The other day I was talking with local collector and friend Dr. Boom about Camel, and he indicated that he wasn't too enamored with them. "Too lightweight for me" he opined. That's unfortunately a common perception and criticism that Camel gets tagged with. Even for myself, when I think about Camel, it does occur to me they are on the softer end of the progressive rock spectrum. But are they really? I think Snow Goose and their later works adds to this notion. My introduction to Camel was via this LP, and thank goodness for that. For me it's a foundational album to my overall appreciation of music. I suggested to him that he at least revisit Mirage. Especially side 2. I think you'll walk away with a different experience. We'll see if he takes me up on that suggestion.
For my tastes, Mirage is in my Top 50, and maybe even Top 25. 'Supertwister' seems to represent half of my late 70s and 80s instrumental Continental European prog collection, such was the impact it had on a global scale. Though, in retrospect, it would appear they were influenced here by none other than Tonton Macoute. This track is not from the Jethro Tull school of flute driven prog. As noted prior, all of Side 2 is a barnburner. 'Lady Fantasy' is absolutely bonkers, and closes the album with the stereo in flames. Nothing lightweight about Camel here.
Ownership: LP: 1974 Janus. Single sleeve. Acquired at University Records in Lubbock while in college (1984). I just realized my copy was in the wrong entry in Discogs. I made that mistake a few times in my initial journal keeping (or they altered it beyond recognition, which happens sometimes). Mine is the red label variation as shown here. This is one of the very rare times where I prefer the US artwork to the European original when they are different. I consider this my primary copy.
LP: 1974 Deram (UK). Single sleeve. Online acquisition (2015). Grabbed for the heck of it. Might as well have the original pressing of one of my favorites, and it features a different cover. It wasn't expensive.
CD: 2002 Deram (UK). Nice jewel case reissue with liner notes and four live bonus cuts that total ~29 minutes.
1984 (first listen); 2002; 1//05; 6/23/06; 1/15/14; 1/19/24 (review / new entry)
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