Camel - Rain Dances
	Released: 1977/1991 Label: Deram Cat. No.: 820-725-2 Total Time: 42:34
	Reviewed by: Stephanie Sollow, July 1999 What can be said about Camel that hasn't already been said? My initial thoughts upon listening to this are - this would go over with the pop crowd, with the smooth jazz crowd, and the melodic prog crowd and that I can hear where Alan Parsons may gave gained an influence on his sound. Whether that latter observation is actually true or not, it sure seems so to me. Anyone who is unfamiliar with Camel, the Parsons comparison is apt as a guidepost (there may be even a Parsons connection that I've overlooked). Overall this is a very enjoyable album. The most immediately memorable song, and the most accessible, is "Highways Of The Sun". "One Of These Days I'll Get An Early Night" is the most jazzy track on the album, written by the entire band - Andrew Latimer (g/f/vox), Peter Bardens (k), Andy Ward (d/vibes/perc), Mel Collins (sax), and Richard Sinclair (b). On the other hand, "Elke," a piece written by Latimer is atmospheric, a la Steve Roach, for example. Sinclair's bass work in "Skylines," oddly enough, made me think of Djam Karet (another band influenced by Camel?). The title track is a gentle wash of overlying keyboard signatures, one taking the role of percussion (without sounding drumlike). If you like melodic music - progressive or otherwise - you will like Camel - at least this edition of Camel. Also recommended is my favourite (thus far), Nude. More about Rain Dances: Track Listing: First Light (5:01) / Metrognome (4:15) / Tell Me (4:06) / Highways Of The Sun (4:29) / Unevensong (5:33) / One Of These Days I'll Get An Early Night (4:50) / Elke (4:26) / Skylines (4:24) / Rain Dances (2:53) / Highways...Single Version (3:57) Musicians: Andrew Latimer - Guitars, Flute, And Vocals Peter Bardens - Keyboards Andy Ward - Drums, Vibes, And Percusssion Richard Sinclair - Bass and Vocals Mel Collins - Sax Contact: Website: www.camelproductions.com Note: will open new browser window Discography Camel (1973/2002*) Mirage (1974/2002*) The Snow Goose (1975/2002*) Moonmadness (1976/2002*) Rain Dances (1977) A Live Record (1978/2002*) Breathless(1978) I Can See Your House From Here (1979) Nude (1981) Chameleon - The Best Of Camel (1981) The Single Factor (1982) Stationary Traveller (1984) Pressure Points - Live (1984) Compact Compilition (1986) Landscapes (1991, compilation) Dust And Dreams (1991) Echoes (1993, compilation) On The Road '72 (1993) On The Road '82 (1994) Never Let Go (1994, live) Harbour Of Tears Rajaz (1999) Coming Of Age (1999) The Paris Collection (2001) A Nod And A Wink (2002) Buy this title at:
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