LACKLUSTER STUDIO REMASTER, BUT A NICE LIVE ALBUM
BOB | LOS ANGELES, CA | 06/06/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"
Disc 1 is just the exact same 2002 UK release, with the exact same master, and the exact same bonus material, slapped into a 2CD digipak with a live concert disc.
The audio benchmark for the studio tracks is the '01 Japan mini-sleeve, which has been re-pressed several times. That version has much better clarity than the previous American and European releases.
Several of the live tracks from this 1976 Hammersmith Odeon show have appeared on other Camel releases, most notably "A Live Record". However, it's nice to have them finally assembled on one disc.
By all means, buy this for the live disc, which is excellent. But, if you want to hear the studio tracks in their best presentation, seek out the Japan mini-sleeve."
Live Disc worth the price of admission
Cactus Ed | Pacific Northwest | 07/13/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is my THIRD CD purchase of this great Camel recording, fourth if you include the original album back in 1976. Yes, I will admit it: I am a Camelaholic. BUT: only of the first four albums plus the Live Record, all of which feature the band's original lineup. After Moonmadness Camel opened up their revolving door of band members, and the band was never the same, never as good as the original. But you get the band at their pinnacle here: their second-best studio recording ( of course their best was Snow Goose ) PLUS a great-sounding recording of an entire concert featuring Andrew Latimer on guitar and flute, Peter Bardens on keyboards, Andy Ward on drums and Doug Ferguson on bass, the last year Doug was with the band. The sound is superb, especially on headphones. Check it out!"