Clash of the album covers

Some weird flying thingies on covers this time. It is...


Budgie-Squawk

vs.


Uriah Heep-High and mighty

***Which cover do you prefer?

Uriah Heep-Live in America

Frontiers
2011

Despite a number of line-up changes over the years Uriah Heep are still going at it. They have done a few live albums over the years and perhaps I was slightly skeptical of there being a real need to release another one at this point. Those doubts were quickly put to rest as I listened to this album. Many veteran bands pop out live albums that only feature their hits. Uriah Heep don't totally go down that road as their first three songs here are "Wake the Sleeper","Overload" and "Tears of the World" which are all off of 2008's Wake the sleeper. The newer tracks are quite inspired have that Heep sound. Don't worry the band's classics are well represented too with "Gypsy","Easy livin'", "Lady in black" and more. Many bands who have been around this long some times just go through the motions on live albums. However, Uriah Heep still go it like they really enjoy playing songs and I believe them. The crowd seems to be enjoying so does the band as they seem to feed off of the positive energy and pay the fans back with an inspired performance. Live albums can frequently be rather bland, but Liv in America will surely please Uriah Heep fans.

Uriah Heep-Celebration

edel/earmusic
2010


Uriah Heep decided to honor their 40th anniversary with an album consisting of twelve re-recorded classics and two brand new tracks. This was released on the other side of the Atlantic in 2009, but it is just seeing it's North American release here in early 2010. This is a band that was very much one of the founders early heavy metal, but they have never got quite the notice and maybe even respect that they deserve on this continent. Back in 2008 they released "Wake the sleeper" which was their first studio outing in ten years and they generally outstanding reviews. So I guess they decided to follow it up fairly fast with another album. I would have preferred all new material, but the two new tracks "Only human" and "Corridors of madness" are both quite good. Both have the trademark sound of this band, but manage to be fresh enough to stand out.

I am not sure why the band decided to do an album of re-recordings as I could think of better ways to celebrate their anniversary. Vocalist Bernie Shaw has been with this band since 1986 and he has done these classics in concert many time and on several live albums this is the first time we get to hear him doing studio versions of these songs. He sounds superb as does the rest of the band as they go through some of their most memorable songs. Now I am sure if anyone besides steadfast fans are going to feel like this is must have. Still it's quite good for this kind of album as it makes me want to pull out their other albums hear the original versions too. If it does that the album is indeed helping fans to enjoy and celebrate Uriah Heep's music and contributions.