Genesis - (1998) Not About Us

Genesis - (1998) Not About Us

Singles/EPs/Fan Club/Promo, released in 1998

Track Listings


1. Not about us (Radio edit) (4:04)
2. Anything now (6:58)
3. Sign your life away (4:44)
4. Run out of time (6:07)

Total time 21:53
Line-up/Musicians


- Tony Banks / Keyboards, vocals
- Mike Rutherford / Bass, guitar, vocals
- Ray Wilson / Vocals
- Nir Z / Drums

Genesis - (1992) Single Hold On My Heart

Genesis - (1992) Single "Hold On My Heart"


1 - Hold On My Heart
2 - Way Of The World
3 - Home By The Sea (Live)
4 - Your Own Special Way (Live)

Genesis - (1978) Chicago 1978 (Pre-FM)

Genesis - (1978) Chicago 1978 (Pre-FM) .shn
Title: SAB 05 Version 2 (SAB 05 V2)
Date: 13-Oct-1978
Venue: Uptown Theatre, Chicago, IL, USA
Quality: A+
lineage: FM>RM>WAV>shntool>SHN

Recording comments

Best version without any doubt. Big improvement over all the older versions. This one has a great stereo image as well, with a great atmosphere surrounding you when you're listening on headphones. Best complete recording from the tour! To describe this release with one word : wonderful! Forget all other versions, get this one!

TrackList:
Disc 1
1.1 Eleventh Earl Of Mar 10:16
1.2 In The Cage 08:15
1.3 Burning Rope 08:04
1.4 Dancing With The Moonlit Knight / The Musical Box 09:34
1.5 Ripples 10:36
1.6 Deep In The Motherlode 07:00
1.7 One For The Vine 10:43
1.8 Squonk 06:44

Disc 2:
2.1 Phil Talking 02:04
2.2 Say It's Alright Joe 09:06
2.3 The Lady Lies 10:18
2.4 The Cinema Show / In That Quiet Earth 11:26
2.5 Afterglow 04:59
2.6 Follow You, Follow Me 04:32
2.7 Dance On A Volcano / Drum Duet 05:47
2.8 Los Endos 06:46
2.9 I Know What I Like 09:03
2.10 "After The Show Phil's Interview" 07:38

Total Running Time: 2:22:51

Line-up/Musicians
- Tony Banks / RMI electric piano, Hammond T. organ, APR Pro-Soloist, Mellotron 400, Epiphone,
12 string guitar, backing vocals
- Phil Collins / drums, percussion, lead vocals
- Steve Hackett / lead guitar, Hodaka, 12 string guitar
- Mike Rutherford / electric 12 string guitar, bass guitar, 8 string bass guitar, bass pedals,
backing vocals
- Chester Thompson / drums and percussion

Genesis - (1997) Congo

Genesis - (1997) Congo

Singles/EPs/Fan Club/Promo, released in 1997

Losing their way

"Congo" was the first single to be taken from the post Collins era "Calling all stations" album. Lead vocals are thus in the hands of Ray Wilson, previously of Stiltskin. The song is certainly commercially orientated, but the tribal rhythms and apparently banal lyric's did little to endear those who still purchased singles to the new music of this old band, and the release only briefly entered the UK top 30.

As had quickly become the custom for single releases, the various formats offered different additional tracks. The CD version has an extract from the magnificent "Home by the sea", presumably taken from a studio rehearsal for the then forthcoming tour. This is of passing interest only, since the definitive versions featuring Phil Collins were already available in studio and live format. Also included is a PC multi-media section with the promotional video for the single, and interviews with the three band members.

Ironically, it is the cassette version which is greater interest though. Although the title track is an edited version, here we have two other tracks which were omitted from "Calling all stations", and are otherwise unavailable. "Papa he said" is slightly reminiscent of "I can't dance", the funky backbeat suiting Wilson's style of delivery, but the song itself was left off the album for all too obvious reasons. "Banjo man" does indeed feature that instrument, but the overall sound is prosaic, with Wilson's vocals once again being the dominant feature.

These two (thankfully) rare tracks only serve to emphasise how desperate Rutherford and in particular Banks were becoming to rekindle the formula for a hit single. The philosophy here is clearly keep is as simple as possible, and it will sell in vast quantities. Unfortunately, in the process they completely forgot that you still have to come up with a decent tune.

UK CD
1. Congo (4:51)
2. Second home by the sea (edited version) (4:56)
3. Enhanced CD section with "Congo" video, Interview with Ray Wilson, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford, Digital animation of stage set design

Total time (audio) 9:47

US CD
1. Congo (edit) (3:13)
2. Congo (4:51)
Total time 8:04

UK Cassette
1. Congo (edit) (3:13)
2. Papa he said (4:07)
3. Banjo man (4:20)
Total time 10:40

Line-up/Musicians:
- Tony Banks / Keyboards, vocals
- Mike Rutherford / Bass, guitar, vocals
- Ray Wilson / Vocals
- Nir Z / Drums

Genesis - (1976) Melody Of 1976

 

Genesis - Melody Of 1976
TrackList:
1. The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
2. Fly on a Windshield
3. The Carpet Crawlers
4. The Cinema Show
5. Robbery, Assault and Battery
6. White Mountain
7. Firth of Fifth

Genesis - Complete Melody Of 1976

TrackList:

1. The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
2. Fly on a Windshield
3. The Carpet Crawlers
4. The Cinema Show
5. Robbery, Assault and Battery
6. White Mountain
7. Firth of Fifth
8.  Entangled
9. Squonk
 10. Supper's Ready
11.  I Know What I Like
12. Los Endos
13.  It / Watcher Of The Skies


LineUp:Phill Collins - Vocal, Drum
Tony Banks - Keyboard
Steve Hackett - Guitar
Mike Rutherford - Bas
Bill Bruford - Drum

Genesis - (1974) Academy of Music

Genesis - (1974) Academy of Music
Academy Of Music
Live at Academy of Music, New York, May 4, 1974.

