This double-disc collection covers the glory years of
Uriah Heep extensively, with all the main cuts by the
David Byron/
Mick Box/
Ken Hensley/
Gary Thain/
Lee Kerslake version of the group as well as earlier and later material. Chances are that serious
Heep fans will have everything here, so this serves as more of an introduction for the new convert. There's plenty here that's aged well from the
Bronze label years, such as
"July Morning," "Easy Livin'," "The Magician's Birthday," "Look at Yourself," "Stealin'," etc. In fact, about the only thing that's not here, inexplicably, from the early years is the
Box slide workout on the classic
"Tears in My Eyes." There is also plenty from the later decades of the '80s, '90s, and beyond, when
Box took the group to a new and heavier place -- somewhat recalling the
UH of the
Salisbury and
Very 'Eavy...Very 'Umble eras. There are 34 tracks in all, with good sound and workmanlike liner notes. For the money, this is a good bang for the buck. ~ Thom Jurek
