Customer Reviews

Dust & Dreams

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A masterpiece who carries the listener to a world of sensations. Sad for moments, powerful at times, Camel barely gives a breathe to our emotions in almost an hour of music. One of the best progressive albums ever released.

If I could give this 100 stars, I would! I like to sit in the middle of my surround sound, crank this up, and close my eyes. Andrew Lattimer is magical. He makes me feel the depth of despair, and the fears of this family as they try to change their lives. THIS IS MY FAVORITE ALBUM FROM ANY ARTIST OR BAND EVER!!! A must have.

This is a fantastic artistic interpretation of John Steinbeck`s "The Grapes Of Wrath", and it thoroughly explores the theme of The Joads` journey into the false eden called California. It starts with the prying wind theme "The Dust Bowl" that turns into a vocal manifesto of the family`s unrelenting hope "Go West". Then we have a short symphonic masterpiece "Dusted Out" whose dramatic performance shows the drama of the Okies being kicked out of their homes. "Mother Road" brings another important message namely that you and the road you are traveling along are the one thing. The next instrumental piece is "Needles", the city on the Joads` way to the milk`n`honey land, a quite nice transition to a beautiful and heartfelt song "Rose Of Sharon" which is even more sentimental in pitch than the book itself. The last vocal number is called "End Of The Line" which touches the problem of loneliness and helplessness among the trackers whose desperation increases steadily to the point of unutterable anger masterly expressed by the one of the final tracks "Hopeless Anger" in which Latimer`s guitar solo tears your heart apart. And at last the Joads are free to decide which way to go and what they left behind belongs to the past now, and the heavy rain drops bring relief and hope for a change. "Dust & Dreams" is the best concept work of Andy Latimer except "The Snow Goose" and "The Harbour Of Tears".

Camel achieved with Dust and dreams a music full of emotions. After having released disappointing records in the eighties, Andrew Latimer decided to write a concept-album based on Steinbeck's novel 'The grapes of wrath'. Thanks to fabulous keyboards, superb guitar parts and good vocals, this album ranks among the best progressive and melodic records ever released. The most outstanding songs on this record are the instrumentals, as they reflect Camel's members huge talent and their ability to create poignant moods. The harmonica added on some songs gives us a taste of the 'The Great Depression' era. With its poignant passages, DaD remains Camel's gem, along with their classics such as Snowgoose. For every music lover, this is highly to recommend

based on inspiration from the novel "grapes of wrath," by john steinbeck, this is an outstanding work of prog-rock. lots of space surronds the majesty of camels sound here, and andrew latimer's guitar work is wonderful as always. pink floyd fans should love this stuff. great music by an extremely talented outfit of musicians.

"Dust and Dreams" is Camel's musical take on John Steinbeck's "The Grapes Of Wrath". The album's success is mostly based on the emotion they are able to invoke through their music.
The album starts softly with "Go West", about reflecting on the past and present that has been shattered, and how life in the west is so much better. The music picks up in "Mother Road", the decision to move is made, and now their on their way. "The Rose of Sharon" deals with the pregnancy and the fear of how to manage with the new child.
The second half of the album is all instrumental, and this is where Camel excels. Through just the titles of the songs and the emotions of the melodies you can follow the story to its ultimate conclusion. You actually feel what is going on with the family and each individual.
Those who have read Steinbeck's novel will especially appreciate this album, as it gives them another medium to expreience it.

Dust and Dreams is Camel's return to the limelight after years in the musical wilderness. And what a return it is. Even though this is the sound of a band that has seemingly slept through the 80s and 90s, this is a work of immense power, beauty and, dare I say it, dignity. The album's 14 tracks are elegantly crafted together into a seamless musical voyage through the dust-ridden epic of Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath. Inspired stuff, with Andy Latimer (writer, arranger, producer, etc) once again vying for the title of most Underrated Guitarists of Our Time. It's all very 1973, of course, but for those who are broad-minded enough to venture beyond the confines dictated to them by the music industry will find this a surprisingly good listen. Now where's that hubbly-bubbly?

If you love early Genesis, Steve Hackett, Wakeman and the great epic ballads and classic renditions of ELP, this is a must have.

Dust and Dreams is a soaringly beautiful album based on the Steinbeck novel "Grapes of Wrath". While fans of older Camel may find this album to teeter on the edge of New Age, the compositions are more classical in style while maintaining a rock edge. Latimer displays some of his best guitar work; seemingly simple yet memorably melodic. The concept works well and those familiar with the book will feel an additional emotional interpretation by the music. "Rose of Sharon" could have been a hit, given the right promotion.

If you like early Genesis or Middle period Pink Floyd, this album is a sure bet!!

This is one of the best albums I know. If you're in to melodic rock (Marillion, PF, Rush) you'll love this one ! It may be a bit modern for 'true' Camel fans, but i guess i'm just too young for that.... Latimer is an amazing guitar player who matches the likes of Lifeson, Gilmore, etc. A must have !!