- Audio CD (2 Jun 2009)
- Number of Discs: 1
- Format: SHM-CD, Import
- Label: Universal Japan
- ASIN: B001V7DKGC
- Other Editions: Audio CD | Vinyl | MP3 Download
- Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 944,877 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
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Product details |
Track Listings
| 1. First Light |
| 2. Metrognome |
| 3. Tell Me |
| 4. Highways of the Sun |
| 5. Unevensong |
| 6. One of These Early Days I'll Get an Early Night |
| 7. Elke |
| 8. Skylines |
| 9. Rain Dances |
| 10. Highways of the Sun [Single Version] |
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
25 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Camel's 5th album gets a third "Deluxe Edition" release on the Decca label, this time sporting 16 digitally remastered tracks. Originally released in 1977 (following on from 'Camel' in 1973, 'Mirage' in 1974, 'The Snow Goose' in 1975 and 'Moonmadness' in 1976), this edition contain all the original tracks plus the single version of 'Highways of the Sun' and an additional 6 songs recorded live for the BBC's 'In Concert' radio show. The cd also contains a booklet allegedly containing rare & never-before-seen photographs of the band.
The band sound as good as always: the multi-talented Andrew Latimer weaving his usual magic on guitar, flute and vocals, with some piano thrown in here and there for good measure! Peter Bardens is superb on keyboards; Andy Ward, for so long the thriving engine room of the band alongside Latimer, on drums. New arrival Richard Sinclair replaces Doug Ferguson on bass and support vocals - and the wonderful Mel Collins appears on saxophone. Supporting this amazing group of dynamic and creative musicians are Brian Eno (acoustic and electric piano, Mini Moog), Martin Drover on trumpet and Fiona Hibbert on harp.
Indeed, the line-up, combined with the sheer diversity of musical instruments being called upon, tell you everything you need to know about this long neglected classic. Rain Dances marks a turn of pace from the driving energy of the previous albums and marks an evolution in Camel's 'sound' which is partly reflected again in I Can See Your House From Here (1979) and then more particularly Stationary Traveller (1984). This is a more mellow sound, a fusion of jazz, prog, layers of careful arrangements and a more technical approach to the song writing. The results are spectacular: Highways of the Sun is a long established concert favourite, while Unevensong dazzles with its constant change of timings, rhythm and emphasis. In between these you have Latimer experimenting with changing beats (Metrognome) and some orchestral sounding chill-outs (Tell Me, Elke).
The brilliance of this album is precisely the willingness to play with different beats, to experiment with diverse musical sounds - and yet to keep the emerging signature Camel sound throughout it all. Moonmadness and Snow Goose may get all the attention - but this is no less a fine Camel classic in its own right; a mellow, calmer incarnation of the Camel genius which lays the foundations for a lot of albums which follow from it.
As a final note, I think it is a shame that after so many years Camel Productions appears to have been unable to wrest the rights for this album off Decca. We can only hope for the day when all of Camel's archives belong to the care and stewardship of Andrew Latimer and the CP stable.
The band sound as good as always: the multi-talented Andrew Latimer weaving his usual magic on guitar, flute and vocals, with some piano thrown in here and there for good measure! Peter Bardens is superb on keyboards; Andy Ward, for so long the thriving engine room of the band alongside Latimer, on drums. New arrival Richard Sinclair replaces Doug Ferguson on bass and support vocals - and the wonderful Mel Collins appears on saxophone. Supporting this amazing group of dynamic and creative musicians are Brian Eno (acoustic and electric piano, Mini Moog), Martin Drover on trumpet and Fiona Hibbert on harp.
Indeed, the line-up, combined with the sheer diversity of musical instruments being called upon, tell you everything you need to know about this long neglected classic. Rain Dances marks a turn of pace from the driving energy of the previous albums and marks an evolution in Camel's 'sound' which is partly reflected again in I Can See Your House From Here (1979) and then more particularly Stationary Traveller (1984). This is a more mellow sound, a fusion of jazz, prog, layers of careful arrangements and a more technical approach to the song writing. The results are spectacular: Highways of the Sun is a long established concert favourite, while Unevensong dazzles with its constant change of timings, rhythm and emphasis. In between these you have Latimer experimenting with changing beats (Metrognome) and some orchestral sounding chill-outs (Tell Me, Elke).
