Ordinary album in successful edition

So it is also with RAIN DANCES.
From pure Progressive rock as an umbrella term to be here no more talk. Demanding Rock / Pop proggigen with some or even slightly jazzy elements brings it as a description here already more to the point.
BUT: Camel accomplish this transformation is far less painful and much more secure than many of her style some prominent colleagues (ELP, GENTLE GIANT, etc.).

Of the 9 songs of the original album, although no one really falls off, but unfortunately one waits on the other side also in vain for an unforgettable highlight, a real blast. As a friend of the older camel you miss something like a long track or a conceptual framework (Snow Goose). Sounds to one or the other now perhaps a little well-kept boredom, but as hard as I do not want to go with RAIN DANCES but then the court.
The first of a total of 7 bonus tracks is a single version of HIGHWAYS TO THE SUN. OK, but ultimately dispensable, since only slightly different to the album version. The rest of the songs, all live, BBC Sight and Sound originate from 1977. The sound quality of these recordings is decent, though far from being outstanding. These live versions sound a bit rougher and rockier than the studio originals, but this can only add a few new aspects.

Another phrase for remastering: 24-bit, cautious and careful. A soft, warm sound without clipping, which for my taste unfortunately one tick to print missing. But you can not have everything stop.
On the positive side is still the 16-page booklet in which among other things, an interesting short history of the band can be read from the beginnings until 1978.

The original album, I would "only" be a good 3 star, but the booklet, remastered and bonus tracks values ​​This product here for me on 4 stars on scarce.