The Single Factor


The Single Factor, released in 1982, is the ninth studio album by English progressive rock band Camel. The album was essentially a contractual obligation album, created under pressure from Decca Records to produce a hit single, and the "made-to-order" nature of its composition resulted in a selection of songs described as "odd" on the band's official website. Unlike previous Camel albums, The Single Factor consists exclusively of shorter compositions around 3 to 5 minutes in length.
Guitarist Andrew Latimer was the only original member remaining, although original keyboardist Peter Bardens returned for a guest appearance on 'Sasquatch'. According to the liner notes, original drummer Andy Ward, who had appeared in all previous Camel albums, was now absent "following a serious injury to his hand". In reality the injury was self-inflicted, and years later it was revealed that he was forced to retire due to mental health problems.
The album was reissued on 8 September 2009 by Esoteric Recordings with a bonus version of "You Are the One".
Anthony Phillips is featured on this album, playing guitar, organ and synthesizer.

Track listing

All songs written by Andy Latimer, except where noted.
;Side one
  1. "No Easy Answer" – 2:59
  2. * Andy Latimer - guitar, lead vocals, piano
  3. * Chris Rainbow - backing vocals
  4. * David Paton - bass, backing vocals
  5. * Graham Jarvis - drums
  6. "You Are the One" – 5:25
  7. * Andy Latimer - guitar, lead vocals, keyboards
  8. * David Paton - bass
  9. * Graham Jarvis - drums
  10. "Heroes" – 4:52
  11. * Andy Latimer - guitar, piano solo
  12. * Chris Rainbow - backing vocals
  13. * Haydn Bendall - Yamaha CS80 synthesizer
  14. * Anthony Phillips - grand piano, organ
  15. * David Paton - fretless bass, lead vocals
  16. * Dave Mattacks - drums
  17. "Selva" – 3:34
  18. * Andy Latimer - electric guitar
  19. * Anthony Phillips - classical acoustic guitar
  20. * Duncan Mackay - Prophet synthesizer
  21. "Lullabye" – 0:59
  22. * Andy Latimer - lead vocals, piano
;Side two
  2. "Sasquatch" – 4:44
  3. * Andy Latimer - electric guitar
  4. * Anthony Phillips - Rickenbacker 12-string guitar
  5. * Peter Bardens - organ, Minimoog synthesizer
  6. * David Paton - bass
  7. * Simon Phillips - drums
  8. "Manic" – 4:28
  9. * Andy Latimer - guitar, lead vocals, Mellotron, bass
  10. * Anthony Phillips - grand piano, organ, Polymoog
  11. * Francis Monkman - Synclavier harpsichord
  12. * Graham Jarvis - drums
  13. * Tristan Fry - glockenspiel
  14. "Camelogue" – 3:44
  15. * Andy Latimer - guitar, lead vocals
  16. * Chris Rainbow - backing vocals
  17. * David Paton - bass, backing vocals
  18. * Graham Jarvis - drums
  19. "Today's Goodbye" – 4:10
  20. * Andy Latimer - guitar, lead vocals, organ
  21. * Chris Rainbow - backing vocals
  22. * David Paton - bass, backing vocals
  23. * Graham Jarvis - drums
  24. "A Heart's Desire" – 1:11
  25. * Andy Latimer - piano
  26. * Chris Rainbow - lead vocals
  27. * Jack Emblow - accordion
  28. "End Peace" – 2:55
  29. * Andy Latimer - guitar
  30. * Anthony Phillips - grand piano, Polymoog and ARP 2600 synthesizers, marimba
  31. * Chris Rainbow - wordless vocals
;2009 Expanded & Remastered Edition
  2. "You Are the One"

    Personnel

Production