Audio CD review:
Camel - The Paris Collection

Camel - The Paris Collection

Band: Camel Title: The Paris Collection Rating: Release Date: 2001-10-30 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: Ice 2: Chord Change - Camel, Bardens, Pete 3: Fingertips - Camel, Hoover, Susan 4: Slow Yourself Down 5: Sahara 6: Mother Road - Camel, Hoover, Susan 7: Little Rivers and Little Rose 8: Hopeless Anger 9: Lady Fantasy - Camel, Camel 10: Slow Yourself Down

Another Great Live Album From Camel The lineup is different with Denis Clement filling the drummers chair, and Guy Leblanc (from Nathan Mahl) on keys. "Paris" is a single disc live album that was recorded two years after "Coming Of Age" on the "Rajaz" tour. For the most part the material is different from the previous live one with only "Ice" and "Mother Road" to be found on both discs. This is another very good live disc, but it is also quite different from "Coming Of Age". The addition of Guy Leblanc on keyboards completely changes the focus of the material. Leblanc seems to be in the spotlight as much as Latimer on this one and rips off one killer keyboard solo after another. Latmier and the rest of the band are also in fine form. The majority of the material is taken from older albums with only "Sahara" being represented from "Rajaz". Every song is a highlight with a 15 minute version of "Lady Fantasy" closing up the live portion of the album. There is also a bonus track of an acoustic studio version of "Slow Yourself Down". The only minor issue with the album is that the vocals are not nearly as strong as on "Coming Of Age" as apparently Andy was suffering from an illness at the time of the recording which was a contributing factor. All in all this is another great live album from Camel. CAMEL,YESTERDAY,TODAY AND TOMORROW. CAMEL,the fantastic group never dead ,your music is present in the future generations. A Great Live CD They were certainly in the zone that night. The sound is clear, and the performance is excellent. This is the best Camel lineup since the original. Everything is good, but "Lady Fantasy" is superb. . . they completly nailed it. If Camel can continue to produce work like this, prog fans will truly be blessed. Pleasant departure I like Andys voice, but Guys voice on this album--he has a better voice that 99%of the people who call themselves singers. The acoustic finger-picking on this album was a departure for Andy, and he sounds like Knopfler at it. Most of the songs are from the earliest Camel days,and the new renditions were great. The two French -Canadians brought a great gust of fresh air and new vitality to the band, and the result here is wonderful--highly recommended for any prog rock or classic rock fan. The Nederlander is Correct! Camel still Rules Although it's been well established . . , I thought I should offer my $0. 02 on this monumental live recording. Firstly, its crystal clear sound quality reveals the beauty and texture of Andy Latimer on the guitar. Is there a more expressive and subtle guitarist? I think not. This is, indeed, an emotional moment for the perceptive listener. Particularly on the breathtaking opening track, "Ice"; sublime glissandos and sharp arpeggios abound. Secondly, the inclusion of Canadian Guy LeBlanc (Nathan Mahl) on keyboards was a superb choice by the band. His unobtrusive solos and excellent all-around accompaniment make a perfect fit for Andy's songwriting and playing. In addition, Guy provides French translations of the titles and a brief description thereof for the Parisians. This CD absolutely shimmers with brilliance. This concert was a rare event where every facet seemed to flow perfectly. Let it ne'er be said that prog cannot be both emotional and intellectually stimulating at the same time and in the same relationship. Even Rolling Stone's Dave Marsh would appreciate this one -- but then again, who cares. You can see a complete list of all Camel discography, or go back to the Camel tabs