SALISBURY

"Salisbury" was URIAH HEEP's (Mk 1) second release and clearly redirected the band's style in a progressive rock direction. Without a question David Byron had one of the best rock voices and on this album sounds stunning. "Salisbury" covers a wide range of musical themes... from the quaint to the psychedelic... from the metal to the symphonic classic progressive rock 70's vibe. Although the whole album is a standout for me, I suppose the centrepiece is the 17 minute epic title track which utilized to its full richness with a 26-piece orchestra and intermixed with 'the Heep's' hard rock tendencies. I love Mick Box's guitar riffs and how they are juxtaposed over Hensley's grinding organ chunks creating a kind of dark and dirty 70's underground rock vibe while Bryon's voice hits heavenly heights. URIAH HEEP had some wonderful vinyl moments but none better than on "Salisbury" and is an essential 70's gem.