COLOSSEUM/COLOSSEUM II — The Grass Is Greener (review)

COLOSSEUM/COLOSSEUM II — The Grass Is Greener album cover Album · 1970 · Jazz Related Rock Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
snobb
Third Colosseum studio album is a strange fruit. It was released in USA only, and formally is "Valentyne Suite" , band's second studio album's, version for US market. Even cover picture is almost the same (only darker and in a different hue). But under the cover, situation is more difficult. Half of the album (4 songs) are all new ,and don't appear on any other band's studio album ( Jumping Off the Sun, Lost Angeles, Rope Ladder to the Moon and Bolero). So this album has a full right to be counted as their third studio one. And big part music is very different from "Valentyne Suite" there due to the replacement of James Litherland for Dave 'Clem' Clempson.

In fact, there are three songs from "Valentyne Suite" side A presented, and part 3 from "Valentyne Suite", long composition, filling all side B on original "Valentine Suite " release is used as well ( under slightly different name as well - original name is "The Grass Is Always Greener ... "). But from all 4 songs, only one could be possible absolutely the same as on "Valentyne Suite" album. It is "Elegy", great song with previous vocalist Butty Litherland vocals. Three other are re-recorded with Clempson vocals.

Music on this album is generally same great early heavy jazz-rock, with massive keyboards and excellent sax of Dick Heckstall-Smith. Having its roots in r'n'b from late 60-s, Colosseum is one of great early jazz-rock band of all times. Compositions are complex, but very melodic, still with great rock tradition of songwriting ( and not main accent on musicianship technique). You will easily feel some blues rock and light psychedelic smell there.

Interesting and very competent work, but possibly not a best entrance to Colosseum. Clempson is their worst vocalist, and because of strange songs combination this album is not so representative. But absolutely must have for band's fans.
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