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Rating:
What or who does the title of this album refer to? Obviously, the single factor can only be A. Latimer, the only musician left from the original lineup of Camel. In fact, even the unforgettable drummer A. Ward has definitively left his friend Andy, after the worthwhile concept album "Nude," due to serious personal reasons.
"The Single Factor (Deram)" was released on May 7, 1982, and indeed presents Latimer alone at the complete 'helm' of the group, although he is accompanied by a surprising lineup of instrumentalists, including a welcome surprise which I will reveal further down. The musicians are: C. Rainbow (Vocals, Backing Vocals), D. Paton (Bass, Fretless Bass, Vocals, Backing Vocals), D. Mattacks, S. Phillips (Drums), A. Phillips (Rickenbacker 12-string, Grand Piano, Poly-Moog, Organ), and others. Surely, this is the album that possesses the least creativity and the 'weakest' compositions of the entire Camel discography for various reasons. The 'magical' progressive structure is almost completely gone in favor of a music and a format that is substantially Pop-Rock songs. The CD consists of twelve tracks totaling about fifty-two minutes. However, there are still valid and slightly progressive episodes such as the instrumentals "Selva" and "Sasquatch." In the latter piece, the friend P. Bardens appears as a surprise on the Organ and Mini-Moog. The title of this track is a humorous reference to... You will have to discover this for yourselves! Also, "Heroes" sung by Paton is not to be dismissed, especially because it is capable, despite the simple song format, of moving the listener, thanks also to a beautiful, meaningful text. Imagine of mine are you just a myth? Aiming for the stars and a need to exist. Singing your life to its final bar, Staging all the scenes to avoid who you are...
"Manic" instead, is a song sung by Latimer with a vaguely Dark tone, with lyrics that, in my opinion, refer to Ward. The brief instrumental "End Peace" that closes the album with Latimer's 'tear-jerking' guitar is moving. The mediocre album cover depicting Latimer's face is obtained from thirty-seven vertical lines.
In conclusion, a work that is very far from the atmospheres of the '70s albums, and that only occasionally manages to 'distance' itself from the typical Pop-Rock song structure characteristic of the '80s. Despite the esteem and respect I have for Andrew's Art and great musical abilities, my rating cannot be high. Album rating: 3 out of 5 (microsestars). This is just a song to help you through the night just like a lullaby. And if you're not strong and everything ain't right, this is my lullaby. Music & Lyrics: Andy Latimer.
Tracklist Lyrics and Samples
01 No Easy Answer (02:56)
Latimer
No easy answers
come to me
that i can see
No easy answers
were close at hand
when i began
to ask the questions one by one
so all the loose ends stay undone
An easy answer
could help me out
relieve my doubt
Is there an answer
or will i be
never to see
the light that shines at jorney's end
or will i just go around again
You know it's always easy to say
you've gotta take it day by day
but sometimes it can be hard...
You know the answer's undefined
It's only ever in your mind.
03 Heroes (04:52)
Latimer/Hoover
Image of mine are you just a myth?
Aiming for the stars and a need to exist
Singing your life to its final bar,
Staging all the scenes to avoid who you are.
Idol of mine will you lead me on?
Build for me the dreams that i'm longing to own.
make me secure - be my fallacy.
You are all my world if for only today.
And live for evermore...
Heroes i call for you!
Legend to feed my heart and soul.
Heroes i cry for you!
Legend will blees your heart of soul.
05 Lullabye (00:58)
This is just a song to help you through the night
Just like a lullabye.
And if you're not strong and everything ain't right,
This is my lullabye.
07 Manic (04:27)
Latimer/Hoover
One day I'm up next day i'm down,
I run from duck to dawn.
The paranoia seizes me
the nightmares carry on.
I'm looking on the bright side
You're looking on the wrong side
You really don't know which side
A devious dream in my mind.
But there is no way out and yesss
the dye is casting thin
Between the line and razor edge
They crystalise the end.
I'm looking on the dark side
You're looking on the outside
You'll never know what's inside
A face to erase what you find
I know what I'm doing
I'm feeling so fine now
Sorry I worried you.
Thumbs up truly,
I'm okay I though today
I haven't had a drink for, say,
an age, and yes I'm feeling fit
a day in which I'm never sick
with both ends on the candle lit.
There is no way out and
I can never be my friend.
The enemy i fear is me,
so where does it all end...
08 Camelogue (03:42)
Standing at the crosswalk -
Wonder which direction to go.
Listen to the smalltalk -
Claiming how they told me so.
I improvise,
Have to keep going for the song and the road.
A lonely rise,
Now I'm relying on a song of my own.
My own.
Early on detected -
Trouble had divided in two.
Acting unaffected -
Reflecting on the things I do.
A solo rise,
Have to keep going for the song and the road.
Temptation sighs,
Leave us a memory we've loved to know.
Fighting the lead -
I was so confused
Feeling so accused.
A solo rise -
Have to keep going for the song and the road.
Temptation sighs,
Leave us a memory we've loved and known.
What can I do ?
09 Today's Goodbye (04:08)
Latimer/Hoover
Closing my eyes reliving a time when love was strong -
Feelin' your change of heart a sign when love went wrong -
I'm tired of analysing everything you say,
Trying to hold on to what went before the day,
we threw it away.
It seems now there isn't any need to keep hangin' on -
The mood in the night of a lonely room has gone on too long -
I've looked from every angle I have found and yet,
Trying to hold on and pick up the pieces we've left
or try to forget.
Today's
(A last chance to decide)
Goodbye
(Unless you change your mind)
And I won't ask again
I never could pretend.
Today's
(A last chance to decide)
Goodbye
(Unless you change your mind)
But I won't ask again,
Oh no,
No I won't ask again.
I've looked from every angle I have found and yet,
Trying to hold on and pick up the pieces we've left
or try to forget.
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