THE SNOW GOOSE

Somewhat by accident Camel, on their third album, managed to live up to their potential. It is well known that this album was originally meant to have lyrics taken from Paul Gallico's story, "The Snow Goose". When Gallico objected, due to copyright infringement, the project became all instrumental. This proved to be a successful move for the band. With out lyrics, the band stepped up their playing, and filled the voids when the lyrics should have been with some very imaginative performances.

The music is more symphonic than the previous album "Mirage", and the psychedelic jamming that filled the first album, and remained, to a lesser extent on the second is hardly to be found. Added are more Canterbury-like fusion tracks, and some more experimental pieces.

One thing that makes this album enjoyable is that either by design, or from the original story telling formatting, none of the melodies or song ideas outstay their welcome. All pieces are economically arranged, and concise enough to convey their musical messages, while the absence of vocals allows the guitar, keyboards and flute to stretch out.

My only complaint is that too many of the symphonic styled tracks are a little too light for my bombastic tastes. But I still love the album.