Camel: Moonmadness (LP)

Camel was formed in 1971 in Guildford, Surrey, UK. In their first period Camel released four albums, the weaker self-titled debut was followed by "Mirage", "Snow Goose" and "Moonmadness", perhaps the three most important releases of the band. "Often called Camel's best album, Moonmadness is an impressive one. Most of it has a "spacey" or "atmospheric" sonic texture that is completely different from the feel of Camel's earlier albums. It features some impressive instrumental complex parts, reverberated, echoing electric guitars (perhaps in the style of Pink Floyd's Shine on You Crazy Diamond), and a significant shift to synthesizers. This is a classic progressive album, although the music leans a bit toward fusion." (magenta.co.il/camel/) "Moonmadness" is the fourth studio album by the English progressive rock band Camel. It was released in March 1976 on Decca and Gama Records and is the last album recorded by the original lineup of the group - Andrew Latimer, Peter Bardens, Doug Ferguson and Andy Ward. "Moonmadness" has a loose concept, with a track based on each band member's personality: "Air Born" for Andrew Latimer, "Chord Change" for Peter Bardens, "Another Night" for Doug Ferguson and "Lunar Sea" for Andy Ward. This remaster from the original tapes is being released as part of a wide-ranging campaign with a 32-disc career box set, and comes out on black vinyl just before the start of the band's UK tour.