Camel: Curriculum Vitae [DVD]

Any fan of Camel will really enjoy this DVD. The main film consists of a chronological guide through ALL their albums and associated line-ups. Current and past band-members talk openly, honestly and in detail about how the music and their relationships evolved or disintegrated over time. There is plenty of footage from past shows - most of which also appears in other Camel DVD's, but here it is presented in context and this makes it much more interesting to hear and see. The coverage spans the period before Camel-as-we-know-and-love-it first appeared, right up to the creation of the independent company and the release of albums such as 'Dust and Dreams', 'Harbour of tears' and 'Rajaz' .... so it's pretty well up to date. Even 'Nod and a wink' gets a brief mention. Andy Latimer's references to the music in 'Harbour of tears' are especially poignant - but I'll leave you to find out why.An interesting aspect of the film is the way in which record companies - or, rather, record company executives - don't shine too well. Their interest in contract-fulfilment and profit is an inference that is very easy to draw from Andy's descriptions of some of his experiences. From that point of view, this film should be a salutory lesson for all young musicians - never mind if they're not fans of Camel.So .... this is an excellent DVD. I only awarded it 4 stars instead of 5 because I'd have liked it to have been longer, I was enjoying it so much by the time it ended! So think of it as having been awarded an honorary '5'.

Brilliant

As a lapsed Camel fan, this dvd represents a good look into the band's past, with contributions from Latimer, Ward and Ferguson from the band's original lineup, and most poignantly from Peter Bardens. To the loyal fan, there may not be much here that is new, but the format of interviews peppered with live footage down the years, including the rarely played Harbour of Tears, works well.The documentary comes almost up to date, leaving us with the prospect of reunion album featuring the original trio. If you enjoy this band, chances are you've already got the dvd.If you havent, then its money well spent

The immediately appeal of this DVD may seem restricted to Camel fans alone - and understandably so. Anyone who is still with the band over 30 years since their first gig will have or will want this DVD - and they should not be disappointed with it's content.The purpose of the DVD is to narrate the story of Camel over the years and that it does, but it also gives an insight into the challenges a lot of bands face, changes in personnel, personality clashes, drink, drugs and mental health concerns, contractual obligations, legalities and difficulties getting contracts with the major labels even though sales are good and there is a dedicated following - all of which resulted in Andrew Latimer setting up the independent - and very succesful - Camel Productions.There are interviews with all four members of the "classic" line up - Bardens, Ferguson, Latimer & Ward - through tragically Bardens passed away shortly after. The story is told by these and other members of Camel (notably Colin Bass) with excerpts from a variety of performances - some of the early ones have their debut on this DVD. The three surviving members had performed under the name "Brew"in the very early 1970's, before Peter Bardens, joined and there is a tantilising introduction to a brand new "blues" CD, they recorded during 2003 and whose release is imminent.