LP Review: Camel - Mirage

I impulsively picked up Camel's Mirage, having never heard a song from the album (or the band at all), only recalling that it was ranked rather high on ProgArchives's Top 100 Albums list. Both the sleeve and the vinyl are in fantastic condition - the cashier told me that he purchased it from a large collection, and that it likely had never been played.

Some may fault Camel for a lack of originality in the album artwork, as it's basically the front of a pack of Camel brand cigarettes with some image distortion. However, it's certainly memorable and easily recognizable, which is probably all the band wanted in the first place. The cover is just a sleeve and there isn't any art to speak of on the back side. I'd sooner call this cover 'efficient' than 'enjoyable.'

Thankfully, any gripes one may have about the artwork are forgotten as soon as the needle finds the track. Side 1 opens with "Freefall," a diverse song replete with everything we love about prog rock - a catchy verse and chorus give way to an energetic instrumental section and guitar solo, followed by a passage that is at once subdued and intricate. This skillful mood-juggling continues throughout the album, particularly on the longer tracks that end each side. The highlight of album is the "Lady Fantasy" suite, a complex, 13-minute arrangement that follows the blistering instrumental "Earthrise," which opens Side 2. Camel's often fast-paced and chaotic instrumental sections are perhaps reminiscent of Yes, although given how I've approached the genre chronologically backwards, I can't help but find similarities to some of The Flower Kings's material. TFK are perhaps a bit more psychedelic and jam-bandy, but certain songs on Mirage would not feel out of place on, say, Space Revolver, and vice-versa.

Mirage has few flaws to speak of, although I don't particularly enjoy the "Nimrodel/The Procession/The White Rider" trio that closes out Side 1. It's not bad, it just seems a bit directionless at times. Perhaps a similar complaint could be made about other songs on the album - I've only given the record three spins, so time will tell. Fans of Yes and The Flower Kings can't go wrong here.

Purchased at Wuxtry Records in Athens, GA
Condition: VG+

Back of the album:



Inside sheet/vinyl: