Album 3. Track 1. Jumping Off The Sun

Fresh from untangling one of the strangest release strategies in progressive rock history, Chaz Charles and the Voluptuary of Sound, Dr. Glund, turn their attention to The Grass Is Greener—the mysterious U.S.-only Colosseum album that looked suspiciously like Valentyne Suite... because, well... half of it was.What begins as an investigation into a confusing record release quickly transforms into a celebration of one of Colosseum's greatest lineup changes, as Dave "Clem" Clempson, Chris Farlowe, and Mark Clarke announce themselves with all the subtlety of a freight train.And somewhere along the way...Dr. Glund accidentally discovers he's been wrong about who was singing one of his favorite Colosseum tracks for decades.TRACK UNDER THE MICROSCOPE:Jumping Off the Sun — ColosseumOne song.Four different recordings.Multiple vocalists.Several decades of Colosseum history.One increasingly bewildered Doctor.The investigation begins with The Grass Is Greener, where Chaz and Dr. Glund piece together exactly how this transitional album came to exist—and why generations of fans (including Dr. Glund himself) have been confused by it.Along the way they uncover:Clem Clempson's explosive debut with the bandThe revelation that Clem—not Litherland, not Farlowe—sings the original studio recordingChris Farlowe's later Daughter of Time interpretationBBC live performances that showcase both evolving lineupsMark Clarke's arrival and the chemistry that transformed Colosseum's rhythm sectionJon Hiseman somehow playing even more drums than should be physically possibleThe verdict?This wasn't simply a personnel change.It was a controlled evolutionary leap.TRACKS LISTENED TO / DIGRESSION ZONE (ABANDON HOPE):Because no investigation remains confined to a single album...The Grass Is Greener→ Why identical album covers confused collectors for fifty years→ Dr. Glund confesses to giving away his original copy because he thought it was a duplicateDaughter of Time→ Comparing Chris Farlowe's vocal treatment of Jumping Off the Sun→ The surprising differences in production and arrangementTransmissions: Live at the BBC→ Rare BBC recordings documenting the band's rapid evolution→ Live evidence that Clem's guitar work was every bit as devastating onstageHumble Pie→ An extended appreciation of Clem Clempson's post-Colosseum career→ Steve Marriott, wah pedals, Les Pauls, raw British hard rock, and enough Marshall amplification to rearrange nearby weather systemsHIGHLIGHTS YOU DID NOT ASK FOR BUT ARE GETTING ANYWAY:The phrase "I smell digression."Multiple declarations that Jon Hiseman deserves far more recognition among great rock drummersA groundskeeper arriving mid-recording to fertilize the lawn—proving that yes, the grass really is greener"Barrel-chested" becoming the official unit of measurement for Chris Farlowe's vocal powerA spontaneous Humble Pie appreciation society breaking out before anyone could stop itThe realization that every version of Jumping Off the Sun has something uniquely brilliant to offerPRESCRIPTION:Administer Jumping Off the Sun in all available forms:The original Grass Is Greener versionThe Daughter of Time remakeBBC live recordingsAny performance featuring Clem with a Les Paul plugged directly into excessive British amplificationRecommended conditions:Stereo speakersHealthy skepticism toward old album creditsA willingness to fall down several delightful rabbit holesPossible side effects include:Buying back records you foolishly gave away decades agoSpending the afternoon comparing Colosseum lineups like baseball statisticsUnexpected Humble Pie binge-listeningDeclaring Jon Hiseman criminally underrated to complete strangersAvoid operating heavy machinery unless it is a Hammond organ.The Blade of Judgment remains firmly in its scabbard.Glory. Across every version.Here's to ya, Clay Cole. Let's go grab a 'visky. 🍻 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.