01	Freefall						05:53
	02	Supertwister						03:19
	03	Nimrodel/The Procession/White Rider						09:17
	04	Earthrise						06:42
	05	Lady Fantasy						12:45
	06	Supertwister						03:15
	07	Mystic Queen						06:07
	08	Arubaluba						07:47
	09	Lady Fantasy						12:59

Remastered version 2002

Camel - Mirage

Member: Thekouderwunz

Of all the major British Art-rock bands of the Seventies, I am surprised that no one has posted anything for Camel. Considered a lesser band in the British progressive scene, Camel's output has been consistent, but yet the band hasn't been commercially successful since the seventies (and briefly at that).

Mirage is the second album release from Camel's mercurial and legendary first lineup: Andrew Latimer on lead vocals, guitars and flute, Peter Bardens on keyboards, synthesizers and vocals, Doug Ferguson on bass and one of progressive rock's greatest drummers, Andy Ward.

Often dismissed by critics, Mirage has always been a fan favorite (my personal favorite as well) showcasing an often cohesive band, probably suffered commercially due to the fact that their image was lacking a frontman (i.e. Jon Anderson, Peter Gabriel, Ian Anderson). For those who have never heard early Camel, I would often suggest this album, for the band's sound is much rawer here and not as polished as their later releases.

Containing only five songs, Mirage is a great art-rock album, and also holds true to every example that makes the progressive rock genre (time signature changes, great lead guitar, tricky, yet powerful drumming, great keyboards, flutes, haunting lyrics sung in more sombre fashion, suite-like songs).

Much of the music on Mirage has long been put to the pasture, Only "Lady Fantasy" being played regularly onto the Mid-eighties, but the album, and this incarnation's imaginative music has made its way onto many turntables of youngsters whom would later go on to form bands like Marillion, Kaipa, Pendragon, IQ etc.

Album rating: Four Stars

Charles




Member: handyman 01/26/03

This review will just cover the bonus tracks that are being offered with the new re release of Mirage 2002.

All these tracks have been previously unreleased. The first track is "Supertwister" and is on the release of Mirage. This song was recorded at the Marquee Club, as are I think the rest of the tunes, although "Lady Fantasy" is not listed as to which show the song comes from. The first thing that strikes you about this song is how the band seemed unsure/cautious of themselves, mostly Andy in his vocals and here he seems very soft and mellow where on the studio track he sounds much more self assured and confident.

The second set of songs comes from the eponymous debut of Camel and are the songs "Mystic Queen" and "Arubaluba". These were also from the Marquee show and are very good songs to begin with. The playing is not perfect but there is a certain charm that is instilled in the performance. Again Andy sings and plays a wonderful guitar and Pete is excellent keeping things moving along melody wise and arrangement wise. You can hear tiny mistakes here and there but overall a great performance of these not often played Camel tunes.

The last track is the "Lady Fantasy" suite of songs which include "Encounter", "Smiles for you" and "Lady Fantasy". This piece is truly a great rendition of this track and the band does seem like it is having a great time playing it. I think this version is probably the best reason to get the remasters. These live tracks are a little quieter in the mix than the remastered tracks themselves but the historic value of early Camel is the true value of this release. Andy just smokes on this tune, his playing shows why he is considered an unsung hero in the hallowed halls of prog rock. Still the vocals are again quieter and almost soft spoken.