Uriah Heep Album: “Best of Uriah Heep [Mercury]”

I used to have this on an 8-track tape so it is the authentic, original greatest hits of the so-called "classic" lineup! This and early Queen were probably in my car 8-track more than anything else throughout my high school years. Talk about music to pump you up. For me it is a great blend of beauty and power--and that's what I love most in music. Of course, countless others have come along with a similar sound (but not the heart) so it doesn't sound as fresh as it once did, but it still provides a lift when you want some hard-driving music!

That's the story of this CD, and all I can say for a "review" is that there are no bad songs on this CD. Lady in Black goes on a little long for me, but... Overall, it's got great songs from beginning to end. No fill, as many very good songs on their albums did not make the final cut! You know, the Heep were a favorite target for many "critics"--probably because they existed in the shadows of Led Zepplin and Deep Purple, but they were a fun bunch of guys who made you feel good. Great heart. Great power. Four All-Star musicians in this lineup: David Byron's vocals, Mick Box's guitar, Ken Hensly's keyboards, and Gary Thain's bass (one of the most fantastic bass players I know of!) Not being a drummer, I'm not sure where Lee Kerslake's drums rank, but they do a good job of supporting the others! Of course, when the lineup changed, everything else did as well... They tried to keep the spirit alive, but... But this "Best of" comes from the best of times for this band.

And I could swear I remember "Stealin'" being on the 8-track version at least, and seeing a couple of reviewers here mentioned it being left off, I think there may be some stinky marketing afoot. The old greatest hits "leave one off for the next compilation" gimmick?

Two questions that have always, and will always, plague mankind: How can you release a best of Uriah Heep album that omits "Stealin'" and a best of Free that omits "Wishin Well"? This may be a worthy album for the casual Heep fan who's only going to buy one of their albums, but for the more serious listener, "Classic Heep: Anthology" is the one to get. Crucified by the critics but adored by hard rock connoisseurs, Uriah Heep is the Rodney Dangerfield of metal.

Now all the songs included are great. BUT-n the disc is shamelessly short- it doesn't even go further then to 1972, while

the band was in their prime (more or less) up to 1976's Firefly.

Not enough. Even some of the best songs by Heep from the era this album represents are missing. Look elsewhere.

I think Mark Coleman (a writer for "Rolling Stone") said it best when he said, "It seems relatively certain that Uriah Heep is the real-life Spinal Tap."