Customer Reviews

Sopwith Camel

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There was a lot of heavy music coming out of San Francisco in the late Sixties. And then, there was SOPWITH CAMEL.

At first glance, Camel was a bubble gum pseudo-British rock & roll band. Their TOP 40 song, "Hello Hello" gives this impression, while the goofy "Little Orphan Annie," "Walk In The Park" and "Things I Could Do With You" add to such a conclusion. But that's only their whimsical side. There's a LOT more to this group than pre-teen froth.

The subject of "You Always Tell Me Baby" is the angry frustration of being controlled and made to feel "not good enough."
"Frantic Desolation" succinctly describes the withdrawal and confusion one experiences when a lover is gone.
"Cellophane Woman" seems to complete the cycle. It's a seething, lashing and dismissive song.

But it's not all bleak. "Postcard From Jamaica" is a written invitation to join a special someone on that island. "The Great Morpheum" is the finest theater where "one can see a show." "Maybe In A Dream" is an overlooked gem-- gorgeous. "Saga Of The Lowdown Letdown" clearly should have been the group's next 'A' side-- Contrary to the title, it's a jolly song that really rocks in the bridge.

To flesh out SOPWITH CAMEL, one bonus track is included. There's not a bad tune in the bunch. One of the best KAMA SUTRA label albums of all time.

Highest recommendation.

Yeah it's pop, but it's pop with more than a trace of acid. Their later album was simply acid with less than a trace of originality. At the time this was recorded the A&R men thought they had another Lovin' Spoonful on thier hands. They might have been right but when "Hello, Hello" went to the top of the charts the band simply dissolved under the shower of money. I can recall seeing the Camel as a two or three man group or seeing the name on the poster but with a substitute group showing up at the dance. Eventually they stopped getting any bookings.
Sopwith Camel pretty much proved that some people just aren't built for success.
I don't recommend shelling out over thirty bucks on the album though. Wait for it to come back into print. It does so fairly regularly.

Sadly...I can't find a copy anywhere of this CD: It must be out of circulation (imagine that?) however, I still have my vinyl! This band stole many shows in the SF Bay Area back in 1966/67. I also happen to know that singer Peter Kramer is alive and well...out west. If anyone knows where to get a copy of the CD, or can tell me more about THE HUMP, post it here and I'll check in. Tommy G

It was great to find someplace that even had something by The Sopwith Camel. I'm ordering this one and look forward to seeing more TSC on CD. Having worked in a record store in the mid 70s I know people bought 'the Hump'. My old big disk is about worn out and would hope a release on CD is coming. I agree with other readers "...where is Fazon?"

Although this album brings us back to an age that most of us would like to bring back ( mostly us in our 40's ) with such a big hit as HELLO, HELLO, why has the recording industry forgot that The Sopwith Camel recorded an album called " The Miraculous Hump Returns To The Moon ". It is without a doubt their best album ( out of two, i beleive ) Let's get the Miraculous Hump on C.D. NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

I want the HUM

THE SOPWITH CAMEL IS STILL HERE. THE SOUND IS THE SAME, AND THE TONES ARE THERE, HOWEVER I FEEL THAT THE MIRACLE LIES IN THE HUMP,TO RETURN THE CAMEL FROM THE AGELESS 70s. PLEASE!"DON'T SHAKE YOUR FIBERGLASS HAIR ON ME".

I enjoyed both Sopwith Camel albums, But I have to agree that their other album: The Miraculous Hump Returns From the Moon, was an extraordinary, and timeless classic. Extremely popular when it was released, WHY HAS THIS TITLE BEEN FORGOTTEN?

It`s a good album but only hints at what is coming with the Hump....almost like comparing "Love me do" to "Sgt Peppers"... I`ll take up the cry from darkest Africa.."Where is the Hump on cd ?"

Talk about a low down let down. Even though,this first album is good, it would be "miraculous" to have the hump on CD