BREATHLESS

Okay, here is Camel review #4 as I work my way through their large collection. Breathless seems to be a real splitter among Camel fans. Some seem to hate it and give a saving grace for only 1 song. I am not in that camp. THis may not be the best Camel ever did, but it has it's charms. "Breathless"- I like this song! It has a real Alan Parsons feel to it (kinda like The Single Factor), and I enjoy it's beat and lyrics. "Echoes" is pure classic Camel and deserves 5 stars. I always look forward to the part where the singing kicks in; a terrific segue! The next 2 songs are the lowlite for me on Breathless, especially "Down on the Farm". It's seems to have a Caravan flavor, but it just plain annoys me. I think it is just too simple and childish. " Summer Lightning" is disco Camel! Iskip it on the CD and get to the last 2 tunes, which I find satisfying, although "THe Sleeper" comes close to "Echoes", it falls a bit short. "Rainbows End", the final track is a good, solid Camel soft song. A great conclusion to a good, if spotty album. 3 1/2 stars (3 stars) overall. This CD is one song removed from being a 4. Cut Summer Lightning" and replace it with a better track, and it would have been there.