Nude

The beginning of the 1980s saw the start of a new personal and creative relationship for Andy Latimer, with partner Susan Hoover. She provided the lyrics and concept for Nude: it was based on the true story of Hiroo Onoda, a Japanese soldier who held out in the Philippines until 1974, denying that WWII had ended. Thus, with the lofty concept in place, Latimer assembled Camel's rhythm section of Andy Ward and Colin Bass, along with former 10cc keyboardist Duncan Mackay and session man Mel Collins at Abbey Road Studios to record the album. Both the opening "City Life" and "Nude" contain all the aspects that make up Camel's music: soft, gentle vocals, easy melodies and pristine production. But that big bass line of "Drafted" starts a series of tracks that provide all of the tension and intrigue of Nude's journey. The album returns to a consistency in composition that echoes Camel's previous epic works. Mackay's keyboards are first-rate throughout, while Ward and Bass certainly earn their keep as well. The second side's "Changing Places" switches to a world music vibe; and again, the well-composed instrumentals offer more than a simple continuity to the storyline. "Lies" is the penultimate conclusion and another great Camel vocal number, with Latimer's brilliant guitar tone also singing over the straightforward beat. The album rose to No. 36 in the UK charts, and saw release on Passport Records in the US. Following the band's spring tour, Ward took his leave from the band for personal reasons; but Decca Records forced Latimer back into the studio in early 1982 to complete another album. The aptly-titled The Single Factor was recorded with a host of guest musicians, including Anthony Phillips, singer Chris Rainbow and bassist David Paton, the latter two part of The Alan Parsons Project. A final studio album, Stationary Traveller, was released in 1984, with Ton Scherpenzeel from Kayak on keyboards and Paul Burgess from 10cc on drums; and after a final live album for Decca the same year, Camel broke up.