TRAVELLERS IN TIME ANTHOLOGY VOLUME 1

This Uriah Heep compilation is one that I return to often when i just want to indulge in the best moments of their rather extensive back catalogue. It has all the legendary songs that have made them firm favourites in my collection. Admittedly there are a few albums unrepresented but sincerely i do not miss them, especially some of their more recent non progressive material.

This 2 CD collection is an ideal starting point with those uninitiated and features just about every decent track from their early classics. Gypsy gets the ball rolling in style, with the hammering staccato Hammond and guitar that are trademarks of the band. This is followed by more early material such as the wonderful Bird Of Prey, The Park and Lady In Black. Quintessential treasures such as Look At Yourself, July Morning and The Wizard had to be here and it is a pleasure to hear the melodic heavy style that is generated by the band. Traveller In Time is another gem and of course the massive fast tempo single Easy Livin' that completes every compilation of the band.

Disc 2 begins with the manically impressive Rainbow Demon, followed by more from "Demons and Wizards", their greatest album. Paradise / The Spell continue fro this album and then we are treated to some blockbusters from "The Magician's Birthday", Sunrise, Blind Eye and the complete 10 minute epic The Magician's Birthday. Also Sweet Lorraine and Rain come from this awesome album. As the compilation continues chronologically it moves to the less impressive "Sweet Freedom" featuring the two best songs here Stealin' and Sweet Freedom, both of which have become live staples over the years. Then the more recent material completes the compilation, Wonderworld, The Easy Road and Return To Fantasy among the best.

Overall this package is a well produced delight for the newcomer to the group or just for those who want to listen to the best of this era without having to trawl through several albums. There's no harm in a compilation if it is compiled thoughtfully and with the best of the band, and this one, with endorsement from the band, and a nice poster with some footnotes from Dave Byron, is a terrific listening experience capturing all that is great about the mighty Uriah Heep.