Seething proto-metallics blended with organ-whipped psych and blues, Very 'Eavy Very 'Umble finds the infant Uriah Heep still attempting to escape from the all-pervading influence of Vanilla Fudge and early Deep Purple. But David Byron's vocals are already among the most distinctive around, and Mick Box's guitar is already shredding eardrums. In other words, it was certainly very `eavy, but `umble was never a term that one would associate with Uriah Heep, not even in early 1970, fresh out of the youth center where they used to rehearse alongside the young Purple. Three songs opening side one of the band's debut album tell you everything you need to know about Uriah Heep's ambition -- the still-staggering "Gypsy," the mighty "Walking in Your Shadow," and, changing the mood without altering the intensity, the balladic "Come Away Melinda" -- add in "Lucy Blues," included on U.K. pressings of the album (it was replaced by "Bird of Prey" in the U.S.), and Heep stepped fully formed into being with this disc, and needed only to refine their vision to emerge triumphant. Unless, of course, you believed what you read in Rolling Stone. "If this group makes it," wrote Melissa Mills, "I'll have to commit suicide. From the first note you know you don't want to hear any more." ~ Dave Thompson
2003 remastered reissue of 1970 album with deluxe packaging includes an expansive booklet with rare memorabilia & photo's, plus eight bonus tracks, 'Bird Of Prey' (US album version), 'Born In A Trunk' (previously unreleased vocal version), 'Come Away Melinda' (previously unreleased version), 'Gypsy' (previously unreleased extended version), 'Wake Up (Set Your Sights)' (previously unreleased version), 'Born In A Trunk' (previously unreleased instrumental version), 'Dreammare' (BBC session) & 'Gypsy' (BBC session). Slipcase. Castle.
CD contains 8 bonus tracks.
Recorded at Lansdowne Studios, London, England. Includes liner notes by Ken Hensley.
Uriah Heep: Ken Hensley (vocals, slide guitar, piano, organ, mellotron); Paul Newton (vocals, bass); David Byron (vocals); Mick Box (acoustic & electric guitars); Colin Wood (keyboards); Alex Napier (drums); Keith Baker, Ollie Olsson (drums, percussion).
Psychedelic All-Stars I had just returned from VietNam when I first heard this album at a party. I bought it first thing the next day. These guys defined "Acid-Rock." This album was my soundtrack for many "excursions." No one more original; no one tighter. Listen to this remaster and you'll be transported back to when you first heard it... Submitted by mnd4bsns (Dallas, TX) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
Still one of the great debut albums from England If you purchase only one Uriah Heep CD, this is a must. This expanded version of their 1970 debut has that eerie cover art from the English release, and includes the track "Lucy Blues" which was replaced by "Bird of Prey" for the American release. "Bird of Prey" is included among the bonus tracks, of which "Born In A Trunk" (with vocals) is also a standout. The sound quality is very clean, and the price is great. It's a pleasure doing business with CD Universe. Submitted by ourinbox (Montvale, NJ) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
GREAT CD! GREAT SERVICE! This was a great retrospective CD, an older title that has been remastered with many bonus tracks. These songs never sounded better, and the rare bonus material is great to have. Also, great service from CD Universe. I shall continue to come to you folks for all my music needs! Thanks! Submitted by csa924 (Lilburn, GA USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Old Classic Uriah Heep's first album "Very 'eavy, Very 'umble" has been re-released so many times since 1970 that I have lost the score. Many new aspects have been discovered along with some recordings of that period. While only die-hard fans may be drawn by the bonus tracks, the majority of other people may appreciate the main list of the songs. The liner notes explain a number of "dark spots" in the history of the band, provided by the members of Uriah Heep itself (the notes). Overall quality of the album's recording and artwork presentation has improved noticably over the years. Reasonably priced, the CD in question is a good buy for a person who likes Classic Rock.
Andre Sokolnikov Submitted by asokolni (South Bend, IN) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
i was there during very heavy,very umble this was u.h. 1st and best album. gerry bron, at lansdowne studios, r stewart turned up, loaned me his marquis sports car.alex napier,1st drummer,but sadl, then nigel olseney very bad timing,played on a few tracks, then nigel olsen joined just after ken hensley. Submitted by ahiggins1950 (s.w london england) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Psychedelic All-Stars
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