The brilliance of this album is precisely the willingness to play with different beats, to experiment with diverse musical sounds - and yet to keep the emerging signature Camel sound throughout it all. Moonmadness and Snow Goose may get all the attention - but this is no less a fine Camel classic in its own right; a mellow, calmer incarnation of the Camel genius which lays the foundations for a lot of albums which follow from it.
As a final note, I think it is a shame that after so many years Camel Productions appears to have been unable to wrest the rights for this album off Decca. We can only hope for the day when all of Camel's archives belong to the care and stewardship of Andrew Latimer and the CP stable.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
this album marked the first change in line up for Camel. Richard Sinclair (formerly of Caravan & Hatfield and the North) had replaced Doug Ferguson on bass and took the lead on vocals - having been described as the only rock musician who can sing - you'll have to make your own mind up on that one! With the departure of Doug Ferguson saw a slight but effective change in musical direction with a more jazzier feel to the music but achieving to maintain the emotive feel of previous albums. For most part of this CD, Camel are a five piece with saxophonist/flautist Mel Collins adding his touch to the sound. From the slowness of "Tell Me" and "Elke" to the keyboard led "Highways of the Sun" and then the pure driving rock of "Unevensong" "Skylines" and (in my opinion the best track on the album and possible one of the best in Camels repertoire) "One of these Days I'll Get an Early Night", this is an album worth listening to.
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Great transitional album from Camel, with lot's of tasty input from Mel Collins. However, although this shows a release date of 2/2004...it is the 1991 edition, which could badly use the same remastering recently afforded the earlier albums. Can't wait for someone to continue that remastering series but...this is not part of it!
Meanwhile... check the new batch of Tull reissues...Sotrmwatch finally sounds good.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
phenomenal
Fantastic album, and Camel's finest in my view.
The bonus tracks are nothing special, but this cd is a must if you own the original as the remastering is superb.
The bonus tracks are nothing special, but this cd is a must if you own the original as the remastering is superb.
Published on 17 Feb 2010 by Bill Fowler
Camel - Rain Dances
okay but not as good as their classics - Nude, Snow Goose, Harbour of Light
Published on 8 Feb 2010 by Mr. A. P. Palmer
Drain Prances
Oh dear ... must admit this is not my bag at all.
Ponderous light ambling mush.No substance for me at all.
Mr Sinclair you should ashamed after Caravan
Ponderous light ambling mush.No substance for me at all.
Mr Sinclair you should ashamed after Caravan
Published on 27 July 2009 by B. Rugg
Brain dances
Despite the obvious change in style from their earlier albums, this is still classic Camel for the most part. Read more
Published on 17 July 2009 by Yellow Delaney
Not as good predesessor
I have owned this album on vinyl for many years, and bought the CD as it was it was cheap and my old vinyl copy is not good. Read more
Published on 24 Jun 2009 by M. A. Tozer
just to complete the collection....
The mid to late 70s saw the prog music scene in turmoil as industry bosses encouraged artists to release collections of potential singles rather than albums, and Rain Dances - and... Read more
Published on 5 May 2009 by Mr. F. M. Havicon
Excellent
The item arrived on time and in perfect condition.
I inadvertently gave one star to the above product. Please considered it to be five stars, instead.
I inadvertently gave one star to the above product. Please considered it to be five stars, instead.
Published on 5 May 2009 by Jose L. Teixeira Ribeiro
My joint favourite Camel album (alongside Mirage)
A lovely album, particularly welcome at a time of all the punk ghastliness with which the UK music scene was then so sickenly polluted. Read more
Published on 15 Jan 2008 by Julian Stevens
Climate change
Made in 1977 when punk rock breezed along, 'Rain Dances' is the work of a band moving from extended workouts to shorter, more accessible tracks. Read more
Published on 7 July 2007 by D. J. H. Thorn
A BIT WET!!!
Rain Dances featured Camel's first line up change and a slight change in style from jazz influenced progressive rock, to Alan Parsons Project style pop/rock. Read more
Published on 9 Mar 2007 by Stotty
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