Customer Reviews

A Nod and a Wink

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is Camel's best studio album since they went independent in 1991. While this album contains some classic Camel sound, there are also some pleasant surprises. As always, there is a lot of great guitar playing by Andy Latimer. In addition, Andy plays more flute than usual on this album. In places, the flute playing is reminiscent of Ian Anderson. The album also features Guy LeBlanc's fine keyboards. Five of the seven songs are more than 7 minutes long, with the title track clocking in at more than 11 minutes. This album is not as melancholy as Camel's other recent albums. In particular, "Fox Hill" is very upbeat. If you like melodic symphonic rock, you will like this album.

So, after months of waiting and anticipation, I eagerly opened the Jiffy bag that had winged its way from sunny California. When the Camel web site had announced that the new album would be available, personally signed by Andrew Latimer, as a pre-order, I did not hesitate and duly waited for the goods. Imagine my frustration when I saw the CD in local record shops three days BEFORE my pre-order arrived - the suspense was agony! But patience is rewarded, they say, and boy is that true in this case.

The opening (title) track starts with the sound of an old steam locomotive as childhood memories are evoked and the listener is pulled into dreamland. In typical Camel style, the song passes through many changes of mood and builds in power. Andy Latimer's awesome guitar playing is superbly supported by Guy LeBlanc's tasteful keyboards, Denis Clement's powerful drumming and Colin Bass's solid bass work. In fact the musicianship on this release proves this is one of the best Camel line-ups for years (can't wait for the live shows next year). A real bonus is that Andy has featured the flute more here than on any album since `Snowgoose' and the songs are all the better for it. Once again, it's a collection that is rewarded with further listening and it wasn't until about fourth time through that I fully absorbed all of the subtleties within. That said, the first song blew me away first time through.

`A Nod' is sprinkled throughout with moods, imagery, and sympathetic sound effects, and the production is top notch, benefiting from crystal-clear high-definition CD encoding and some wonderful vocal close-micing techniques.

Proving that Camel don't take themselves too seriously is the delightfully humorous `Fox Hill' with some great Gabrielesque character voices playing the parts of a fox and its pursuing horse & rider. It draws comparison with Nursery Crime-era Genesis but is completely original and has you grinning from ear to ear. Other highlights are `A Boys Life' and the rousing instrumental `Squigley Fair'.

The album closes with the highly emotive `For Today'. Evocative of Camel' s own `Ice' from `I Can See Your House From Here', it showcases Andy's fluid bluesy guitar lines and ably demonstrates why he's right up there on the podium (at the top, in my book) with the likes of Dave Gilmour. Read the sleeve notes and you will understand the special significance of this song and why (if you're a fan of the depth and emotion of Camel's music) it produces yet another `hairs on the back of the neck' moment.

It's easy to let the clichés fly but Latimer and co have produced an album that is majestic, powerful, emotive, humorous, whimsical, and in a class of its own within today's bland musical climate. It is only through their refusal to follow the corporate path and to retain total artistic independence that they have been able to produce something of this quality and in a style that is their's alone. A Nod and a Wink is undoubtedly one of their finest.

I have heard the best CAMEL album of all time and it is not "Mirage," "The Snow Goose" or "Moonmadness." It wasn't recorded in the Seventies. But in its own sly way, it recalls some of the best elements of progressive rock's heyday, while steadfastly maintaining a contemporary sound. With "A Nod And A Wink," Camel's founder and perennial guiding light, Andy Latimer, has crafted what must be regarded as his masterwork.

As one would expect, there are copious tasteful and melodic guitar solos. Some, such as the supple lead on "Boy's Life" are so beautiful as to elicit tears. Others are so mean and nasty, jabbing and lancing that they are like body blows. But the studious prog fan will pick out paeans to a time past, to "the bands that ruled the world." Genesis is clearly recalled in "Fox Hill." Pink Floyd and Camel of the Kit Watkins era are quoted in the closing anthem "For Today." You will hear hints of Supertramp, some Alan Parsons Project, Moody Blues and Jethro Tull. And for the longtime Camel fan, there are many touches of vintage Latimer/Bardens style arrangements.

This album is a trip. Sound effects tell us we're going for a train ride through the English countryside. But the lyrics conjure up images of sleeping and dreaming, familiar territory for prog concept albums. Whatever the vehicle, Latimer, lyricist Susan Hoover and the Y2K Camel band comprised of keyboardist Guy LeBlanc (of Nathan Mahl), Denis Clement on drums, and veteran bassist Colin Bass weave a thoroughly captivating spell over the listener. Prepare to be entranced for nearly an hour while soaring, swooping, diving melodies and stop-on-a-dime time changes, floating flute, jaw-dropping guitar and always thoughtful, sometimes playful lyrics all conspire to take you back to another time. The album is a trip. It is a beautiful, awe-inspiring trip. I guarantee you will never forget your first listen.

30 years on and Camel are at it again. Camel have been one of progressive rock's unsung heroes, never actually attaining the heights of many bands of their generation. Although Camel moves their music more in the softer sector, since the album Dust and Dreams, the album still manages to exude a warmth via the lush keyboard filled production coupled with Latimer's mellow voice and his delicate guitar work. Like all the forthcoming albums after Dust and Dreams, also this album has to grow on you, but if you let that happen, it rewards you with beautiful music to dream on and on and on......

A Nod and A Wink opens the album, sound effects setting the scene of a lazy summer evening, a steam train leaving a quiet country station as a hypnotic nursery rhyme tune meters out the time. The melody is carried by the flute in this beautiful opening section and precedes Latimer's dulcet voice. The tempo is picked up as the band joins in, the song develops through a series of lighter and darker passages..

Simple Pleasures, as its title might infer, is a gentle track, the opening section predominantly vocal with the instrumentation fairly subdued.

