Frampton's Camel

Named after 's touring band at the time, has a harder-rocking feel than its predecessor , with 's percussive electric piano and organ taking a prominent position in the mix and getting a harder sound from his electric guitars (though his acoustic playing is so lush and lyrical that it dominates the album here and there in its quiet way). The sound on this recording lays out the formula that would take to mega-success three years later with the release of . The songs are all first-rate or close to it -- included here is the original studio version of the group composition a quicker-tempo, extended (albeit less majestic) version of which appeared on the latter album and became a staple of classic-rock radio, but the -composed and and the - are also compelling examples of '70s hard rock at its commercial best. This album also includes a nice cover of 's the power ballad the rollicking 's gorgeously lyrical, all acoustic As on , 's use of dynamics and mix of acoustic and electric guitars keeps the music from becoming one-dimensional. The October 2000 CD reissue, remastered in state-of-the-art sound, adds an even more expansive feel to this album and enhances its melodic richness. ~ Jim Newsom & Bruce Eder