Cd 1
01 - Watcher Of The Skies
02 - Britannia Story
03 - One Handed Drum Solo
04 - Dancing With The Moonlit Knight
05 - Romeo Story
06 - The Cinema Show
07 - I Know What I Like
08 - 5 Rivers Story
09 - Firth Of Fifth

Cd 2
01 - Henry Story
02 - "Some In Betweens Phil..."
03 - The Musical Box
04 - Horizons
05 - The Battle Of Epping Forest
06 - Old Michael Story
07 - Supper's Ready

Uriah Heep - The Live Broadcasts

Uriah Heep - The Live Broadcasts

Track List:
01. Easy Livin’ 03:00
02. Tears in My Eyes 4:37
03. Stealin’ 04:58
04. Sunrise 03:59
05. So Tired 03:33
06. Interview with Mick Box and David Byron 00:28
07. Love Machine 02:07
08. Traveller in Time 03:18
09. The Easy Road 02:21
10. Sympathy 04:44
11. One More Night 03:11
12. Wise Man 03:02
13. Come Back to Me 03:59
14. Easy Livin’ (Reprise) 03:20

Uriah Heep - (2008) Wake The Sleeper

Uriah Heep - (2008) Wake The Sleeper

Studio Album, released in 2008

When Classic Rock magz previous edition featured Uriah Heep’s llatest album “Wake The Sleeper” by saying that this legendary band is now more Purple than Purple, I was truly astonished and proud! Oh yeah … this is one of pioneer bands that I listened to the first time I knew the term “rock” music when I was a child. In the past people said that this band was in between Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin even though I disagree with this dictum. And I tell you what …! When I spun the Summer of Rock CD from the magz I find that Uriah Heep “Overload” is truly different than usual Uriah Heep music especially in the way Mick Box plays his guitar. So … I did purchase the CD from Amazon UK and it arrived last week.

I’s good to be back!

The opening track “Wake The Sleeper” is really a big surprise for me because this is what I would say: “Uriah Heep’s respond to Dream Theater”. Well, this is basically a power metal track with fast tempo. One thing that Heep has never done in their entire career and this is the fastest tempo – I think. It has no lyrics but the choirs only and the music really remind me to power progressive metal. I think the new drummer Russel Gilbrook brings this new kind of style into the band’s music horizon. I am really happy that Uriah Heep plays this kind of music. Next track “Overload” is another excellent track which has new sound of Mick Box guitar work combined with the band’s legendary sound. “Tears of The World” still present the heavy side of Uriah Heep music like the first two tracks. This track reminds me to the tune “Love Machine” of Look AT Yourself album, the band’s classic. It has all the energy and dynamics of the oldies of Heep. Bernie Shaw’s vocal is excellent back with great choirs, the unique characteristic of Heep sound. Box also demonstrates his guitar solo as past days style.

“Light Of A Thousand Stars” brings the music down into medium tempo while “Heaven's Rain” starts off with a music where the organ reminds us to the days when Ken Hensley was still in the band. Unfortunately, this is just a mundane stuff, nothing special about it. “Book Of Lies” tries to bring the music up but it does not really have a good melody or riffs to attract me. “What Kind Of God” is a mellow track with good lyrics. I like the drumming at approximately minute 3:52 even though it does not help elevate the attractiveness of the whole song.

“Ghost Of The Ocean” is quite energetic especially with great guitar solo by Box and the overall music brings me back to the band’s “Return To Fantasy” album. Again, Bernie demonstrates his good quality of vocal here. The song has a good interlude as well. “Angels Walk With You” was written by Trevor Bolder in ballad style. It has good opening track in mellow style and it moves into riffs-based music with good combination of guitar and organ work. “Shadow” is a riff-based song with very nice intro and it moves in a good flow through the vocal of Bernie. The album concludes nicely with “War Child” which combines melody and riffs. It’s interesting to close the chapter. The interlude part with guitar solo is nice.

Overall this is a very good album and there are excellent tracks as well. If Heep can maintain the excellent tracks in the middle of the album as they demonstrate at the first three tracks as well as last tracks of the album, it can be considered as excellent album. I salute the band can still make a music which carries its past identity. Keep on progging!

Peace on earth and mercy mild – GW
(i-Rock! Music Community)



Track Listings

1. Wake The Sleeper (Box/Lanzon) (3:33)
2. Owerload (Box/Lanzon) (5:58)
3. Tears Of The World (Box/Lanzon) (4:45)
4. Light Of A Thousand Stars (Box/Lanzon) (3:57)
5. Heaven's Rain (Box/Lanzon) (4:16)
6. Book Of Lies (Box/Lanzon) (4:05)
7. What Kind Of God (Box/Lanzon) (6:37)
8. Ghost Of The Ocean (Box/Lanzon) (3:22)
9. Angels Walk With You (Bolder) (5:24)
10. Shadow (Lanzon) (3:35)
11. War Child (Bolder/Gallagher) (5:07)

Total Time 50:46

Line-up/Musicians

- Mick Box / guitars, vocals
- Trevor Bolder / bass, vocals
- Phil Lanzon / keyboards, vocals
- Bernie Shaw / lead vocals
- Russell Gilbrook / drums, vocals

