THE SINGLE FACTOR

We have learned that Andy Ward was inder strong alcohol and drugs influenced during the recording of "Nude" and its supporting tour but internal problems were not the concern of Decca Records to which Camel were contractually bound for a specific recorded output. Decca refused to be put off any longer and upped the pressure for a hit single. With delays no longer possible, Latimer had to accept that his friend and drummer would not recover and thus, with Andrew Latimer the sole surviving member of Camel this record was released. But hoping to keep the matter private, Camel naively included a simple footnote in the liner notes that Andy Ward did not appear due to an injury to his hand.

Camel did not sound great in those days. This album is not worse than "I Can See ..." or "Nude" but it is a weak one. Camel plays disco / pop songs like ELO has done it during that period (listen to "No Easy Answer" or "You Are the One" to understand). Very little inspiration throughout this album although some songs have catchy melodies.

The track I prefer is the instrumental "Selva" : a typical Camel song : full of emotion and beauty. Latimer's guitar sound is great. Although it is shorter in lenght, this one reminds me the grandeur from "Ice". It's a pity they did not expand it more.Very good song.

"End Peace" has the same flavour, but is less celestial.

Early 1983, the inevitable came to be. Unable to stop abusing alcohol, Ward could not continue with Camel. On a sad January day at the offices of Fleet Street lawyers, Ward's association with Camel ended. Nearly 13 years to the day he had joined Ferguson and Latimer, Andy Ward formally left the band and never performed with them again.

Two stars.