Author: Peter Podbrežnik
Artist: Camel
Label: Camel Productions
Released: 1993
Rating: 4.5/5
Camel really rose from the ashes like the mythical phoenix with their magnificent comeback at the start of the 90s. As I already mentioned in my review of “Dust And Dreams” (1991), where I mostly stressed how happy I was that Camel returned after a long stretch of involuntary inactivity with such a strong album, one that put them right back among the main pillars and shapers of symphonic prog, this live recording, which came out hot on the heels of the “Dust And Dreams” tour, is an even firmer proof of that claim.
Before this one, Camel had already put out two live albums: the very good “A Live Record” (1978), which was a neat showcase of their golden years, and the considerably less thrilling but still solid “Pressure Points” (1984), where they also presented some of the more radio-friendly stuff they recorded in the 80s. On “Never Let Go,” Camel struck just the right balance and picked a really well-judged set of material that covers, in chronological order, all the better and more important work from their debut right up to a complete live performance of the then-current conceptual masterpiece “Dust And Dreams.” The only album they didn’t pick a single track from is “Stationary Traveller” (1984), which is no great loss, since it’s among their least interesting albums. It’s also great to hear that, unlike on their earlier live outings, where they mostly stuck faithfully to the studio versions, they allow themselves noticeably more improvisation and acoustic bits here, which take some of the songs up a notch and make them even more interesting.
The first CD has their old material, mostly excellent renditions of classics that will surely thrill all fans of their golden era, when they played a major part in the development of symphonic prog rock. The show opens with the immortal classic “Neve Let Go” from their debut Camel (1973), which is now dedicated to their former, sadly departed, legendary keyboardist Peter Bardens. This excellent rendition differs quite a bit from the studio original, since its first half is played in an acoustic form, after which the second half brings an extensive, improvised instrumental section. I think Andy deliberately picked the name of this classic as the album title, as a symbolic nod to his years-long battles with lawyers and labels, which he came out of in the end, to my great joy, not only as the big winner with his own independent label, but also having made sure the band got a fresh start and an incredible rebirth, a band that many had already written off as belonging forever to the memory of some “good old days,” when music was still made with heart. The phenomenal “Earthrise” (Mirage, 1974) is a more than excellent pick that brings back the classic Camel of the days when they so beautifully combined symphonic prog with jazz fusion influences. Without a doubt one of the highlights of the first disc. Two excellent renditions of classics from the conceptual masterpiece “The Snow Goose” (1975) follow, “Rhayader” and “Rhayader Goes To Town,” without which I can hardly imagine a proper representation of their concert. The space-rock-flavored ballad “Spirit Of The Water” (Moonmadness, 1976) isn’t the most impressive choice, since it’s not among the highlights of that album, but with its serene emotionality it fits nicely into the overall mood and flow of the show. The journey continues with the somewhat forgotten, jazz-seasoned catalyst “Uneven Song” (Rain Dances, 1977) and the unforgettable space epic “Echoes” (Breathless, 1978), which is for me the best piece on that album. But the best is yet to come, in the form of an excellent version of the unforgettable space instrumental “Ice” (I Can See Your House From Here, 1979), which is a real treat to hear live, too. All fans of the band will be more than satisfied, since this version sounds even better than the studio one. The closing instrumental improvisation takes your breath away with an incredible palette of spacey keyboards and a display of one of the most emotional guitar solos on the whole recording, which is cause for even more goosebumps. Just like with “The Snow Goose,” they also picked the first two tracks from their other conceptual masterpiece, “Nude” (1981). “City Life,” which has a big dose of AOR elements, is the only moment on the recording that shows their more radio-friendly side, and in that respect it even ranks among their best achievements. I’ve personally never had any major problem with their more commercially minded stuff, as long as it carried their recognizable sound and was made with heart and soul. The excellent rendition of “Drafted,” which transports us for a moment to a lonely island in the middle of the Pacific, is likewise a complete triumph.
The second CD contains the complete performance of the then-current gem “Dust And Dreams,” which turns out to be a really smart move, since it’s a concept album. In my review I called the album one of their best so far, and this live version, with its additional subtle passages and live energy, even surpasses the studio original. I’m most impressed by the renditions of “Mother Road,” “Rose Of Sharon” and “End Of The Line.” Two more treats wrap up this superb recording. First they come back with the highly unexpected pick of the excellent instrumental “Sasquatch,” by the way the best piece from their weakest album, “The Single Factor” (1982), where we can once again enjoy incredibly tasteful keyboard passages and more subtle guitar solos from the fingers of the master, Latimer. After this unexpected choice comes a completely expected and more than obligatory finale in the form of their best-known and best-loved classic, “Lady Fantasy” (Mirage, 1974), which, even though they almost never forget to play it, is always a joy to hear. Once again we get another excellent version that closes this excellent recording the right way
“Never Let Go” is a superb live recording that presents a reborn Camel, charged with extra energy and firmly convinced of their mission to lead and develop their form of progressive rock for the next generations of listeners, too. A great selection of songs, incredible energy and first-rate production will more than satisfy every fan of their musical legacy. Some might miss a special guest on sax or vocals, but I think Camel actually come across much better this way, as a homogeneous band that stays true to its recognizable sound. Without a doubt, this is a real treat for the band’s longtime fans and a very strong contender for their best live album, right alongside “A Live Record” and “Coming Of Age” (1997).
Lineup
Andrew Latimer – vocals, guitar, flute, keyboards
Colin Bass – bass guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
Paul Burgess – drums
Mickey Simmonds – keyboards
Production
Andrew Latimer & Andrew Jones
Tracklist
CD 1 (59:23)
1. Never Let Go
2. Earthrise
3. Rhayader
4. Rhayader Goes To Town
5. Spirit of the Water
6. Unevensong
7. Echoes
8. Ice
9. City Life
10. Drafted
CD 2 (72:35)
1. Dust Bowl
2. Go West
3. Dusted Out
4. Mother Road
5. Needles
6. Rose Of Sharon
7. Milk n’ Honey
8. End Of The Line
9. Storm Clouds
10. Cotton Camp
11. Broken Banks
12. Sheet Rain
13. Whispers
14. Little Rivers And Little Rose
15. Hopeless Anger
16. Whispers In The Rain
17. Sasquatch
18. Lady Fantasy
Album length: 131:58
