THE SINGLE FACTOR

With the rise of commercial pop c*** the qualitiy of music has started a downward spiral. Some bands of the 70s have maintained their standards, running the risk of becoming 'irrelevant'. Many of our favoured acts of the time have adapted to the ever changing moods of the broad mass, bringing us 'masterpieces' like Big Generator, Giant For A Day, Love Beach, ABACAB, etc., etc...

Like the examples mentioned above, Latimer fronted Camel was forced into this musical abyss as well. Pete Bardens left after the previously released 'Nude' (excellent album btw.). He propably knew what was about to happen. Ward also discontinued his collaborations with Camel after a tragic and (thankfully) unsuccessful attempt to take his own life. With only one original member left, Decca demanded hit singles.... Loads of them...

Recording started along with some high quality guests. Members of the Alan Parsons Band, Simon Phillips, Dave Mattaks (Fairport Convention) and others joined Latimer during the recording sessions. The songs recorded were shorter than usual. No Lady Fantasy Pt. 2 for you today, kids!

The music didn't nearly reach the quality of the song mentioned above. Most of them are dull, uninspiring and lack even the nesessary hooks to be a good pop song. 'No Easy Answer' for example is just annoying. But while some of the songs are dull, there are some true highlights to this album. 'You Are The One' is a fun and catchy little song, that'll play in your head over and over. 'Sasquatch' really is the best track on the album, being a nice instrumental with Pete Bardens on the keys. 'Manic' also is a good song with a catchy synth riff.

Aside these highlights the rest of the album feels a bit mediocre. Most tracks are not bad, but lack the strength to stand out. Overall the album is not bad in any way, but still it does not exceed the status of being 'good'. I think the reason why people hate this album is, because Camel has made so many great albums, that this album seems like a dud. But it isn't bad. Not at all. It's just a little too mediocre: Good, but not essential.

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