*. Camel .* (Japan Remaster 2013 + Bonus)

Album: Mirage (1974)(SHM-CD Remaster 2013 + 4 Bonus)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic Prog)  /  UK

Though there are many progressive rock albums more masterful and innovative than "Mirage", I think that it's safe to say that this album is the definitive progressive rock album. "Mirage" is a classic progressive album with some incredible musicianship that has inspired many artists, including Mark Knopfler (as seen in the guitar melody at the beginning of "Lady Fantasy") and less notably David Gilmour. The album contains some great riffs and melodies, and has a nice vibe of mysticism. What never fails to impress me on listening to this album, is the way it builds an atmosphere with every song. Here is a review of each of the five tracks. "Freefall" is a classic Camel track, fast paced and exciting. The song kicks in with a chilled out groove that is set to make even the straightest of souls kick back and grove along. "Supertwister" is one of the greatest flute jams of the 70s. The flute melody speaks just beautifully and seems to tell a story. Very catchy instrumental. "Nimrodel / The Procession / The White Rider" is a homage to J. R. R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" and it is just incredible. The musical atmosphere here is spectacular, and it never fails to sweep me into the Tolkien-esque landscape of flute, organs, and the sweeping guitar tone that gives this piece of music such a rounded finish. "Earthrise" is probably my least favourite track on the album, but it is by no means a "skip track". The song is a fast paced instrumental that is mainly mellotron and guitar dominated. There are some very nice melodies here. "Lady Fantasy" is the best known Camel song, and for good reason. The guitar melody has a very Mark Knopfler feel.Though I think that the song is inferior to track 3, it is a very nice track and is probably the definitive 70s prog track. The musicianship in this album is just superb, and though the album sounds quite 70s, it has dated very well. I highly recommend the CD remaster of this album. It is a reasonable price, beautiful sound quality, and though I generally object to bonus tracks, the live recordings on this disc are quite listenable. I recommend this album as Camel's greatest work, and as an introduction to progressive rock. 
Review by "The Mystical" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  9.25 / 10  **Masterpiece**  FANTASTIC SOUND QUALITY

.