THE MAGICIAN'S BIRTHDAY

When I was younger, I was a bit dismissive of Uriah Heep, but now I own a few of their albums (Look at Yourself, Demons and Wizards, and this one) I come to the conclusion that they can do some absolutely brilliant material, and material I can do without. I know I'll still be looking for more Uriah Heep albums as they come my way. The Magician's Birthday seems to be my very favorite Uriah Heep albums, of the ones I heard. Since the band was riding high with Demons & Wizards (an album I personally find a tad overrated), with "Easy Living" receiving tons of FM radio airplay, they quickly followed it with The Magician's Birthday. "Sunrise", "Spider Woman", and "Tales" are some great songs found here. "Rain" is the one song I can do with out, a rather generic, piano-dominated ballad that I know Ken Hensley can do much better, such as "What Should Be Done" (off Look At Yourself"). That song has that charming quality that "Rain" lacks. "Sweet Lorraine" is a rocking piece but I really dig that synth. The title track is the epic track, one of Uriah Heep's best. It seemed they cut back a bit on the swords and sorcery of Demons & Wizards. I realize after their next album, Sweet Freedom, their input had became more erratic, but The Magician's Birthday really exceeded my expectations. Despite "Rain", it's simply Uriah Heep at their best.