Uriah Heep - (2004) Revelations The Uriah Heep Anthology

Uriah Heep - (2004) Revelations: The Uriah Heep Anthology

Tracklist:

CD 1

01. Gypsy
02. Come Away Melinda
03. Wake Up (Set Your Sights)
04. Here I Am (Alternative Mix)
05. Time To Live
06. Lady In Black
07. July Morning
08. Look At Yourself
09. Paradise / The Spell
10. Rock 'n' Roll Medley (Live):

CD 2

01. The Wizard
02. Easy Livin'
03. The Magician's Birthday
04. Stealin'
05. Sweet Freedom
06. Wonderworld
07. Return To Fantasy
08. Weep In Silence
09. The Hanging Tree
10. Free 'n' Easy
11. Think It Over
12. Rockarama

Uriah Heep - (2002) From The Lansdowne Tapes

01. Born in a Trunk (Box/Byron) 3.47 *
02. Simon the Bullet Freak (Hensley) 3.28
03. Here Am I (Hensley) 8.14
04. Magic Lantern (Box/Byron) 8.32 *
05. Why [11.18 Min Version] (Box/Byron/Newton/Hensley) 11.20
06. Astranaza (Box/Byron) 4.46 *
07. What's Within My Heart (Hensley) 5.26
08. What Should Be Done (Hensley) 4.28
09. Lucy Blues (Box/Byron) 5.10
10. I Want You Babe (Box/Byron) 5.42 *
11. Celebrate (Bonner/Gordon) 4.26 *
12. Schoolgirl (Box/Byron) 3.25 *
13. Born in a Trunk [Instumental Version] (Box/Byron) 4.02 *
14. Look at Yourself (Hensley) 3.20
15. Dreammare [Intro] (Newton) 1.10

Line-up/Musicians
* SPICE : Mick Box (guitars), David Byron (vocals), Paul Newton (bass), Alex Napier (drums), Colin Wood (keyboards)
#2 URIAH HEEP : Mick Box (guitars), David Byron (vocals), Paul Newton (bass), Nigel Olsson (drums), Ken Hensley (keyboards)
#3 URIAH HEEP : Mick Box (guitars), David Byron (vocals), Paul Newton (bass), Keith Baker (drums), Ken Hensley (keyboards)
#4 URIAH HEEP : Mick Box (guitars), David Byron (vocals), Paul Newton (bass), Iain Clarke (drums), Ken Hensley (keyboards)

Uriah Heep - (1989) Raging Silence

Uriah Heep - (1989) Raging Silence

Studio Album, released in 1989

The best from the '80's

Raging silence from 1989 - again lots of changings both in sound and musicians. The new singer Bernie Shaw ex Paraying Mantis and Grand Prix is a very good replacement of Golby, with a good voice more towards hard and heavy but fits like a glove in Heep's music. Phil Lanzon from Sad Cafe fame come to UH in late 1986 and remains 'till today constant member like Shaw. Box, Kerslake and Bolder remains the gear of Heep's music and they were constant members so unreplaceble. The music from Raging silence is rather heavy than prog, with some leanings towards hard rock but ok in the end, nice keyboard interplays and good guitar riffs and harmonies, some of the good pieces are: Hold Your Head Up (this is a Argent cover) but sounds very good in Heep's sound, Cry Freedom and my fav piece from here Lifeline. All in all a good album, among the best UH albums with a lot of energy and good ideas that tops all the rest of the Heep's albums from the '80's. 3 stars for Raging silence

Track Listings

Side A
1. Hold Your Head Up (4:33)
2. Blood Red Roses (4:10)
3. Voice On My TV (4:20)
4. Rich Kid (4:49)
5. Cry Freedom (4:34)

Side B
1. Bad Bad Man (4:11)
2. More Fool You (3:34)
3. When The War Is Over (5:09)
4. Lifeline (4:53)
5. Rough Justice (4:21)

Total Time: 44:34
BONUS TRACKS ON 1998 REMASTERED CD:
1. Miracle Child (4:11) single b-side
2. Look At Yourself (7:20) Live recording from 1987, b-side of 'Blood Red Roses' 12" single
3. Too Scared Too Run (3:58) Live version from 1987, previously unreleased
4. Corina (4:46) Live version from 1987, previously unreleased
5. Hold Your Head Up (5:53) extended version released on 12" single
6. Blood Red Roses (4:53) extended remix , previously unreleased
Line-up/Musicians

- Mick Box / guitars
- Lee Kerslake / drums, vocals
- Trevor Bolder / bass guitar, vocals
- Phil Lanzon / keyboards, vocals
- Bernie Shaw / lead vocals

Guest musicians:
- Brett Morgan / drums
- Frank Ricotti / percussion
- String parts on "When The War Is Over" arranged and played by Phil Lanzon
- Russian words on "Cry Freedom" spoken by Marie Zackojiva

Uriah Heep - (1983) Head First

Uriah Heep - (1983) Head First

Studio Album, released in 1983

Track Listings

Side A
1. The Other Side Of Midnight (3:55)
2. Stay On Top (3:35)
3. Lonely Nights (4:07)
4. Sweet Talk (3:51)
5. Love Is Blind (3:38)

Side B
1. Roll-Overture (2:18)
2. Red Lights (2:57)
3. Rollin' The Rock (5:31)
4. Straight Through The Heart (3:39)
5. Weekend Warriors (3:50)

Total Time: 37:21
BONUS TRACKS ON 1997 REMASTERED CD:
1. Playing For Time (4:27) single b-side
2. Searching (3:52) instrumental out-take, previously unreleased
3. The Wizard [live] (4:52) live version 1984, previously unreleased

