It’s been ten years since the last reissue of CAMEL’s “Pressure Points: Live in Concert” in its well-known single edition—an INCREDIBLE live gem named after the stunning track from “Stationary Traveller”. A brilliant fusion of their 70s and 80s repertoire, this album remains a testament to the band’s legacy. And yet, it’s been over 15 years since we last saw its rare double edition.
Released in November 1984, “Pressure Points: Live in Concert” captures the band’s performance at London’s Hammersmith Odeon on May 11, 1984, during their “Stationary Traveller” tour. This recording stands out as it features former member Peter Bardens rejoining the group on stage for renditions of classics like “Rhayader”, “Rhayader Goes to Town”, and “Lady Fantasy”. The original release, however, omitted several tracks from the concert, including “Lady Fantasy”. In 2009, an expanded edition was issued, presenting the complete setlist across two CDs, allowing fans to experience the full depth of that evening’s performance.
Live albums like “Pressure Points” play a crucial role in an artist’s discography, offering listeners a chance to experience the energy and spontaneity of live performances. They capture unique interpretations of studio tracks, often featuring improvisations and audience interactions that studio recordings lack. Historically, live albums have served as pivotal points in artists’ careers. For instance, PETER FRAMPTON‘s “Frampton Comes Alive!” transformed him into a household name, while CHEAP TRICK‘s “At Budokan” significantly expanded their fan base. These recordings not only document a moment in time but also provide a raw and authentic representation of an artist’s capabilities on stage.
There are live albums that surpass the musicianship of the band in the studio; DEEP PURPLE’s “Made in Japan”, THE WHO’s “Live at Leeds”, LED ZEPPELIN’s “How the West Was Won”, THE BAND’s “Last Waltz”, THE ROLLING STONES’ “Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out!”, GRATEFUL DEAD’s “Live/Dead”, THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND’s “At Fillmore East”, CREAM’s “Live Cream”, KISS’ “Alive”, QUEEN’s “Live Killers”, RUSH’s “All The World’s A Stage”, THIN LIZZY’s “Live And Dangerous”, ACDC’s “If You Want Blood, You’ve Got It”, and MOTORHEAD’s “No Sleep ‘Til Hammersmith” are a few that come immediately to mind. Not surprisingly, most of them date back to the magical 70s, an era that established the world tour of stellar live performances for every big name who sought true fame and eternal recognition alongside wealth and commercial success.
As far as the metal genre is concerned, numerous live albums can be mentioned that have won the love of the fans and standout along with the studio albums catalogue; IRON MAIDEN’s “Live After Death”, SLAYER’s “Decade Of Aggression: Live”, OZZY OSBOURNE’s “Randy Rhoads Tribute”, METALLICA’s “Live Shit Binge & Purge”, DREAM THEATER’s “Live Scenes From NY”, ICED EARTH’s “Live in Athens”, OBIRUARY’s “Dead”, DEATH‘s “Live in LA, Death & Raw”, PANTERA’s “Official Live: 101 Proof”, and I’m pretty sure I forget a lot of them!
So, yes, live albums DO make history!
In the case of CAMEL, “Pressure Points” offers a snapshot of the band’s evolution, blending newer material from “Stationary Traveller” with earlier classics. The inclusion of Bardens adds a layer of nostalgia, bridging the band’s past and present. The expanded edition enriches this experience, presenting the concert in its entirety and allowing listeners to fully appreciate the band’s live dynamics and the concert’s atmosphere.
Upon its original release the album was a single LP release and omitted six songs performed, including a rousing version of “Lady Fantasy”. To accompany the album release, Decca Records issued a separate long form video film of the concert also entitled “Pressure Points: Live in Concert” which featured the entire performance.
This new three-disc edition, double CD and a multi-region Blu-Ray video version features two CDs of the concert remastered by Ben Wiseman, along with a video Blu-ray of the “Pressure Points” concert film, and includes an illustrated booklet with an essay.
I have to admit that I am a devoted live album fan!
In my opinion, the importance of live albums has not diminished in the digital age. They provide an unfiltered glimpse into an artist’s performance, capturing the nuances and imperfections that make live music compelling. For fans unable to attend concerts, live albums offer a vicarious experience, fostering a deeper connection between the artist and the audience. Moreover, they serve as historical documents, preserving the cultural and musical context of the time. I would dare to mention TAYLOR SWIFT‘s “Lover (Live From Paris)”, which achieved remarkable chart success, to prove that live albums, even nowadays, continue to resonate with audiences, highlighting their enduring appeal in the music industry.
“Pressure Points: Live in Concert” is a testament of CAMEL’s musical excellence! Andrew Latimer (lead guitar, pan flute, vocals), Ton Scherpenzeel (lead keyboards), Chris Rainbow (vocals, keyboards), Richie Close (keyboards), Colin Bass (bass, vocals), Paul Burgess (drums, percussion), together with Pete Bardens (organ on “Rhayader” and “Rhayader Goes to Town”) and Mel Collins (saxophone on “Fingertips” and “Rhayader Goes to Town”), they have created a unforgettable work of live performance that will live forever in the hearts of rock music aficionados.
“Pressure Points: Live in Concert” will be re-released on March 28th on Double CD & multi-region BR Clamshell Box Set by Cherry Red Records.
Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
You can pre-order the Box Set here.
