Customer Reviews

Stationary Traveller

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Though Camel's later albums -- Dust and Dreams, Harbour of Tears, Rajaz -- are much more 'even', this album is one of Camel's very best. It has intense, brooding pieces like 'Vopos', which is builds layer upon layer until its intensity demands the attention of all in the room; then again, the closing track, 'Long Goodbyes' is one of the most beautiful pieces of rock music ever recorded. Andy Latimer's lead guitar work at the end of 'Goodbyes' sounds as if he were stepping to the edge of the planet and pealing off some interstellar paean to the cosmos. Breathtakingly beautiful but scalding at the same time! Roy Wood's lead work at the end of 'If I Were Made of Music' from Annie Haslam's solo 'Annie in Wonderland' is the only thing that I can compare it to. Many of the other tracks on this album are also quite good -- the openner builds the mood quite well, leading into an exploration of many synthesizer sounds and a richly textured blend of Andy Latimer's guitars and flutes. Ton Scherpenzeel of Holland's highly praised progreesive band, 'Kayak,' brings in his keyboards and synthesizers and his classical training is in evidence richly throughout this album. This album has the pop edge of all that made Alan Parsons Project so succcessful but also has the dark, brooding sensibility of a Pink Floyd project. But this is no derivitive band by any means! Camel is Camel is Camel -- and there is no other band like them. If you have Genesis, Pink Floyd, Kansas, Renaissance, Yes or any of the other progressive bands in your collection and you've missed Camel, you've missed a true prog gemstone! These guys are brilliant and while this one is all over the road, it's a rowdy and sometimes beautiful joyride through the countryside. Just sit back and enjoy the ride! The view is glorious!

When this album was released in 1985 by Camel, it left me breathless. The album is truly a masterpiece. In this remastered edition we have a chance to loisten to the epic song "Pressue Points" in its full length (Previously released live on "Pressure Points Live" in 1985) and all its glory. As a taster for old Camel fans we also have a chance to listen to the previously unreleased song (Originally released in 1985 Pressure Points Concert film) "In The Arms of the Waltzing Frauleins". The rest of this concept album focuses on the political, emotional and loneliness themes. "Stationary Traveller", "Vopos", "Long Goodbyes" and "West Berlin" are other highlights. Andrew Latimer's playing and songwriting has never been this much emotional and effective. I believe this album is the best album I have heard during 80's and I really miss the live version of "Stationary Traveller" here. All in all I strongly suggest to any fan of Progressive rock to buy this CD.

Every album of them is great, and I think this is their best. If you are unfamiliar with progressive rock, this might be a good start. Very accessible, but still beautiful. I always wonder why Camel has been much less popular than Genesis or Yes.

While the preceding Camel album, "A Single Factor", was a blatant attempt to produce a hit single, Stationary Traveller attempted to squeeze out that last battle cry for progressive rock while embracing the trends of 1984, and was a miraculous artistic success. The loose concept is held together about as tightly as conceivable, every song or instrumental leading brilliantly into the next, all at least good, and the sum far exceeding the parts. It is here that guitarist Latimer assumes the mantle of leadership unchallenged, thanks to keening guitar solos that seem to awe in their own stark beauty. Judicious use of Alan Parsons' alumnus Chris Rainbow adds to the accessibility of the recording. From start to finish, this is a masterpiece. If possible, seek out the live video "Pressure Points" which features strong renditions of every song on this CD along with prior Camel classics.

If there is one album of Camel to have this is the one. Beautiful and powerful, it ranks in my top ten albums of all time. Some great instrumental work. If you like Pink Floyd and Alan Parsons add Camel to your collection - they're better.

Hi
I think this is the best album of Camel after Rajaz.A Pop-Rock album with variety of music and with genius of Andrew Latimer. good songs from susan hoover and many many more...!!!!

SO if you don't listen that yet, Try it!!!!!

If you haven't heard this one yet, here's what you should do:
1) pick up one of your good moods for listening to a heavy music. I say heavy because you need to listen to every details of all the instruments being played (not only the guitar)
2) Listen to all the tracks without interruption and any breaks, all the way to the end of the CD (Track 5, the Title song, which is the albums' peak is going to make you have a break but be prepared and hang in there!!)
Track 5 is amazing... one of the greatest musical pieces of all time.
3) You probably need to listen to it soon for a second time, this time with a friend who understands music like yourself.

My own conclusion:
The most satisfaction you'll get from Andy's music is that he always hits the notes that you expect to hear next, when he is at the peak of the track.
Have I ever bought any of his works with disappointment? Believe me; "Never". If you are a fan of progressive rock, You should own all his albums and you should listen to his songs "a whole album at a time".

Camel has been one of my favorite band. There are a couple of really great songs in this album and I like them very much but I think Moonmadness, Snowgoose, Raindances and breathless are their musical peaks. But the beauty of 'long goodbyes' is one of the best among Camel songs as well as the title song. Really lovely album but I miss Peter always.

Great arrangement and layout, fantastic guitar, etc. Perhaps the best Album from one of the most important Pro. rock bands ever.

One of the greatest albums i ever heard in my life, great music..