CURRICULUM VITAE

Rating this kind of a release is a tricky business, since as a story about the history of Camel this is strictly a collectors/fans only release, but as such at least a really really good one. The story is told mainly by the original foursome of Latimer, Bardens, Ward and Ferguson and cut between the interviews are short clips of live performances. One might find it frustrating to see the songs faded out midway through, but since I already own pretty much all the performances on other dvd's it doesn't bother me at all. And I think the story is held together better with no seven minute pauses after each sentence.

Even for a fan quite familiar with the origins of the band this was a very educating programme to watch, since there's a lot of never before heard (at least with these ears) stuff about the forming of the group and the many line up changes, including Andy Ward's recollections on his on tour problems and the subsequent suicide attempt and departure. The only real problem with this dvd is its short lenght, causing for example the newer albums being passed by with a sentence or two. The reason for this is that the program was originally made as a short TV production, and later expanded by Camel Productions for this dvd release. The bonus footage consists of a very entertaining brand new interview with the Brew trio of Latimer, Ferguson and Ward, taped during the recording of their since abandoned or shelved Brew album.

Despite its short length and the resulting quick speeding through some topics this is an excellent and very recommended release, for fans only though. Triple the duration and I'll give it five stars.