Air Born by Camel: Super Deluxe 32-Disc Remastered Box Set
In the world of progressive rock, few releases have stirred as much excitement as Camel’s “Air Born,” a super deluxe 32-disc remastered box set. This comprehensive collection, encompassing all of Camel’s recordings with MCA Records and Decca Records from 1973 to 1984, is just wonderful for fans and collectors alike. As I review this remarkable set, it’s clear why it soared to the top of my 2023 box sets and reissues list.
The “Air Born” box set is a such a fantastic tribute to Camel’s enduring legacy in the progressive rock genre. It includes all 11 of Camel’s albums from the period, along with previously unreleased material, offering a complete journey through the band’s evolution. The high-resolution 5.1 surround sound and stereo mixes, crafted by Steven W. Taylor, breathe new life into classics like “Mirage,” “Music Inspired by The Snow Goose,” “Moon Madness,” and “Nude.”
The box set’s packaging is as impressive as its musical contents. The discs are housed in three beautifully designed wallets that open up into three panels, showcasing the vast array of live material and unreleased tracks. While some may miss the individual album artwork on each disc, the sheer volume of content more than compensates for this.
At the core of the set is an 19 84 concert video in Blu-ray format, accompanied by a 68-page hardback book. This book is not just an afterthought; it’s a meticulously crafted piece filled with rare photographs, detailed track information, and insights into the band’s history. The inclusion of complete BBC radio and television appearances adds another layer of depth, making this set a definitive resource for Camel enthusiasts.
Steven W. Taylor’s remixes and 5.1 mixes are a highlight, offering an immersive listening experience that showcases the band’s musical prowess. The attention to detail in these mixes is evident, and they stand as a testament to Taylor’s skill as a producer and mixer.
Priced at £150, “Air Born” offers incredible value for the wealth of content it provides. It’s a set put together with immense love and affection for the band, deserving of a place in any serious music collector’s library. The decision to focus on the quality and comprehensiveness of the content, rather than on extraneous items like posters, speaks to the set’s appeal to a mature audience that values substance over style.
“Air Born” is more than just a collection of albums; From the pastoral beauty of their early work to the more complex compositions of their later albums, this set captures the essence of a band that has been a cornerstone of progressive rock.
“Air Born” by Camel is not just the best box set of 2023; Its comprehensive nature, superb audio quality, and thoughtful presentation make it a must-have for fans.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine