Camel - Rain Dances (1977) | CLOCKWORK PEACH

Label: Decca
Country: UK
Released: 1977
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Album Overview

Released on September 17, 1977, "Rain Dances" is the fifth studio album by the British rock band Camel. The album was recorded at Basing Street Studios in London between February and August of the same year. Released under the Decca label, this album marks a new chapter for the band, both musically and in terms of personnel changes.

Lineup Changes

A significant alteration in Camel's lineup occurred prior to the recording of "Rain Dances." Bassist Doug Ferguson departed from the group, and Richard Sinclair, formerly of Caravan, stepped in to fill the void. Additionally, saxophonist and flautist Mel Collins joined as a new member, bringing experience from his time with King Crimson. The original members who remained included guitarist and flautist Andy Latimer, keyboardist Peter Bardens, and drummer Andy Ward. This shift in the lineup introduced new musical elements to the band's sound.

Production and Guest Musicians

The production of "Rain Dances" was handled by Rhett Davies in collaboration with the band. This partnership was aimed at capturing the band's evolving sound. A notable guest musician on the album is Brian Eno, who contributed his talents on the track "Elke." Eno played the Minimoog, electric piano, and piano, adding layers of texture to the composition.

Musical Style and Themes

"Rain Dances" features Camel's characteristic blend of progressive rock, enriched by the new instrumentation brought in by Collins and Sinclair. The album includes tracks such as "First Light," "Metrognome," and "Highways Of The Sun," which showcase the band's intricate arrangements and melodic sensibilities. The songwriting reflects a mature approach, with lyrical themes that explore introspection and the passage of time.

Release Format

This album was released in the traditional vinyl LP format, catering to the listening preferences of the time. The physical format allowed fans to engage with the music in a tactile manner, enhancing their overall experience of the album.

Final Details

"Rain Dances" features nine tracks, including contributions from both new and existing members of the band. The album's recording process took place over a span of six months, culminating in a release that represented Camel's artistic evolution during the late 1970s.

Tracklist

A1	First Light Alto Saxophone – Mel CollinsBass – Richard SinclairDrums, Other [Nocarina, Teeth, Cheek And Turkish Ring] – Andy WardGuitar [6 And 12 String Guitars], Panpipes – Andrew LatimerSynthesizer [Mini Moog], Synthesizer [String] – Peter Bardens	5:01
A2	Metrognome Bass, Vocals – RichardDrums, Other [Money], Percussion – AndyElectric Piano, Organ, Synthesizer [String] – PeterGuitar – AndrewTenor Saxophone – Mel*	4:19
A3	Tell Me Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – MelElectric Piano, Synthesizer [Mini Moog] – PeterFinger Cymbals, Glockenspiel – AndyFretless Bass, Backing Vocals, Flute – AndrewLead Vocals, Harmony Vocals – Richard*	4:08
A4	Highways Of The Sun Acoustic Guitar, Vocals – AndrewBass Flute, Concert Flute – MelBass, Other [Wicket Keeper] – RichardDrums, Percussion [Liquid Boo Bams], Percussion – AndyElectric Piano, Piano [Acoustic], Organ, Synthesizer [Mini Moog], Synthesizer [String] – Peter*	4:31
B1	Unevensong Bass, Vocals [1st] – RichardClavinet, Synthesizer [Mini Moog], Electric Piano, Synthesizer [String], Horns [Car Horns] – PeterDrums, Rototoms, Percussion – AndyGuitar, Vocals [2nd] – Andrew	5:35
B2	One Of These Days I'll Get An Early Night Bass – RichardDrums, Talking Drum, Percussion, Other [Smurd] – AndyGuitar – AndrewPiano – PeterSaxophone [All] – Mel*Trombone – Malcolm GriffithsTrumpet – Martin Drover	5:54
B3	Elke Electric Piano, Piano [Acoustic], Synthesizer [Mini Moog], Synthesizer [String], Guitar [Fuzz], Flute – Andrew LatimerHarp – Fiona HibbertSynthesizer [Mini Moog], Electric Piano, Piano [Acoustic], Sounds [Random Notes], Bells – Eno*	4:30
B4	Skylines Alto Saxophone – MelDrums, Slide Whistle [Swanee Whistle], Drums [Tunisian Clay Drums] – AndyElectric Piano, Synthesizer [Mini Moog], Synthesizer [String] – PeterFlugelhorn – Martin DroverGuitar [6 And 12 String Guitars], Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Guitar [Feedback], Bass Guitar, Other [Sore Fingers] – AndrewOther [A.W.O.L.] – Richard*Trombone – Malcolm Griffiths	4:29
B5	Rain Dances Guitar [Pizzicato], Glockenspiel, Piano [Treated] – AndrewOther [Umbrellas] – AndyOther [Umbrellas] – MelOther [Umbrellas] – RichardSoprano Saxophone – MelSynthesizer [Mini Moog], Synthesizer [String] – Peter	2:58