1967/ 1976
I struggled to decide whether to put this compilation as a Traditional Metal Heavy Metal, or if I do not consider it. This compilation, in fact, is constructed on MCA Gary Moore and Colosseum II songs (MCA contracts from 1977 to 1979). Some factors have made me lean toward the decision to enter it as Traditional Heavy Metal. First factor: it was completed in 1987 and at that time Gary Moore was a Heavy Metal/ Hard Rock artist. Therefore, the second factor: the songs that are used from "Back On The Streets" album are fronm the Metal side of "Back On The Streets" album, although three are ballads. In Colosseum II section were looking for songs closer to the AOR or Hard Rock, although Jazz is still dominant. Third factor: In this compilation are presents Simon Phillips, Brian Downey, Don Airey and Phil Lynott. So there is bread for die-hard metalheads. Fourth factor: I know many heavy metal musicians (from different backgrounds... From the Classic Black) who knew this compilation and they assured me that he liked this compilation. Some of these musicians have recorded albums that have received good reviews.
The music contained on this CD is various but good for a Metalheads. "Back On The Streets" and "Fanatical Fascists" are two good Hard Rock/ Heavy Metal songs, good if NWoBHM is your genre. "Don't Believe A Word" and "Parisienne Walkways" are two ballads, not ower ballads because close to Jazz so that an AOR aficionado can not help but love them. Certainly also "Spanish Guitar" is good for an AOR aficionado, also if it is an acoustic ballad, close to POP and not all assimilable to a power ballad. All these three ballads are famous and a good Metalhead has no difficulty to accept and to recognize the magic that emanates.
The Colosseum II section is good for a open minded Prog Metaller (but not only). Basically is a great Rock/ Jazz fusion with guitar and keyboards in first plan. Similars to Ian Gillan bands songs but with Rock structure, except for the Jazzy ballad with vocals "Castle", these songs are very Hard for atmospheres and sound, not only guitar sound but also for synthesizers partitures.
Clearly "Parisienne Walkways is a boundary compilation in Traditional Heavy Metal field. But the music that is present in this compilation is good for a good classic/ Prog Metal Metalhead.