'I don't want to go home' is the most commercial track on the album, the female backing vocals and lilting flute sounds contributing to an unusually light feel. The second side of the album runs to over 25 minutes. Suffice to say Bardens would have been well advised to make greater use of his vocal peers. Criticism of his (and indeed Camel's) vocals is a well worn subject, so I will not labour the point. There are distinct indications of Camel here, the principal difference being that the bluesy guitar of Green sounds somewhat different to the style of Andy Latimer.ĭespite that fact that two superb singers, Steve Ellis of the Love Affair and Linda Lewis, are included in the line up, Bardens makes the mistake of singing most of the lead vocals himself. The 10½ minute 'I can't remember' is based on a repetitive chant, with Bardens adding some fine organ playing. The opening title track includes some strange vocal harmonies which are admirable for their originality, but in my opinion do not really work. The three tracks on side one range from blues, through decent rock, to lengthy improvisation. Bardens certainly made sure the album was full to bursting, with 6 lengthy tracks included, the longest running to over 13 minutes. A gem because there are flashes of brilliance, plus it offers an opportunity to hear a genuine proto-Camel album. Flawed because Bardens casts his net too widely in terms of styles, while failing to come up with strong enough material to carry the album.

While the guitar parts are credited to Andy Gee, it is widely reported that Green actually plays guitar on all the tracks here, appearing uncredited. In 1970, he recorded this his first solo album. Prior to forming Camel in the early 1970's, Peter Bardens had been keyboard player with a number of bands, including his own Pete B's Looners which featured guitarist Peter Green (Fleetwood Mac) in its line up. LP Transatlantic Records - TRA SAM 36 (1976, UK) Re-entitled 'Vintage '69' with new cover art and a track swappedĬD Line Music ‎- TACD 9.00562 (1988, Germany)ĬD Esoteric Recordings ‎- ECLEC 2221 (2010, Europe) Remaster by Paschal Byrne w/ 2 bonus tracks LP Transatlantic Records ‎- TRA 222 (1970, UK)

David Wooley / backing vocals, 'antiques' (?)Īrtwork: Rainbow with Keith Morris (photo) Alan Marshall / backing vocals, percussion Peter Bardens / organ, piano, vocals, producer * Exchanged for 'Write My Name In The Dust' on 1976 reissue only

Peter answer