Camel - CAMEL***

Slow Yourself Down/Mystic Queen/Six Ate/Separation/Never Let Go/Curiosity/Arubaluba

Eponymous debut album from the British progressive group Camel. Although this release was not commercially successful, after a change of label and some acclaimed live performances, they would achieve some recognition later in the decade.

“Camel are one of the better prog bands from the 70s that often gets overlooked by some of the bigger names. This particular album may not be my favourite but does contain some amazing tracks. Mystic Queen is the perfect mix of instrumental and psychedelic beauty which can get pretty epic. The closing track, Arubabluba, is also noteworthy for its prog inspired blues jam. Other than that this is just a good album by a band that can do a lot better.”

“Progressive rock enjoyed it's most successful period in the early to mid 1970s when many groups released high quality albums one after another. Camel's debut album is an enjoyable journey full of pretty great progressive rock numbers. This release isn't one of their most appreciated efforts but I found it very entertaining.”

“This album showed an open-minded band full of skills and ambition but with a somewhat undeveloped personal style. Camel is a mix of classic rock tunes with smooth progressive elements. The musicianship is based on calm, melodic guitars, fantastic Hammond organ parts, while the rhythm section is very tight. Sometimes it seems like the band is in a mood for jamming, flirting with Canterbury prog and jazz. This was a very strong start and, though not exactly an adventurous release, I recommend this one highly to all lovers of progressive rock.”

“By 1973 progressive rock had already been well established, with many classic albums rocking the charts, critical acclaim for the genre had never been higher. Being a late comer to this party Camel strived to make an impression. Unfortunately their debut is a real mixed bag, a mostly lukewarm experience in one sense, and pretty average if entertaining album in the other.”

“Their first album and it's already got all I love about Camel: great guitar and keyboard solos, great compositions, great rhythm changes, and great bass player and drummer. And I think the fact that they each of them sing one or two songs gives the album diversity. This is Camel at their jazziest, jammiest, and best. No silly prog-rock pretensions here, just funky rhythms, sweet melodies, and typically understated lyrics.”