THE SNOW GOOSE

My first Camel purchase, two weeks ago (I know, a bit late...) and was lucky enough to grab the Decca remastered release. I had heard two Camel albums in the past and did not really get it, but I took a chance with this one, and I won!!!

Great, great album! Every musician's work is a highlight. Latimer's guitar playing is amazing, as is his flute playing. Barden's keyboards are great and very original, Ferguson's bass parts are tight and creative and Ward's drumming is also exciting. In fact, I'd go as far as saying that Camel really stand out in the 70's prog scene. They sound like nobody and nobody sounds like them (not that I have heard every prog band, but from what I have heard).

About The Snow Goose, I think the only way one can review this album is as a whole, as one long song, not like a series of short songs. It is based on a book, and personally I judge a book in it's entirety, not chapter by chapter. Jethro Tull's 'Thick as a Brick' often came to my mind while listening to this, and is about the only comparison that I can make. So as one long song, it is really outstanding, exceptionally well written and executed. The variety of moods kept me interested all along, as did the musicianship. The lack of vocals does not put this album down in anyway (in fact I remember it was mainly due to vocals that I did not like Camel in the past), it just leaves more room for that excellent music they make.

A definitive five star masterpiece in my opinion.