VALENTYNE SUITE

Personally, I don't regard Colloseum as grand. They proved to be different from what I listen (or compared with my orientation in prog music) as style and message. More than that, the short journey through Colloseum reached several low points. Either because I don't fully appreciate it or because I don't fully understand their music (I can admit, perhaps, the second one), Colloseum don't outline as my favourites. Still, this is only a general view. The quality power of "Valentyne Suite" is too high to be denigrated. Even I, the unexpert (in this case) ear, love it and regard it as marvellous and extremely valuable. Think of what true fans consider it! Colloseum's greatest album and a very rafined expression of music. Among the highlights of the year 1969, or even of the period of late '60s-early '70s.

Now from my point of view, 70s Colloseum means fusion mastering with hints of jazz and blues. Previously loose on "Those About To Die Salute You", abundent on this album, less in "Daughter Of Time".Abundent and of top notch. The effort put on this, from all the perspective, is more than reasonable, it's surreal. Enlightening and lifting. Pulsating and exhilarating. In here the musicians developed an expression of resonance and prestige, making music important, vibrant and glamorous. Once more I say, although am not at all on "fusion visions", "Valentyne Suite" is definitory for the genre adopted and the brand reflected. It's a maximum.

From start, Colloseum decide on what they're gonna represent (and what's goona represent them), make a demonstration of force not so common, gather and garnish a recital of pico bello music moments, and enter with a bang. Sheer quality reflects sheer masterminds and delight passion.I see "Valentyne Suite" as something done for music, for the fans, who love deeply such thing(s), for the elevated and charismatic lover and for the good things that cout. It's something!

Dynamic, robust, open and thrilling. "Valentyne Suite" helds pretty much everything you need. Yes, albums that satisfy you from all the aspects do exist and "Valentyne Suite" can be one of these kind of albums. Boemic, still vigurous. Realist, plus dreamy. Mindscaping, but also soulmoving. It's a perfection(ed) language; of an unnatural movement. Very relaxing and very meditative. Although of rapid construction, it can be suitable for a moment of inner thinking, of mind-driving-away, of pause and reflection. This counts for me also as a plus. Fusion manifest (and especially "Valentyne Suite") is a most concludent alternative to complex-heavy psychedelism, to prog generic movements or to crimsonian sound experiments (et caetera). Have that in mind when you think of what exactly you desire to listen. It forms a message and grants a shine.

Two major parts delimited in "Valentyne Suite". I've symbolicly named them "Introduction (to the Valentyne Suite" and "The Valentyne Suite (itself)". Focus should be on the "Valentyne Suite" as it is a master-suite within the master-album. In it lies la crème de la crème of Colloseum, being the most extraordinary piece of their entire discographic repertoire, without a doubt. Here, the climax of all reaches "beyond" valences and the music eliminates all shadow of unmastered elements. It is the sum of all the ingredients of succes (an artistic succes, first of all). Delighted you'll be by this manifest. The "Introduction" helds the tone perfectly, illustrating the factor and style. Good moments in here as well, especially on "Kettle" or "The Machine Demands A Sacrifice".

Short and simple: a masterpiece and an album I applaud. Concerning my relation with the rest of Colloseum, "Valentyne Suite" is not an exception, but a mega-succesful acomplishment. Highly recommended, truly worthy. An album for all, for ever.