tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660808341284783109.post7231847716057709327..comments2024-03-02T07:40:22.786+03:00Comments on Only Solitaire blog: Camel: MirageUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660808341284783109.post-8487508028726083672016-03-02T23:39:43.480+03:002016-03-02T23:39:43.480+03:00Mirage is the defining album of Camel as masters o...<b>Mirage</b> is the defining album of Camel as masters of the mellow prog rock, though not their definitive album.<br /><br />Nothing spectacular, but a very nice mellow prog album, that works beautifully as a background music, as comrade Malx noted. Also it doesn't strain your brain cells as usual prog of this period, or make unsuspecting party guests run for their lives when played. <br /><br />My favorite part would be the pretty <i>Supertwister</i>, that has more in common with Focus than with Jethro Tull. And is an homage to another Dutch band, today forgotten Supersister. <br /><br />Another favorite would be the simple but haunting psychedelic finale of <i>Nimrodel</i>, a.k.a. <i>The White Rider</i>.Simpliushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13125893204327162588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660808341284783109.post-8665468374905255002016-03-02T10:12:50.862+03:002016-03-02T10:12:50.862+03:00Not sure if I prefer it over Camel; but I absolute...Not sure if I prefer it over Camel; but I absolutely dig this album ne'er the less. I suppose in the context of discussions of the albums possible inovations, justification of my appreciation is difficult. I'm limited in terms of possible bands to compare Camel too in this period of theirs--Focus maybe? There're touches of Yes, KC, Genesis, and perhaps Tull; but Camel truly strike me as having their own color. Andy's guitar is stylistically unique and as melodic as anything bending. I mightn't think so highly of the album if it weren't for Freefall; which grabs one's attention with its energy and tightness, but most of all with the beautiful solo. Does the Allman Bros come to anyone else's mind? The same principal touch carries me through the other tracks; though I admit the two longins do drag some. These two may conceivably spell the disc's inferiority to the more concise preceding album; but Mirage in my mind presents a clearer vision and pronounced maturity. Tight playing, a distinct tone/instrumental attack, and pretty consistent melodicism does it for me the whole way most times around. Andy's voice can be a bit bland; but surely it doesn't prate like J Anderson's, and some nice flute in its path is no disservice. Last but essential is Ferguson's understated, but superbly tasteful and professional bassment. I needn't justify the other players. Prog it all is, but with subtlety and majesty. This Doors harkening may be the mirage we hear about.:)Trevor Attenberghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13186065958669520140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660808341284783109.post-48633459377961521672016-03-02T09:59:25.192+03:002016-03-02T09:59:25.192+03:00Spooky: this review was posted on the 42nd anniver...Spooky: this review was posted on the 42nd anniversary of the album's release (March 1st, 1974)<br /><br />haven't listened recently, but Freefall is the only track I can recall any of at the moment. Mostly that unison rising part that seems to come out of nowhere.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06805113441680497030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660808341284783109.post-7751484146772572542016-03-02T05:26:43.058+03:002016-03-02T05:26:43.058+03:00Hey you in the back! Wake up and smell the Nimrode...Hey you in the back! Wake up and smell the Nimrodel, dammit! Malxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17260547693221778146noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660808341284783109.post-59030475684222700402016-03-02T05:08:09.009+03:002016-03-02T05:08:09.009+03:00zzzzzzzzzzAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660808341284783109.post-69863242059342360602016-03-02T00:48:04.175+03:002016-03-02T00:48:04.175+03:002nd generation progsters keeping Deram Records ali...2nd generation progsters keeping Deram Records alive through the second half of the 70's, after the Moodies had entered their long hibernation. I actually really like this record a lot, particularly as background music. Camel probably do work best as an instrumental act, although I suppose Goblin already had that angle covered. Anyhoo, this is most likely my favorite Camel album, as it's got a bit of muscular grit that later efforts tend to lack. And "Lady Fantasy" is a well layered, well executed bit of Yes pomp with Crimsonesque guitar tones that still works well after 40 plus years. Malxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17260547693221778146noreply@blogger.com