URIAH HEEP Easy Livin' - The Singles A's & B's
Sanctuary SMDD351 (79:04) (79:46) (2006)
Yet another in the myriad of Uriah Heep compilations, but this one has a purpose that will act as a decent introduction too.
From the outset the legendary prog rockers issued singles with no success, only Easy Livin' providing any real acclaim.
Gypsy kicks things off, with the heavy organ and David Byron's operatic vocals.
Of the early tracks, many of the b-sides can be overlooked but Bird Of Prey and Look At Yourself are heavy high tempo classic rock and essential in anyone's book. And if you don't know the title track, your collection is incomplete!
Some tracks issued in Europe are included at the expense of some UK singles which makes the history a bit of a mess (as if it's not already convoluted enough), especially as there's no singles discography included which, amongst the unnecessary edit notes, would really be helpful. Otherwise well annotated and illustrated.
That said, the music is good as driving organ led hard prog gets, even into the 80s; where we get an excellent cover of Argent's Hold Your Head Up.
Great music, but next time a better and more complete job could maybe done with just the A-sides.
****
Review by Joe Geesin
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