Nude (1981)

This is the second of Camel's concept/storyline albums (the first being, of course, The Snow Goose). The story concerns a Japanese soldier, marooned on an island since World War II, who doesn't know that the war was over long ago. The album says, "Concept devised and written by Susan Hoover" and credits her for the lyrics of all but one of the songs ("Please Come Home", by Andrew Latimer).

This is another one that I rarely listen to. Although on listening to it carefully for this review, I realized I am doing it an injustice. There are echos (albiet faint) of The Snow Goose here in the instrumental pieces, and Andy's flute is again given some worthwhile solos. The vocal works are pretty mundane, but overall I'd have to say that this is a pretty good album.

Other Opinions

From William W. Thompson:
You were not very warm towards this album. But to me, Nude is the pinnacle of Camel music. As to your stranded on an island situation, Nude would be my CD of choice. Try it a few more times. You will find considerable depth to each song, as well as the added benefit of the concept album coherency to the whole disk.

Personnel:

Andrew Latimer: Guitars, vocals, flute, koto & various keyboards
Andy Ward: Drums & percussion
Colin Bass: Bass & vocals
Mel Collins: Flute, piccolo & saxophones
Duncan Mackay: Keyboards
Jan Schelhaas: Piano on 'The Last Farewell'
Chris Green: Cello
Gasper Lawal: All percussion on 'Changing Places'
Herbie Flowers: Tuba

Produced by Camel, Tony Clark and Haydn Bendall

Songs:

  1. City Life
  2. Nude
  3. Drafted
  4. Docks
  5. Beached
  6. Landscapes
  7. Changing Places
  8. Pomp & Circumstance
  9. Please Come Home
  10. Reflections
  11. Captured
  12. The Homecoming
  13. Lies
  14. The Last Farewell:
    1. The Birthday Cake
    2. Nude's Return

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