hey James, sorry I'm so late here. You've acquired quite a bit of Camel in a shortish space of time! I have wondered about that Mirage cover and whether the cigarette company approved/allowed it... gave away my copy of the snow goose, kind of wish I hadn't now.... "The splendidly named bass player, Colin Bass" - I did love that James, very nicely done. Maybe that was a subtle concession to the punks naming themselves. "Stationary Traveller" - wonder if that's something of an influence on our Alan Static Traveller? "their music has an internal consistency to it" - that's a very good point about bands and their music, and I wonder just how many that compliment truly applies to... enjoyable video James. Hope to catch up on your vinyl finds video soon!
Hi Dean, compliments of the season to you and yours. Sorry to hear you gave up The Snow Goose...it kind of surprises me, knowing your taste for the dreamy instrumental side of things! Intriguing theory about Static Alan....he didn't comment on the video so I guess we'll never know! Thanks for all your support and friendship on the VC this year as always. Here's to a brighter 2021.
@@jamesgriffithsmusic thanks James, and likewise to you and your family. Feeling like 2021 might be a touch calmer this way, can only really pray that happens for you all as well.
Hi James, you've listened to a lot more Camel than I have - just the first four albums for me about a year ago. Like yourself, the album covers were imprinted in my memory, especially Mirage and Snow Goose. I've just read about them in A New Day Yesterday by Mike Barnes (no relation). The European wing of the cigarette company were OK with the cover of Mirage, but they wanted to use it to shift product, which was averted somehow. The US wing didn't want to know as their market was older smokers and so the US version has a different cover with a dragon. Gallico was going to sue them over the Snow Goose (hence, 'Music Inspired by...') because he was doing his own album with Ed Welch and (drumroll) Spike Milligan! Looks like you'll have to keep your eye open for that! Cheers, Ian
Hi Ian. Me and Camel were perfect timing somehow, that great thing where you discover an old band at the exact moment where you seem to be in the mood for the kind of music they do (did). Caravan are next...
@@jamesgriffithsmusic Now they're an interesting bunch. I'll look forward to that one, James.
Have you since heard the post 1990s albums after Stationary Traveller...
Dust And Dreams
Harbour Of Tears
Rajaz
A Nod And A Wink
The Snow Goose 2013 re-recording.
All superb.
I haven't Lee. I'll check them out. Cheers.
Nice spotlight on Camel, love them. Many people tend to shrug their early 80's off, but for me it's just as good as their 70's stuff, in a more "accessable" vein. Consistently nice melodies and great listening. I hope Latimer stays with us, he was very ill for some time and is up there in age too of course. They did some fine albums later on as well, Rajaz and A Nod and a Wink are both excellent. Cheers!
Yeah I know Latimer had been ill, but I wasn't exactly sure what it was and I didn't want to give out inaccurate information. I will definitely be checking out the later albums. Thanks for watching.
Nice look at Camel's back catalogue, James. I admit that I have only ever heard one Camel song which you sent as a link a while back. I also only recognise one album cover, the ciggie packet one, so this was a cool look through their discography.
Cheers Richard. I think you would enjoy quite a lot of Camel's songs...bit of an intimidating discography though.
Hey James, Very nice seeing this as I've been curious about them for years, though just never dove in. I've been into Pete Barden's solo stuff for a long time, though that was my only connection to them for the most part. 'Snow Goose' sounds very appealing, also in mentioning David Bedford who I like quite a bit. He also did a nice solo keyboards album called 'Great Equatorial' which I recommend. 'Moon Madness' and 'Rain Dances' also especially make me more curious. Also the one with Kit Watkins as I've been a big fan for years. Nice Phil played with them a bit, though he was collaborating a lot more then it seems anyway. Very interesting history they had. Looking forward to exploring the songs you have here. Thanks much for sharing this. Feel like I just may be starting a new journey here! :-) -Carm
Hi Carm, glad you enjoyed this peek inside the Camel. I need to hear Bardens' solo work - might look into that in the new year. Your best starting off point for Camel may well be The Snowgoose, as it's their one instrumental work. Moon Madness has some great keyboard sounds and playing on it. Thanks for tuning in, cheers for now.
I also got into Camel recently James. Absolutely love the Mirage album, but will try the other picks from your list. On a side note James, do you have a big Kate Bush collection? Interested to hear your thoughts.
Cheers and happy xmas!
Hi Alex. I do have a few of Kate's records but my collection is sadly incomplete! I have talked about her album Never Forever in past videos...check out my video 'The Happiness of Records' for my thoughts on that one. Merry Christmas!
One of my favourite bands. I don’t think they were ever (really) Prog, no more than Barclay James Harvest were. If you like their sunny outlook, Caravan are the same only more so (but quirkier). Camel weren’t actually a Canterbury band, either, despite the later Richard Sinclair involvement but they sort of ‘fit’ into that tranche.
Interesting that you like Down On The Farm, the only Camel track I don’t like! :)
Andy Ward is still alive, apparently, though no idea as to his state of health. His drumming on A Live Record is truly monstrous (in a good way).
I don't know why I like Down on the Farm so much, it is a bit silly. I think it's the contrast between the really heavy 'proggy' intro and what happens next. Caravan are on the list.
Nice video... I've been into Camel a few years now. David Bedford worked a lot with Mike Oldfield... One of the greatest instrumentalists of all time.
Ps. Lol it's Colin B 'a' ss not B 'A' ss
Just my mams maiden name was Bass so l can relate lol.
Thanks! Talking of Oldfield, I recently did a video spotlight on Tubular Bells.
@@jamesgriffithsmusic ah yes I do recall watching that video. You also pointed me towards Jeff's wonderful video that went through his story of being a lifelong fan. Check out those post 1990s Camel albums and check out more Oldfield stuff. I think you'll love it. There's an artist called Robert Reed too who is a huge fan of Oldfield and has released 3 long form instrumental Sanctuary albums and a 2 CD album called The Ringmaster featuring several people that have worked with Oldfield. On top of that are his prog groups Cyan And Magenta. All worth checking out. Take care mate 🍻
hi James try and track down greasy truckers live at dingwalls great version of god of light revisited a Pete gardens composition many thanks john
I will John, thanks!