Line-up/Musicians
- Mick Box / guitars, vocals
- Lee Kerslake / drums
- Bob Daisley / bass
- John Sinclair / keyboards, vocals
- Peter Goalby / vocals
- Frank Ricotti / percussion on "Roll-Overture"

Uriah Heep - (1982) Abominog

Uriah Heep - (1982) Abominog


Studio Album, released in 1982

Track Listings

Side A
1. Too Scared To Run (3:47)
2. Chasing Shadows (4:38)
3. On The Rebound (3:13)
4. Hot Night In A Cold Town (3:57)
5. Running All Night (With The Lion) (4:24)

Side B
1. That's The Way That It Is (4:04)
2. Prisoner (4:27)
3. Hot Persuasion (3:45)
4. Sell Your Soul (5:22)
5. Think It Over (3:33)

Total Time: 42:10
BONUS TRACKS ON 1997 REMASTERED CD:
1. Tin Soldier (3:49) single b-side
2. Son Of A Bitch (4:08) single b-side
3. That's The Way That It Is (4:27) demo version, previously unreleased
4. Hot Persuasion (4:04) demo version, previously unreleased
Line-up/Musicians

- Lee Kerslake / drums, vocals
- Peter Goalby / vocals
- Bob Daisley / bass, vocals
- John Sinclair / keyboards, vocals
- Mick Box / guitars, vocals

Uriah Heep - (1980) Conquest

Uriah Heep - (1980) "Conquest"

Studio Album, released in 1980

Track Listings

Side A
1. No Return (6:02)
2. Imgination (5:49)
3. Feelings (5:26)
4. Fools (5:03)

Side B
1. Carry On (3:57)
2. Won't Have To Wait Too Long (4:54)
3. Out On The Street (5:57)
4. It Ain't Easy (5:45)

Total Time: 44:37
BONUS TRACKS ON 1997 REMASTERED CD:
Bonus tracks:
1. Been Hurt (3:56) single b-side
2. Love Stealer (3:28) single a-side
3. Think It Over [vocals John Sloman] (3:33) single a-side
4. My Joanna Needs Tuning (3:02) single b-side
5. Lying (4:23) out-take, previously unreleased

Line-up/Musicians
- Mick Box / guitars
- John Sloman / lead & backing vocals, piano, percussion
- Chris Slade / Staccato drums, percussion
- trevor Bolder / bass guitar
- Ken Hensley / obx, vocoder, organ, piano, guitars, backing vocalsTracklist:

Uriah Heep - (1979) Live in Europe

Uriah Heep - 1979 Live in Europe

Live, released in 1986

It’s John Lawton that makes the Uriah Heep fans need to have this live record which took in various places around 1979. I have been a big fan of Lawton since I knew him for the first time with Germany’s Lucifer’s Friend. In fact, I’d rather have Lawton than Bernie Shaw as replacement of David Byron. Yes, Lawton’s voice is unique and there is no similarity with Byron. The joining of Lawton to Heep had made the overall sound of Uriah Heep was different from the previous early years. As it’s quite different you might find some tracks who originally were sung by Byron do not sound quite smooth in this live performance. In this case, Bernie’s voice quality sounds similar in some ranges with Byron. That’s why I basically have no major issue having Bernie Shaw sings Byron’s tracks. You might find how struggling Lawton to match with the first three tracks : Easy Livin’ (3:14), Look At Yourself (5:18), and Lady In Black (7:26) (originally sung by Hensley. Thanks, Eugene, for the correction). Not really bad but I find the soul’s lost. Fortunately there are Ken Hensley and Mick Box who can make the overall music still sound Heep. When Free Me (4:53) is performed, yes .. this is really unique Lawton! The other disappointing one is during “Sweet Lorraine” (12:44) which does not sound quite right.

This is not bad at all, but I’d only recommend this for the die hard fans only.

Track Listings

Record One, Side A
1. Easy Livin’ (3:14)
2. Look At Yourself (5:18)
3. Lady In Black (7:26)
4. Free Me (4:53)
Record One, Side B
1. Stealin’ (4:54)
2. The Wizard (3:35)
3. July Morning (12:35)

Record Two, Side A
1. Falling In Love (3:04)
2. Woman Of The Night (3:12)
3. I’m Alive (4:04)
4. Who Needs Me (9:46) [Not included on the original cd release]
Record Two, Side B
1. Sweet Lorraine (12:44)
2. Free 'N' Easy (2:53)
3. Gypsy (4:52)

Total Time: 82:30
Bonus tracks:
1. Cheat 'N' Lie (6:11) out-take, previously unreleased
2. One More Night (4:55) out-take, previously unreleased
3. Easy Livin' (3:26) alternate version, previously unreleased
4. Sealin’ (5:12) alternate version, previously unreleased
5. Lady In Black (7:26) alternate version, previously unreleased
6. Gypsy (4:40) alternate version, previously unreleased
Line-up/Musicians

- Mick Box / guitars
- John Lawton / vocals
- Ken Hensley / keyboard, guitars, vocals
- Lee Kerslake / drums, vocals
- Trevor Bolder / bass

Uriah Heep - (1978) Fallen Angel

Uriah Heep - (1978) Fallen Angel

(Review from progarchives.com)

The third and final Uriah Heep album with John Lawton on vocals, and the last for the time being with the long serving Lee Kerslake on drums.

