THE GRASS IS GREENER

It's easy to say this is the U.S. version of the European released "Valentyne Suite", but it's much more complicated than that. We have some different musicians on this one, and half the songs on here weren't on the original. And the four original tracks have been changed somewhat as well. They kept the same album cover but changed the hue. As Sean Trane says in his review "Did you say confusing ?" I really didn't think this would be nearly as good as the original since the 17 minute title track "Valentyne Suite" was missing from this one (although "The Grass Is Greener" section is included), but I was wrong. The four new tracks are simply outstanding ! And while I wouldn't say they're as good as the "Valentyne Suite", they're good enough (along with the other tracks) to give this 4 stars. I'll review the four new songs that I didn't already review on the "Valentyne Suite" album.

"Jumping Off the Sun" opens with what sounds like Christmas bells before the drums and guitar come flying in. Vocals follow and the bells are back. Great uptempo track. The drummer is very busy.The guitarist lets loose before 2 minutes with organ runs in the background. Back to the crazy drumming and vocals. "Lost Angeles" opens with vibes and bass as drums beat lightly. Sax and vocals follow. The vocals on this one aren't as good as on the first track. Organ helps out. Blistering guitar after 2 minutes. Nice. They seem to just jam until vocals are back 4 1/2 minutes. Organ, sax and drums end it.

"Rope Ladder To the Moon" is a cover of a Jack Bruce tune, and it's a good one ! Lots of vibes in this one and bass. Vocals are well done. Plenty of sax as well. Mellotron towards the end. I believe this is the only song they ever used mellotron on. "Bolero" has this circus-like melody with marching style drums for almost 2 minutes. Not a fan. Thankfully the rest of the song more then makes up for the beginning. This raw guitar comes barging in with some great bass lines in tow. The drums start to turn from "marching" to "rock" as he beats the hell out of them. They light it up until 4 1/2 minutes in when the drums return to that marching style, and the guitar stops.

What a talented man Dave Greenslade is. Please check this band out.