URIAH HEEP - LIVE

Talking about this album, I would definitely remember my childhood. Yes, this album was released when I was a child and "Gypsy" really blew my mind! Why not? This track deserves to be loved as teenagers usually like something energetic and rocking (of course). And "Gypsy" in this live version is the best that the band has ever performed as it has a drum solo and keyboard solo that I kept repeating with my cassette at that time. When this track reached the solo drum, I have a habit turn up my amplifier volumes to get a full sense of pedal drum as well as the snare drumming. The other interesting part of this live album is in introduction when Byron shout "URIAH HEEP .." followed by Hensley's punch on his keyboard to start "Sunrise". Wow! Such a wonderful opening, mate! "Jreng! Jreng! Sunrise ..." Ghuszzzzz .. great sound!

My first version of this album was a cassette personally recorded by my big brother, Henky, who was one of rock station broadcasters in Yogya. (Intermezzo - Have u ever been in Yogya? It's another tourist destination beside BALI island).The cassette handed to me was unlabelled with no track list. But it created curiosity to me as I wonder who the band was. Fortunately, before I got this cassette, I had listened to "Demons and Wizards" so that when it reached "Traveler in Time" I knew exactly the band! But now I got the CD version, of course, after I could afford it.

Through this live album I realized how brilliant GARY THAIN was with his bass guitar. He played dynamically. Even after having enjoyed this album I tried to trace down who he was and found out KEEF HARTLEY's "Half Breed" album where he played his bass guitar. Mick Box guitar playing is unique and I have not heard any musician plays the guitar like the way he does. Byron has an excellent vocal and unique. Ken Hensley? No question at all - he is a great musician. I even love his solo work. Lee Kerslake is also, a terrific drummer.

Well, it's enough now to justify this brilliant album with a five star. Even though, I never thought that this sort of music could be classified as progressive. Never mind. This is a great album that you MUST have in your collection regardless you love prog or not. Especially, if you enjoy LIVE album, this one is definitely the best choice as is the case with SAGA "In Transit" live album. Gatot Widayanto - Indonesia.