Camel – Moonmadness (2CD/Blu-ray Boxset)

When most people think of the progressive rock movement from the Seventies it is the big five that always come to mind, you know Yes, Genesis et al, but Camel are one of the great unsung heroes of progressive rock. Often overlooked but it has to be said their contribution to the genre is a very significant one, delivering their complex and melodic music with a touch of British charm.

Moonmadness was their fourth release issued in April 1976 and being the follow up to the success they had with their previous album The Snow Goose, it gave them big boots to fill. That said this release features some great tracks, many of which became live staples for many years to come and for me this up there with their finest work. The album has remained a fan favourite and one of their most acclaimed works by many music magazines.

This release by Cherry Red Records maintains their high standards of remastered box sets of classic albums. Here we have a three disc edition which comprises of 2CDs and a multi region Blu-ray disc, along with an illustrated booklet containing an essay which is both readable and interesting. Disc One contains the original album mix from 1976, remastered by Ben Wiseman plus four bonus tracks taken from demo sessions at the time and added to that the single version of Another Night. Disc Two is a stereo mix by Stephen W Tayler and the Blu-ray contains all the above with the additional feature of a concert video of the band – Live at Hammersmith Odeon recorded in April 1976.

The original album’s mix from 1976 has been given a fresh remaster giving us a bright and clear sound, and to these aging ears a great improvement to the previous CD copy of the album I possess. The four bonus demo tracks, plus a single version of Another Night, offer an insight into the process towards the finished product. Here I particularly like the version of Lunar Sea, but each track has something interesting to offer. The list of classic tracks include Spirit of the Water, Chord Change, my favourite Song Within a Song and of course Lunar Sea. The remaining tracks are no filler songs either they sparkle with some class also, it is just the ones mentioned stand out for me.

The stereo mix by Stephen W Tayler is contained on Disc Two, he has done another excellent job creating space and clarity between instruments, the sound level does appear to be lower than the original (remember my aging ears) but this works in its favour. All of which gives the album a warm lush sound which demonstrating this was a band effort, with each member creating their own pieces of the bigger sound. Tayler is fast becoming the foremost person to go to for mixing and remastering, having worked with other artists very successfully. I feel there is not much to chose from between the versions, both are high quality recordings, therefore I think it will come down to the personal choice of the listener. Personally I like both versions equally as both have something to offer.

If you are new to Camel’s music this release could be the best place to start as it clearly demonstrates what the bands focus and objective was. Again for collectors and fans alike this is another exemplary released package by Cherry Red Records, and with improved sound quality on the original mix and a new stereo mixed version it probably beats previous version available.

TRACK LISTING
Disc One: 1976 Mix Remastered
01. Aristillus (1:57)
02. Song Within A Song (7:15)
03. Chord Change (6:45)
04. Spirit Of The Water (2:06)
05. Another Night (6:58)
06. Air Born (5:02)
07. Lunar Sea (9:11)
~ Bonus tracks
08. Spirit Of The Water [Demo] (2:15)
09. Chord Change [Demo] (6:33)
10. Lunar Sea [Demo] (9:50)
11. Another Night [Single Version] (3:25)

Total Time – 61.18

Disc Two: Stephen W Tayler Stereo Mix
01. Aristillus (1:58)
02. Song Within A Song (7:13)
03. Chord Change (6:47)
04. Spirit Of The Water (2:10)
05. Another Night (6:58)
06. Air Born (5:07)
07. Lunar Sea (8:57)

Toral Time – 39:13

Disc Three: High Resolution 5.1 & Stereo Mixes plus Original Mix
01. Aristillus
02. Song Within A Song
03. Chord Change
04. Spirit Of The Water
05. Another Night
06. Air Born
07. Lunar Sea
– Camel Live at Hammersmith Odeon 14th April 1976 (Video)
01. The White Rider
02. Lunar Sea
03. Preparatio
04. Dunkirk
05. Another Night
06. Lady Fantasy

MUSICIANS
Andrew Latimer – Guitar, Vocals (2,5 & 6), Flute, Recorders
Peter Bardens – Organ, Mini Moog, Electric Piano, Vocals (4)
Doug Ferguson – Bass, Lead Vocal (2)
Andy Ward – Drums, Percussion, Voice (1)

ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Cherry Red Records | Esoteric Recordings
Country of Origin: UK
Date of Release: 11^th April 2025

LINKS
Camel – Website | Facebook | Info at Cherry Red Records | YouTube | X