While Ken Hensley still dominates the song writing, the rest of the band also make contributions. Lawton for example wrote 2 tracks, and co-wrote a third. Unfortunately, with Hensley having contributed so much to previous albums, his inspiration appears to be declining rapidly, and the rest of the band do not share his worthy credentials in that field. Understandable as this is, It does make for a somewhat disappointing album. Things would get worse on subsequent output before they got better and taken in context, this is far from being a bummer. The band themselves (Hensley and Box) in the sleeve notes for the 1997 remaster felt that the album was a bit "poppy", and this a fair description.

Ironically the best track is Lee Kerslake ballad “Come back to me” (co-written with Hensley), written as an anguished plea to his then recently estranged wife. Lawton’s vocals are ideal for the song, which he sings with great passion.

The tracks are all short, the longest being the title track at just over 5 minutes. On "One more night", Lawton almost carries off an Elvis impersonation, but on most of the tracks, the performance is all too similar and lightweight. In retrospect, it's all to obvious that the band had taken their eye of the ball, and were drifting away from their roots, into a more commercial area which did not fit well with their strengths. It would be several years until they found their way again.

By the way, the sleeve was a vast improvement from "Innocent victim", with a rather attractive image of a female warrior who has just vanquished her next meal, in the gatefold cover.

Track List :
01. Woman Of The Night (4:07)
02. Falling in Love (2:59)
03. One More Night (Last Farewell) (3:35)
04. Put Your Lovin' On Me (4:08)
05. Come Back To Me (4:22)
06. Whad 'Ya Say (3:41)
07. Save It (3:33)
08. Love Or Nothing (3:02)
09. I'm Alive (4:18)
10. Fallen Angel (4:51)

Line-up :
- Mick Box / electric and acoustic guitar
- Trevor Bolder / bass guitar
- John Lawton / lead vocals
- Lee Kerslake / drums, syn-drums, back-up vocals
- Ken Hensley / keyboards, synthesizer, slide and acoustic guitar, back-up vocals

Uriah Heep - (1977) Innocent Victim

Uriah Heep - (1977) Innocent Victim

(Review from progarchives.com)

Once you get past the rather grotesque and somewhat inappropriate cover picture, Uriah Heep’s second album with John Lawton on vocals is a pleasant, if rather lightweight offering.

The songs are pretty straightforward, leaning more towards melodic rock than prog. Once again, Hensley favours his synthesiser over the Hammond organ sound which laid the foundations of the band’s early work, creating a more orchestral backing. There are a couple of good ballads in “Choices" which has great power, and the softer "Illusion. “Free me” is a catchy pop tune. It’s not exactly challenging but should have been at least a minor hit in the UK, as it was in several other countries.

"The dance" is almost funky, a style which suits Lawton's voice far better than it would have Byron's. Finally, there are a number of more traditional rock tracks such as "Keep on ridin'", "Flyin' high" "Free'n'easy" and "Cheat'n'lie"

Ultimately I am left with a feeling that the band's inspiration, and especially Hensley's, is drying up rapidly. This is perhaps further evidenced by the fact that non band member Jack Williams wrote two of the songs, and co-wrote a third with Hensley.

Track List :
01. Keep On Ridin' (3:41)
02. Flyin' High (3:18)
03. Roller (4:38)
04. Free 'N' Easy (3:02)
05. Illusion (5:02)
06. Free Me (3:35)
07. Cheat 'N' Lie (4:50)
08. The Dance (4:49)
09. Choices (5:42)

Line-up :
- Mick Box / guitars
- John Lawton / vocals
- Ken Hensley / keyboard, guitars, vocals
- Lee Kerslake / drums, vocals
- Trevor Bolder / bass

Uriah Heep - (1977) Firefly

Uriah Heep - (1977) Firefly

(Review from progarchives.com)

While the history of Uriah Heep is littered with line up changes, the single most important one in terms of their sound took place between the previous album, “High and Mighty”, and this one. With David Byron having been sacked as lead vocalist, John Lawton (ex Lucifer’s Child) was brought in as his replacement.

In opting for Lawton, the other band members had decided to go for someone with a completely different voice and style, so right from the first few bars of “Firefly” the listener is aware of a fundamental change. Lawton’s voice is deeper and much rougher, with more of a blues/jazz tinge.

John Wetton also left the band before this album was recorded, being replaced by ex Spiders from Mars bassist Trevor Boulder. Boulder has gone on to become one of Heep’s longest servicing members, and is in fact still in the band today.

The music on “Firefly” is generally lighter than previous albums, with Hensley choosing to create an almost orchestral texture with the keyboards, on which the album is built. Yet again, Hensley dominates the song writing, with only one short track “Who needs me” being a rare Kerslake composition. The title track is a very soft but beautiful piece, a million miles from "Easy Livin’". Even when the band rock, such as on “Been away too long”, it’s not the all out wall of sound of the early days.

When listening to this album, it is necessary to first put aside any preconceptions about the music it will contain. It’s not really a follow up to “High and Mighty” but a new beginning for the band with a new direction and sound. Once that is accepted, it’s actually a very enjoyable album, with strong melodies, and tight musicianship.

