Camel Album: “Dust & Dreams”

If I could give this 100 stars, I would! I like to sit in the middle of my surround sound, crank this up, and close my eyes. Andrew Lattimer is magical. He makes me feel the depth of despair, and the fears of this family as they try to change their lives. THIS IS MY FAVORITE ALBUM FROM ANY ARTIST OR BAND EVER!!! A must have.

Camel achieved with Dust and dreams a music full of emotions. After having released disappointing records in the eighties, Andrew Latimer decided to write a concept-album based on Steinbeck's novel 'The grapes of wrath'. Thanks to fabulous keyboards, superb guitar parts and good vocals, this album ranks among the best progressive and melodic records ever released. The most outstanding songs on this record are the instrumentals, as they reflect Camel's members huge talent and their ability to create poignant moods. The harmonica added on some songs gives us a taste of the 'The Great Depression' era. With its poignant passages, DaD remains Camel's gem, along with their classics such as Snowgoose. For every music lover, this is highly to recommend

"Dust and Dreams" is Camel's musical take on John Steinbeck's "The Grapes Of Wrath". The album's success is mostly based on the emotion they are able to invoke through their music.

The album starts softly with "Go West", about reflecting on the past and present that has been shattered, and how life in the west is so much better. The music picks up in "Mother Road", the decision to move is made, and now their on their way. "The Rose of Sharon" deals with the pregnancy and the fear of how to manage with the new child.

The second half of the album is all instrumental, and this is where Camel excels. Through just the titles of the songs and the emotions of the melodies you can follow the story to its ultimate conclusion. You actually feel what is going on with the family and each individual.

Those who have read Steinbeck's novel will especially appreciate this album, as it gives them another medium to expreience it.

If you love early Genesis, Steve Hackett, Wakeman and the great epic ballads and classic renditions of ELP, this is a must have.

This CD, released in 1991, is among the best of the band. However, the Camel is the Camel and didn't do bad things to the point of having to dismiss. It's worth knowing for those who like the band. The tracks "Go West", "Rose Of Sharon" and "Hopeless Anger" are the best on the disc.