Uriah Heep Album: “Classic Heep: An Anthology”

The title of this cd could be the David Byron Years Anthology 1969-76. The late David Byron was the lead singer of Uriah Heep until 1977 when he was replaced by John Lawton of Lucifer's Friend. This band has been knocked by critics throughout their career but the music on this anthology is good. It is progressive rock somewhat similar to Deep Purple. The lynch pins of the band during this period aside from Byron were keyboardist/guitarist Kenny Hensley who later joined Blackfoot and guitarist Mick Box. This 2 cd anthology contains all the tracks which were on the old lp "The Best of Uriah Heep" However this remastered 2 cd anthology contains many other album favorites from this period such as "Traveller In Time", "Circle Of Hands", "Rainbow Demon", "Blind Eye" and "The Magicians Birthday". Among the interesting cuts included is the non-lp single b-side "Why". This anthology contains their two biggest hits to this point "Easy Livin'" and "Stealin'". Concentrating on their "classic" period when the band also contained the late Gary Thain on bass and Lee Kerslake later of the Ozzy Osbourne Band on drums is a plus. This line-up produced their best albums. Fans of great organ and keyboard playing will especially enjoy this set. Kenny Hensley is an underrated keyboardist and songwriter. Just listen to "July Morning" or "Sunrise" among others to hear him at his peak. The last part of the second disc features the band after John Wetton was added on bass. The sound is excellent and the song selection is lot better than the skimpy "Best Of" album. However I might have chosen a few tracks such as "Seven Stars", "Something Or Nothing" , "So Tired" or "I Won't Mind" which were featured in their live sets instead of some of cuts from their earliest period or the later albums with John Wetton. All in all though this is a great introduction for the budget minded to a classic progressive hard rock band.

They are the greatest under rated band around. They had so many great songs, yet two only made it to the radio in the 70's which were Easy Livin and Sunrise. Ken Hensly is an awesome keyboard player and great vocals. My favorite songs in order are: 1)Easy Livin 2)Lady in Black 3)The Park 4)all the rest! A must buy album for rock n roll!

Make no mistake...this was a rock-solid rock quintet, with heart, soul and talent. Thier music touched many facets of human emotion...love, hope, mysticysm, power, humor, and togetherness. All supported by mind blowing musical talent. If you haven't heard Mick Box on Guitar, Ken Hensley on the Moog, David Byron on vocals, Gary Thain on base, and Lee Kerslake on drums, then you have missed some of hard rock's true pioneers. Their incredible run included albums in which EVERY SONG is great, no one or two hit wonder albums. If you can't afford to purchase their classic albums separately ('Demons and Wizards', 'Wonderworld', 'Sweet Freedom', 'Look at Yourself', 'The Magician's Birthday'), then this box set is a great way to experience their majic for yourself. I have been listening to these guys since my first concert over 20 years ago, and enjoy listening to them as much as ever.They will always hold a place in my collection where very few bands reach. Chris Clements - Fan

Uriah Heep was one of my absolute favorite bands when I was growing up (the 70's). I first heard them in my next door neighbors 'cool' car stereo (8 track, of course!), and was totally blown away (It was their 'Look at Yourself' album). They had a whole sound of their own - not a derivative sound so many bands in this genre have. The unique, at-times-choral voice of David Byron, the 'eavy keyboard of Hensley, and the wild sounds that Mick Box contributed - way beyond the average rock guitarist...

UH had a neat 'mystery' to their music - and all their songs told a unique little story. Upon re-energizing my interest in UH with this CD, I found a whole new respect for these guys. The music aged very well! I have nearly all the albums this Anthology is made up of, and whoever put it together did a bangup job. As always, there is the odd song I wish were on it - and they could have easily done a 3 or 4 disc box set with all that material - however they chose all the 'prime cuts', and carefully selected the rest without digressing into 'rare tracks' or 'demos'. This is just the perfect amount of UH, and I know I will be listening to it a LOT over the years (unlike some of my box sets that are collecting dust...) This set goes that perfect step further than the 'Best of UH' that came out some years ago to appeal to the more-than-casual fan, however this is the perfect intro for someone who has never heard this great band.

The music? Well, it has a heavy, driving sound (similar to early Deep Purple), while at other times the ballads reflect the 'next generation' of British folk-rock (e.g. Strawbs). And then again, some of it is just traditional, classic hard rock - but NOT metal. Think of a sprinkle of early genesis, a dose of 70's Deep Purple, a touch of Wishbone Ash and an occaisional Sabbath-ish riff here and there - and top it off with a vocalist that breathes life into every song he does...

A great, often overlooked band that deserves a place in the rock hall of fame!

If you read some of my reviews, you will know where I came from. An asian kid influenced by USAF Radio Station DJs and Local Rock Club catering to US soilders during the Vietnam war in Okinawa, "Japan". During my high school in that island we had a band and Traveler on Time, Easy livin medley and Circle of Hands were alomg the covers we did. This CD was a god send to me where I was able to return to my teen years and how I adored these songs. I had the fortune of seeing Uriah Heep in concert as a opening act for Jetro Tull - with out David Byron. But I still remember how great Ken Hensley was. Master of the Hammond organ. one of my favorite ballad Rain is here too. It's raining outside but it's not unusual but the way that I am feeling comming usual.

Get this CD as full reference of one of British Rocks great Uriah Heep