Track List :
01. The Hanging Tree (3:42)
02. Been Away Too Long (5:04)
03. Who Needs Me (3:40)
04. Wise Man (4:44)
05. Do You Know (3:15)
06. Rollin' On (6:32)
07. Sympathy (4:50)
08. Firefly (6:18)
09. Crime Of Passion (Bonus, Single B-Side) (3:37)
10. Do You Know (3:16) (Bonus, Demo)
11. A Far Better Way (5:50) (Bonus, Outtake)
12. Wise Man (4:48) (Bonus, TV backing track version)

Line-up :
- John Lawton / lead vocals
- Mick Box / guitars
- Trevor Bolder / bass guitar
- Lee "The Bear" Kerslake / drums, vocals
- Ken Hensley / keyboards, guitars, vocals

Uriah Heep - (1975) The Best Of Uriah Heep

Uriah Heep - (1975) The Best Of Uriah Heep

Boxset/Compilation, released in 1985

Track Listings

1. Free me (3:35) from Innocent Victim 1977
2. Lady In Black (4:33) from Salisbury 1971
3. Sealin' (4:49) from Sweet Freedom 1973
4. The Wizard (2:59) from Demons And Wizards 1972
5. Look At Yourself (5:07) from Look At Yourself 1971
6. Gypsy (6:37) from Very 'Eavy ... Very 'Umble 1970
7. Easy Livin' (2:36) from Demons And Wizards 1972
8. Return To Fantasy (5:52) from Return To Fantasy 1975
9. Your Turn To Remenber (4:22) from Return To Fantasy 1975
10. Sweet freedom (6:37) from Sweet Freedom 1973
11. Shady Lady (4:46) from Return To Fantasy 1975
12. Firefly (6:18) from Firefly 1977

Total Time: 58:11
Line-up/Musicians

See original albums for line-ups

Uriah Heep - (1975) Return To Fantasy

Uriah Heep - (1975) Return To Fantasy

Studio Album, released in 1975

A high 2 stars, because the good stuff is very good. But this is a lopsided record stuffed with filler. Things begin promisingly with the first half. The return to their most beloved material hinted at with the title and artwork actually manifests itself with opener "Return To Fantasy". Full of emotion, mystery and swirling keys, along with a solid rhythm section that sees John Wetton's bass joining in with Lee Kerslake on drums after the ouster of troubled bassist Gary Thain, the song is no less than a Uriah Heep classic. Two hard-rock songs follow in the form of "Shady Lady" (a forgettable boogie number) and the excellent "Devil's Daughter". Album highlight "Beautiful Dream" follows, a magnificent song highlighting Ken Hensley's Moog expertise, stacking even more keyboards on top of that, along with one of David Byron's last bits of vocal magic. "Beautiful Dream" is one of the reasons Uriah Heep appeals to many prog fans, as these fantasy-laced, celestial kinds of things are in abundance throughout their '70s albums.

But then things sour quickly. The listener is asked to sit through four absolutely dire songs: "Your Turn To Remember", "Prima Donna", "Showdown" and "Why Did You Go": a high-school dance shuffle, a bass-horn diseased country-rocker, slide-guitar driven country-rock (again) and a vacant love song (frustratingly, with even more twangy country guitar work!). It's only "A Year And A Day" that makes the second side less than horrendous, its ethereal opening giving way to a poignant organ-driven anthem and then back again to the gentler, more contemplative atmospheres.

The two songs relegated to b-side purgatory ("Shout It Out" and "The Time Will Come") are very good. Had they replaced some of the filler, we'd have a very strong album here. Instead they served up 4 excellent songs and 5 abominations. Approach with caution.

Track Listings

01. Return To Fantasy
02. Shady Lady
03. Devil's Daughter
04. Beautiful Dream
05. Prima Donna
06. Your Turn To Remember
07. Show Down
08. Why Did You Go
09. A Year Or A Day


Line-up/Musicians

- David Byron / lead vocals
- Mick Box / guitars
- Ken Hensley / keyboards, guitars, synthesizer, vocals
- Lee Kerslake / drums, percussion, vocals
- John Wetton / bass, Mellotron, vocals

Uriah Heep - (1974) Wonderworld

Uriah Heep - (1974) Wonderworld

Studio Album, released in 1974

In my opinion this is not a weak album. Here are some good moments like The easy road, what a beautiful track. All the album are more hard rock than progressive but fits for me very well. I always enjoy listen to this band, so my rating is 3 stars. A good one, maybe not their best but close enough. Enjoy every track, worth a spin...

Track Listings
1. Wonderworld (4:29)
2. Suicidal Man (3:38)
3. The Shadows And The Wind (4:27)
4. So Tired (3:39)
5. The Easy Road (2:43)
6. Something Or Nothing (2:56)
7. I Won't Mind (5:59)
8. We Got We (3:39)
9. Dreams (6:10)

Total Time: 37:30
BONUS TRACKS ON 1996 REMASTERED CD:
1. What Can I Do (3:10) - single b-side
2. Dreams [long version] (7:08) - unedited long version, previously unreleased
3. Something Or Nothing (3:09) - live version recorded at Shepperton 1974, previously unreleased
4. The Easy Road (2:53) - live version recorded at Shepperton 1974, previously unreleased

BONUS TRACKS ON 2004 EXPANDED DE-LUXE CD:
1. What Can I Do - single b-side
2. Love, Hate and Fear - previously unreleased version
3. Stone's Throw - previously unreleased version
4. Dreams - extended version
5. I Wont Mind - live version
6. So Tired - live version

Line-up/Musicians
- Ken Hensley / organ, guitars & vocals
- David Byron / vocals
- Mick Box / lead guitars
- Gary Thain / bass
- Lee Kerslake / drums

Uriah Heep - (1974) Live At Shepperton

Uriah Heep - (1974) Live At Shepperton

Live, released in 1986

(Review from progarchives.com)

The recordings on this album are taken from a Television special that Uriah Heep recorded in 1974. Although the special was never actually broadcast, a number of extracts from it appeared on the now deleted “Easy Livin’, a history of Uriah Heep” video. The performance was never intended for commercial release in any format, but with the ongoing demand for Byron era material by the band, a belated release took place in 1986.

