Uriah Heep-Very ‘Eavy Very ‘Umble

Uriah Heep was another band from London formed in the late 60’s. Originally called Spice it was composed of singer David Byron and guitarist Mick Box with a drummer and a bassist Paul Newton who had been in the band The Gods with Ken Hensley. Hensley joined in 1970 and the changed their name to Uriah Heep. Their first record , the U.S. version had a different cover than the European version and was simply called Uriah Heep. I had a copy of this in the 70’s while I still lived at home. Probably borrowed it from a friend and recorded it on a cassette tape, I don’t really remember but I knew all the songs from this used copy I bought about 30 years ago. A really good album of Hard Rock, Heavy Metal and Progressive featuring Byron’s operatic voice Box’s guitar and some good harmonies with Hensley. “Gypsy” and “Wake Up(Set Your Sights)” are very Progressive sounding. “Come Away Melinda” is a cover also recorded by U.F.O. on their first record. Uriah Heep’s version is more mellow and features some flute. “Bird Of Prey” features Byron’s high pitched voice and was put on the U.S. version in place of “Lucy Blues”. A re-recorded version of “Bird Of Prey” was put on their next record Salisbury but left off the U.S, version.

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