Very cool, Mr Crusader! That has to be worth a fair bit!
I agree that P&G was the first stirrings of the band attempting a more univeral sound, but this was natural as they had covered just about everything else with 'Wheels' and 'Strong Arm' - A repetition of these albums would have been perceived as boring and non-ambitious. The band needed to progress and evolve, and P&G was the first proper step forward.
'Power and The Glory' - a classic metal song that mirrored Maiden's attitude towards the Rock Scene. I once thought that Saxon were inspired by Maiden with this song, but now feel that the opposite is more true.
'Redline' - A nice, simple riff and a great Rock song. Biff said that this tune reminded him of ZZ Top, but I personally feel that the song is something like what Bonn Scott would have gone onto if he were alive at the time. Biff's vocal style sometimes reminds me of Scott in many ways (during the eighties & nineties) and I'm sure Scott was a major influence. 'Redline' does not only sound like an AC/DC song, but has the same attitude.
'Warrior' - this was one of the main songs that got me into loving Saxon! The riff, the percussion and pure aggression are class, and I believe the band should play it in their live set today! It is a Saxon Classic! Again, there is a little of a Maiden vibe here, but only Biff and Glockler could provide the energy required in this song!
'Nightmare' - this is the first sign of a 'commercial' element to Saxon. It has a nice enough melody, but does not live up to what was it was trying to achieve. However, it was a definate sign of what the band were to attempt within the commercial market in later years.
'This Town Rocks' - this has never been one of my favourites. It was obviously written with a live audience in mind, and that is where the main problem is. The studio version just does not cut it and feels a little weak and mild. The actual live version is much better and is probably more of how the band aimed it to sound like. In retrospect, the original was messed up during the production stage.
'Watching The Sky' - an underrated Gem of a song. It is a simple, yet effective, performance that comes across very well in the studio. It's overall style was to be later reflected in later Saxon songs to better effect.
'Midas Touch' - this is one of my favourites from the album. Brilliant riff and percussion, alongside cool Horror/Fantasy inspired lyrics! A song that deserves a live return!
'The Eagle Has Landed' - this is a very important song for me. Upon hearing this track, I knew I had to check out the rest of Saxon's material! The song has so much to transfer to the listener: Saxon's Prog Rock roots, their Metal talent, the arrival of Glockler, the style and ability of Oliver, Biff's vocals and his lyrics. To me, this is Saxon's 'Bohemian Rhapsody', 'Enter Sandman', 'Comfortably Numb' or 'Breaking The Law'. It is a flagship to everything Saxon had done and was to do.
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