The original album was rather brief, but this was rectified by the remastered version, which incorporates a number of additional tracks from the same performance, plus some other relevant additions. A few of the tracks duplicate the superior versions on the “Live 1973” album, but as these recordings took place around the time of the release of the “Wonderworld” album, tracks from that album and “Sweet Freedom” also appear.

The performance by the band is not one of their best, tempered perhaps by the fact that they were conscious of the need to appeal visually as well as audibly. The recording quality too reflects the fact that it was intended only for television broadcast.

While it is good to hear early live versions of tracks such as “Sweet freedom” and “Stealin’”, only the emotive ballad “The easy road” shines through as anything more than average here. Uriah Heep made one of the best live albums ever. Unfortunately, this wasn’t it!

Track Listings

Side A
1. Easy Livin' (2:57)
2. So Tired (3:58)
3. I Won't Mind (5:41)
4. Something Or Nothing (2:51)

Side B
1. Stealin' (4:42)
2. Love Machine (2:16)
3. The Easy Road (2:43)
4. Rock 'N' Roll Medley (5:52)

Total Time: 31:00
TRACK LISTING ON REMASTERED 1997 RELEASE:
1. Easy Livin' (4:01)
2. So Tired (3.32)
3. I Won't Mind (5:54)
4. Sweet Freedom (6:59)*
5. Something Or Nothing (3:21)**
6. The Easy Road (2:49)
7. Stealin' (5:26)
8. Love Machine (2:23)
9. Rock 'N' Roll Medley (7:45)
10. Out-Takes (5:28)
a) The Easy Road
b) Sleazy Livin'
c) Easy Livin' *
11. Stealin' (6:19)*

Line-up/Musicians

- David Byron / vocals
- Mick Box / guitar, vocals
- Gary Thain / bass, vocals
- Lee Kerslake / drums, vocals
- Ken Hensley / keyboards, vocals

Uriah Heep - (1973) Sweet Freedom

Uriah Heep - (1973) Sweet Freedom

(Review from progarchives.com)

The third album by the Byron/Box/Hensley/Kerslake/Thain line up found them moving away from the fantasy theme, but producing what was probably their most melodic album of all. The sleeve was the first clue of the changes as, unlike the previous two albums, Roger Dean was not involved. This was compensated for to some extent by the double fold out, but it still lacks the impact of Dean’s work.

Musically however, the band were still in top form. Hensley dominates the song writing once again, and the tracks generally lean towards his keyboard work, with Box’s lead guitar outings being less frequent. The album includes one of Heep’s most famous works in “Stealin’”, which in many ways is a slightly slowed down version of “Easy Livin’”. The band were as close as they’ve ever come to a world-wide hit single with this track, foiled only by it being banned from radio play because of the reference to “doing the rancher’s daughter”!

The title track is a wonderful power ballad on which Byron interprets Hensley’s sensitive lyrics in a very emotive and effective way. I remember a reviewer at the time described the track as “swimming in organ”. It was intended as a criticism, but while quite correct, is in fact a strong recommendation.

“If I had the time” sees Hensley still in power ballad writing mode, this time using the synthesiser to create the depth of sound. It’s interesting to compare the demo version of this track which first appeared on Hensley’s “From time to time” album with the finished article here. It demonstrates clearly how, while Hensley was the main songwriter, the band as a whole created the finished articles.

“Pilgrim” closes the album in more progressive mode. The track has two distinct sections, separated by a screaming guitar solo from Box. Byron exercises the full range of his vocal capabilities during the track, cumulating in a screamed finale. While the track is truly excellent, it could have been even better. This may be due in part to the fade out ending which seems to imply that the band couldn’t come up with a satisfactory conclusion.

In all, another fine, polished product from the band, which generally finds them moving further away from their “’eavy” beginnings.

Track List :
01. Dreamer (3:41)
02. Stealin' (4:49)
03. One Day (2:47)
04. Sweet Freedom (6:37)
05. If I Had The Time (5:43)
06. Seven Stars (3:52)
07. Circus (2:44)
08. Pilgrim (7:10)

Line-up :
- David Byron / vocals
- Ken Hensley / keyboards, guitars and vocals
- Mick Box / guitars
- Lee Kerslake / drums, percussion, vocals
- Gary Thain / bass guitar

Uriah Heep - (1973) Live

Uriah Heep - (1973) Live

Live, released in 1973

Track Listings

Record One, Side A
1. Sunrise (3:50)
2. Sweet Lorraine (4:27)
3. Traveller In Time (3:20)
4. Easy Livin' (2:43)
Record One, Side B
1. July Morning (11:23)
2. Tears In My Eyes (4:34)

Record Two, Side A
1. Gypsy (13:32)
2. Circle Of Hands (8:47)
Record Two, Side B
1. Look At Yourself (5:57)
2. The Magician's Birthday (1:15)
3. Love Mchine (3:07)
4. Rock 'N' Roll Medley (8:17)

Total Time: 71:12
BONUS TRACKS ON 2003 EXPANDED DE-LUXE CD:
The Radio Show:
1. Something Or Nothing
2. I Won't Mind
3. Look At Yourself
4. Gypsy
The Film Mixes:
5. Easy Livin'
6. So Tired
7. I Won't Mind
8. Something Or Nothing
9. The Easy Road
10. Stealin'
11. Love Machine
12. Rock and Roll Medley


Line-up/Musicians
- David Byron / vocals
- Mick Box / guitar, vocals
- Gary Thain / bass, vocals
- Lee Kerslake / drums, vocals
- Ken Hensley / keyboards, vocals

Uriah Heep - (1972) The Magician's Birthday

Uriah Heep - (1972) THE MAGICIAN´S BIRTHDAY

Studio Album, released in 1972

The Magician's Birthday followed the enormously successful Demons And Wizards album. No doubt it was an overwhelming task to come up with a record that maintained that immense flow and energy. Uriah Heep was up for the challenge and responded with another metal-prog classic, and to boot they pulled it off in the same year.

