Favourite 1970s Uriah Heep Album!

I never likedededededed Pariah Sheeple

I loved this band from 1970 until around 1975.From Very 'Eavy to Sweet Freedom  they were at their peak and I agree it is very difficult choosing between them.Their music changed with each album and my own opinion is that Demons and Wizards just edges out Look at Yourself.In David Byron they had Rock's best vocalist/frontman.Certified says they weren't prog and I would have to agree in the strictly true sense of the word Prog,but,with some of the other names being put forward as prog here on this site  tracks like The Spell,The wizard,July Morning,Rainbow Demon and a few others could certainly be thought of as almost prog.I saw them with Byron at least 8 times and live they were just fantastic.This band brought me such joy for years and for that I will never forget them.For those who haven't heard them Look at Yourself and Demons are a very good place to start.

Well Uriah Heep are certainly not Prog in the same way Yes are, but I think they bear quite a good comparison with Dream Theater. Magician's Birthday is a concept album (apparently...to do with Magic and things), with a title track which is 10 mins long. The song starts off with a rock bit, followed by the Happy Birthday segment, followed by a continuation of the rock bit, followed by a bit of an ominous organ part, and then an amazing guitar/drums duel, and then the finale! (Sorry for the very basic way I put it, but I'm no music guru )

This I believe characterises them as Prog-metal. I think their BIO on the archives said that they always focused on melody and vocal harmonies (I think there's a bit of a Vanilla Fudge influence here). Certainly there are some albums of theirs which aren't really Prog at all, but Salisbury (with its title track), Look at Yourself (with July Morning & Shadow of Grief), Demons & Wizards (with the Paradise/The Spell medley) and Magician's Birthday all contain Prog-metal elements. Albums such as Return to Fantasy and High & Mighty have lost such elements, but still remain fantastic albums in their own right, as they concentrate on the vocal harmonies, melody and strong rock that were Heep's hallmarks!

And yes, David Byron was one of the world's greatest rock frontmen! There is actually a DVD of the Byron-era out, but I have yet to get it.

I can't understand why nobody mentions the best bass player in rock history Gary Thain, the guy was a wizard, not only limited to be part of the rhythm section (Which is enough for a bassist) but he also played an important role in the melodic section of the band, simply outstanding.

He did in 4 years what other bassists don't do in a whole life, sadly his addiction to heroin took him too early to the grave, what a waste of talent!!!!!

Uriah Heep not Prog???

If you listen Look at Yourself you'll find why I believe they were a progressive band, July Morning is an epic that goes in crescendo in intensity to the end, with incredible changes and massive keyboard, the structure of the track is totally symphonic.

The title track is a masterpiece of abrupt changes in tempo, also with a massive dose of mellotron and Hammond (I believe so) but Tears in my Eyes is a totally progressive song, the changes in the track happen 5 or 6 times, plus a killer keyboard and an ultra complex vocal and choirs work.

If all this is not progressive, I don't know what you may consider progressive, because it has all the characteristics of good prog'.

Iván

Edited by ivan_2068

As their first being the only one I have it gets my vote.  I think that album blows bands like Led Zepplin and Deep Purple away!

I personally agree that Uriah Heep's debut is much better than a lot of their hard rock contemporaries. But it's just personal taste you know? What some people consider musical ambrosia I may think is utter rubbish, and vice versa of course.

Look At Yourself being one of my favorite albums, full stop, how could I possibly vote for another (but why couldn't I vote for 'Return To Fantasy' or 'Sweet Freedom' as well.... ?)

I once took Look At Yourself to a party & played 'Shadows Of Grief' to some friends whom I thought would appreciate it, which they did, in a way; it had them all rolling around laughing, thanking me for playing them the best comedy track they'd ever heard... (there are those who will never understand.....) - you know, you never have an Uzi when you need one!

Edited by Jim Garten

Purple I loved, but I could take or leave Zeppelin, Uriah really were an awesome band, but I was never a huge Plant fan; for me Byron and Gillan were far superior singers.

 

 

I saw this band live in the 70's with Hensley, Box and Byron.  Maybe they were having a bad night but I thought them boring and as several of my friends said after the show a poor man's (watch out now) Deep Purple.  I liked Hensely and I liked Byrons studio voice on things like The Wizzard and such but over all, nope, just didn't do it for me.  But if Uriah Heep is Prog then Deep Purple has more of a claim.  I thought Ken Hensley's solo album (name escapes me) had some decent moments on it.

Prog Bassist I see you point and he an average player, but with Uriah Heep he is awesome.

Garion81, Hensley had a few solo albums, but i think you are thinking of the album : Proud Words on An Empty Shelf.

Oh and i have byron era stuff on dvd

Edited by ShrinkingViolet