VERY 'EAVY...VERY 'UMBLE

This looks like the beginning of a new series of Uriah Heep reissues which this time sees them with extra tracks and in a slip sleeve. I think that this is the third time that I have reviewed these albums, firstly for the 1995 reissues and then for the boxed set of seven of their albums which was released as 'You Can't Keep A Good Band Down'. So what is it on here that would make the average punter go out and buy them (again)? Well, Rob Corich has been let loose on all of the material again and he has a real love for the band as well as skill in the studio so they are now sounding better than ever. The booklets are packed with information and photos as well as details about each number and there are copious extra songs. The original debut only had eight songs, and the American version dropped "Lucy Blues" and replaced it with "Bird Of Prey" (which is a different version to that on 'Salisbury') as well as changing the name of the album to plain 'Uriah Heep'. That version is included here as well as another seven bonus cuts taking album to 16, although "Gypsy" is now available three times. Also included is the most famous review in history, the one that starts with "If this group makes it I'll have to commit suicide". All of the lyrics are included and there are comments from Mick Box, Ken Hensley and Paul Newton about the album. Surely this must now be as complete a release of the album as can be imagined with the slip even showing both of the UK and US album covers. But if Rob finds more tracks then maybe this isn't the end?

Originally appeared in Feedback #72, Feb 03