MIRAGE

From beginning to end, this album is practically flawless, (Nimrodel has some flat singing). I use to have all their albums up to "Nude" on vinyl but didn't replace any on CD until last week with "Mirage". My GOD!, have I missed their sound. They are wholly original. The only time I hear any other bands sound in their music is during some keyboard florishes during "Freefall" and "Lady Fantasy" where they sound like "Caravan", especially at the 2:12 mark during 'Freefall" where the song breaks into a gallop. Jeez, it's frickin' awesome! Latimer is the heart and soul of the band with his incredibly emotional play. Camel should have been huge, but I figure the band didn't connect with audiences as well as Genesis or Yes because of the lack of a strong frontman, because Latimer's guitar IS the center of attention. I'm not slighting the other members, especially Ward's excellent drumming, it's just that Latimer's guitar is comparable to Stewart's fuzz-organ play in Caravan, (plus he plays flute...he can do it all!). It just sticks out. If you're looking for another 70's band with an original sound, (I can see where ALOT of recent bands ape these guys) then start out with this masterpiece. Can't wait to buy another Camel disc...:-)