A Boy's Life has also a gentle opening section. On this occasion the accompaniment for the vocals are in the form of acoustic guitars which act as a precursor for the other instruments. This song continues the underlying theme of the album, reflecting upon our young country lad as he views summers past and present.

Next in line is Fox Hill . A jaunty song with a bouncing 12/8 feel, full of voice characterisation. The subject matter of this ditty being a fox hunt, our boy, high on his horse, and chasing the fox across the meadows - the music captures the mood of the chase superbly.

The Miller's Tale. A gentle acoustic guitar and vocal number with carefully chosen string, choral and woodwind sounds from Guy LeBlanc, played towards the close.

The last track is called For Today, opening with an almost hymn like quality, led by piano, voice and light band instrumentation. The piece evolves, gradually unfolding with Andy Latimer's passionate guitar soloing.

Critics of the band have many times criticised the band for not being adventurous and bold, especially during the times when progressive rock was being ruled by bands that were taking rock music to the limits of pretentiousness, like Yes an all-time favourite of mine. Camel have almost always stuck to a musical formula which has won them numerous fans worldwide, like me. Again, Camel made an album that leads me to the unavoidable conclusion that they have created another emotional masterpiece.

Camel have been around for quite a while and their last album "Rajaz" was excellent, but this new release is so much better. It evokes England in a way that has not been done for many years (perhaps since "Selling England By The Pound" by Genesis). The guitar work on this album is exquisite and all the songs are superb. A real return to form for Camel. This album is dedicated to the late Pete Bardens - it's a wonderful compliment. The last track "For Today" is really lovely and has a terrific guitar solo that is worthy of Pink Floyd's David Gilmour. I just love this album.

I thought Rajaz was the best Camel album in years, but when I played "A Nod & A Wink", I changed my mind. This album is INCREDIBLE! DO NOT MISS IT! The album is a beautiful, stirring tribute to the late, great Peter Bardens. You'll find lots of flutes, as well as slicing, thick Moog sounds reminiscent of Camel's classic albums. Guy LeBlanc is the best Camel keyboardist since Kit Watkins. The shimmering keyboard trills in "A Boy's Life" remind one of Bardens' in the middle section of "Echoes" from "Breathless." Elements of "I Can See Your House from Here", "Nude" (especially "Docks"), "Moonmadness" and "Rain Dances" can be heard, as well. My favorite track is "Squigely Fair." It has all the best Camel elements: soaring Moog synths, flutes, the guitar virtuosity and sensitivity of Andy Latimer, and a new, enchanting melody with every changing passage. "For Today" is marvelous, as well. Susan Hoover's lyrics are deeply moving. "Fox Hill" is a lot of fun, while still being a very complex but melodic musical composition. Colin Bass' moaning, mournful fretless bass can be heard on a number of tracks - his playing is very artistic and emotional. Denis Clement is the best Camel drummer since Andy Ward. Need I say more? If this album is missing from your Camel collection, BUY IT IMMEDIATELY!! I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THEM AT NEARFEST 2003!!

Andy Latimer and Camel have really done it with this one! This is one terrific album. The music and mood on these tracks often starts simply, then progresses through an ever-intricate journey. As one reviewer mentioned, there is a "nod" to the whimsical, Gabriel-era Genesis on Fox Hill - which is a frolic through a fox hunt seen throught the eyes of several of the participants. The song is highlighted by playful lyrics and fantastic instrumentals. Simple Pleasures and A Boy's Life are dreamy looks at simpler times. The best piece on the CD in my opinion is the closing number For Today. This is an extremely moving and powerful retrospective look at a man trapped by circumstance on September 11, 2001, and how he decided upon his final destiny.

Camel is a fantastic band with a rich history. They continue to write that history and this album is one of many high points.

Off the top of my head I cannot think of another prog band from the original wave in the 70s that are still together and making albums that are BETTER than what they produced back then. Camel simply amazes with RAJAZ, and now this. With the possible exception of Steve Hackett there is no one else from this vintage that seems to still be able to write in the "olden style" and make it sound fresh and exciting. Hats off to Camel . . . I hope they keep making 'em if they can stay this good. I agree with David Lusher's comments about the English ambience of NOD . . . it's pastoral and moving and wonderful.

BTW, the album is gold, but what's with Amazon's PRICE?!!! $41?? Ehh, without seeming ungrateful for the forum to write this in you can certainly do better than that! Try Camel's website . . . they'll cut you a deal. ;-)

To me rajaz is the best camel cd they've done but this cd comes very close, since buying this cd a couple of months ago, this music gets better and better, just like Rajaz. To me camel have matured very nicely and because certain members of the band have changed, they have still kept there style and still very much camel. Certain groups out there have never managed to acheive this. There music tells a story, so each cd from camel is completely different. Nod and a Wink, have gone one step further with Andrew Latimer playing more of the flute. One track which may get certain mixed opinions is Foxhill, sounding like genesis, with either Caravan or Stackridge style of english lyrics or wit. I quite like this track, but some may find this not very camelish. A similar track comes from Camel's Breathless cd, Down on the Farm, which sounds very similar.

To me this cd is well produced and instrumently excellent with plenty of variety. Andrew has done very well on this cd and strong performances from Colin Bass and Guy Leblanc on keybourds.
To Camel fans who have not heard this cd, will not be dissapointed. To people who have a couple of camel cds who wish to add to there collection, it is a must to have.

I can only conclude in my opinion, this cd shows the maturity that Camel have become, which is one of the best progressive rock bands of today keeping their style of music alive.

It appears that this may be the last Camel CD. God, I hope not. This is another great CD that has that one and only "Camel sound." I hope we hear more from Andy Latimer.