Moonmadness
A Floyd Fan's Introduction to Camel
Over the last 30 years I have heard and collected thousands of LPs and CDs. I'd like to share one that I think will appeal to Floyd fans. Now, there are many reasons that a Floyd fan might like a particular album; sometimes it is because it sounds like the Floyd, sometimes because of the style, sometimes because of the writing.
Though there is a formal connection to Pink Floyd (saxophonist Mel Collins joined Camel in the late 70s), that's not the reason I chose to review an album by Camel. The connection is simply the music.
Progressive rock fans are probably familiar with Camel, which formed in 1972 in Surrey, England. Most Pink Floyd fans, particularly in the United States, are probably not familiar at all with the band. Led by singer, lead guitarist and chief songwriter Andy Latimer, just about everything Camel ever produced has that rich, soothing, Floydian atmosphere and style. Mr. Latimer is widely recognized by prog fans all over the world as one of the greatest prog rock guitarists ever. David Gilmour fans will certainly be impressed with Latimer's emotional and engaging style. If you're not familar with Camel, I suggest you start your discovery of the band here, with Moonmadness:
 Camel's Moonmadness (1976) |
1. Aristillus
2. Song Within A Song
3. Chord Change
4. Spirit of the Water
5. Another Night
6. Air Born
7. Lunar Sea
A "concept" album where each song represents one member of the band, the CD starts out with a short keyboard instrumental, but quickly moves into sounds and styles very reminiscent of Wish You Were Here. Fans of Richard Wright will love the vocals. At times you might even think it's Rick singing. But it's Latimer's guitar work that is so memorable, and he just might be at his best on Moonmadness. Check out the track "Chord Change" and its delicate guitar work. The standout track, however, is the 9-plus minute epic "Lunar Sea", which Camel often played live. The song weaves many layers of keyboards, synthesizers, and guitars into a wonderful masterpiece. Soft and lush, intricately layered, when Moonmadness goes off on its spacey and atmospheric runs, it just might grab you in the emotional way Wish You Were Here did.