A NOD AND A WINK

3.5 stars. This is a reflective record with a nod to the past. The band was celebrating 30 years of making music when they recorded this album, and actually dedicate the record to the late Peter Bardens. The theme of the record seems to be looking back at ones youth, as several of the songs, and the album cover reveal .

"For Today" pays homage to the heroes of 9/11, again looking back. The bonus track is called "After All These Years" and is one of the better songs on the album, a slow, lazy tune with beautiful guitar melodies throughout. The title track is an 11 plus minute song that opens with samples before the flute comes in followed by guitar. And then we have the all too familiar vocals of Andy Latimer. A very full sound comes in at 5 minutes. "Simple Pleasures" features percussion and vocals in this reflective, melancholic song. The lyrics are great, as are the guitar melodies.

"A Boy's Life" is a nice mellow, soothing tune with lazy guitar melodies and Andy's warm vocals. "Fox Hill" seems to be a nod to GENESIS, i've never heard Andy sing like this in this funny uptempo song. "The Miller's Tale" opens with birds singing followed by acoustic guitar and some orchestration. The sound of the rooster crowing signals the start of "Squigley Fair" that features some tasteful guitar melodies throughout. "For Today" is such an amazing song, both lyrically and instrumentally.This is one of CAMEL's most emotional songs, and one of their best period. As Andy starts to play 2 1/2 minutes in I was so reminded of David Gilmour. And it just seems like Latimer just plays and plays and plays, as he did on "Ice".

For me this record isn't as good as their last three records, but it's still well worth checking out.