The very first song, "Sunrise," is another Ken Hensley driving rocker with Mick Box providing the stinging guitar leads, David Byron the operatic shrieks, and Hensley the whirling dervish keyboard playing. "Spider Woman" was always one of my favorites; it's a straight ahead rocker that has a catchy riff by Box running through the entire song. "Rain" is a standout track that was typical of the Heep gothic metal sound complete with a great vocal treatment by Byron. The curtain falls on the title track "The Magician's Birthday." For over 10 minutes they show why they were one of the very best prog-rock bands in the world by changing gears several times without a hitch and offering the listener every facet of their complex makeup in one song. It's the kind of dark and mystical song that you never forget, it stays with you for a long time and when you listen to it again you hear what you missed the first time around.

What UH did in 1972 is quite incredible. To release one great album is a major feat, but two in one year? It's something very few bands have ever done. This was the final stamp of approval on their career; they had carved out a place in prog-rock history that would cement their legacy. In 2002, now more than ever, the relevance of what they did is more evident and valid when you listen to what they were creating over 30 years ago. It comes as no surprise that people want to hear all of that material as much today as they did back then. Its great music, so if you haven't found it yet its time to seek it out.

Track Listings

Side A
1. Sunrise (4:04)
2. Spider Woman (2:25)
3. Blind Eye (3:33)
4. Echoes In The Dark (4:48)
5. Rain (3:59)

Side B
1. Sweet Lorraine (4:13)
2. Tales (4:09)
3. The Magician's Birthday (10:23)

Total Time: 39:46
BONUS TRACKS ON 1996 REMASTERED CD:
1. Silver White Man (3:43) out-take, previously unreleased
2. Crystal Ball (4:08) out-take, previously unreleased

BONUS TRACKS ON 2003 EXPANDED DE-LUXE CD:
1. Gary's Song - Crystal Ball alternate version, previously unreleased
2. Silver White Man - vocal version, previously unreleased
3. Proud Words - alternate version, previously unreleased
4. Echoes In The Dark - edit, previously unreleased
5. Rain - edit, previously unreleased
6. Happy Birthday - out-take, previously unreleased
7. Sunrise - single edit
9. Crystal Ball - out-take
8. Silver White Man - out-take, instrumental version
Line-up/Musicians

- Gary Thain / bass guitar
- Lee Kerslake / drums and percussion
- Mick Box / guitars
- Ken Hensley / keyboards, guitars, Moog synthesizer
- David Byron / vocals

Uriah Heep - (1972) Demons and Wizards

Uriah Heep - (1972) DEMONS AND WIZARDS

Studio Album, released in 1972

Quite a landmark album, and very important for prog music (radical progheads will cringe at this). The fantasy themes are here for the first time and UH was the first major band to use this kind of subject that I can remember. It´d influence many other artists in the future, both in prog and heavy metal. And, as a band, they reached their peak here and on The Magician´s Birthday.

With the addition of Gary Thain on bass and Lee Kerslake on drums, the group finally found the right line up and the perfect overall sound. What was promising in the past was now fully delivered. The chemistry was perfect and I must say that Thain is one of the most underrated bassist is rock history. The guy was simply amazing, with a style that reminds of Paul McCartney (fluid, melodic, filling all the gaps, amazing!). Ken Hensley has always pointed how important he was to form the classic UH sound and often cited him as the best musician the band ever had. Too bad th guy wa also very shy and addicted to heroin. But that´s another story.

Teh music is also amazing and influential over the years. There are no weak tunes and the sound is quite unique. Personally I found Circle Of hands, Easy Livin´and the Wizard the most remarkable songs, but everything fits very well, with the fantastic Roger Dean cover to wrap up the perfect album.

Like Bob wrote, it´s not easy to write about this album without passion. It was one of the most important rock albums in history and if the band never really got the recognition they deserve it was not their fault. This is a truly prog album, in the deep (and subtle) meaning of the concept. And although I still think The magician´s Birthday is better, this is a classic, a masterpiece. And a must have in any prog music collection. Five stars.

Track Listings

Side A
1. The Wizard (2:59)
2. Traveller In Time (3:26)
3. Easy Livin' (2:36)
4. Poet's Justice (4:14)
5. Circle Of Hands (6:34)

Side B
1. Rainbow demon (4:30)
2. All My Life (2:46)
3. Paradise (5:15)
4. The Spell (7:26)

Total Time: 39:46
BONUS TRACKS ON 1996 REMASTERED CD:
1. Why (4:53) edited version released as single b-side
2. Why (7:39) original unedited version, previously unreleased
3. Home Again To You (5:20) out-take, previously unreleased

BONUS TRACKS ON 2003 EXPANDED DE-LUXE CD:
1. Why - extended mix, previously unreleased version
2. Rainbow Demon - edit, previously unreleased version
3. Proud Words - out-take
4. Home Again To You - out-take, previously unreleased version
5. Green Eye - out-take, previously unreleased song


Line-up/Musicians

- Gary Thain / bass guitar (except Mark Clarke on 'The Wizard' and remastered version bonus track 'Why')
- Lee Kerslake / drums and percussion
- Mick Box / guitars
- Ken Hensley / keyboards, guitars, percussion
- David Byron / vocals