Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Jun 11, 2016 13:47:08 GMT
Uriah Heep are currently out in Norway and I've just had a listen to 'Totally Driven'. I don't know if anyone remembers Heep from the 70's - Very 'eavy Very ,Umble. I enjoyed them in those days and listening to this is like a trip down memory lane.
The old slow vibrato from the wailing vocalist, big riffs and some nicely put together material. Old school rock music and they're still going strong.
What makes me laugh is how one of the guys posts his dog walks on Facebook and the others put out unofficial pics of themselves. Scary on stage, but very friendly guys.
This is a splendid album, in all its big rock glory with some terrific harmonies, typical of Heep ever since the 70's. They sing so well in tune together as well.
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Post by hifidez on Jun 11, 2016 19:31:49 GMT
The 'Heep'? My radar never picked them up. Know the name, obviously, but not one of 'my' bands. Playing this Y'tube now and I see that if I'd been to a gig of theirs in the 70s it would have been right up my alley and I'd have been a loyal fan. Love the vocalist too and what I always aspired to being.. but fell short, obviously. What a waste me not knowing anout this band (or 'group' as we used to say). Listening on my OPPO pm-3s; giving the 'lux's a rest.
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Jun 11, 2016 21:49:52 GMT
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Post by dmcrimson on Jun 18, 2016 19:03:40 GMT
It was once said that Heep never really got the appreciation they deserved but here in Finland... I recall that as a kid I did watch Gypsy Live (Camden Palace) from VHS over and over... Still love it.
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Post by dmcrimson on Jun 18, 2016 19:17:41 GMT
London 1985 yield the show in parts. Damn it's good! (And I've cold beer in my hand)
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Jun 18, 2016 20:20:09 GMT
They started in the shadow of Black Sabbath and Led Zepellin so kind of went under the radar. I loved their first album which I bought on vinyl. Believe it or not, the wailing vocals and harmony really got my attention. The sometimes sing a chord together and all wobble their voices at the speed of the music!!
I also think that they have a really good attitude towards their fans. They don't play the 'high and mighty' game and are much more genuine blokes really and happily chat with people rather than hide away. Not all of their output is great, but I do like them a lot.
They've recently been performing in Norway where they are actually quite popular, I think.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2016 21:57:02 GMT
It's kinda ironic that the worst anyone can say about this is that they're damn tight. Heep never got better than this imo..
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Aug 23, 2016 22:42:20 GMT
They're a great band and Mick Box is a very down to earth guy with his dog, Iggy. He loves going for walkies with his dog. He's currently up where I normally stay in Suffolk having a break. They've been doing an awful lot of European shows recently and Mick, like me, is too fond of his home to enjoy going away for too long. Welcome to DIYAH.
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jello
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Post by jello on Aug 23, 2016 23:09:51 GMT
Welcome to DIYAH. +1 ----- Uriah Heep (at their peak) are a bit before my time. I'm familiar with the name but looking at their discography I think the only track I've actually heard is Easy Livin' (from a cover). Zep and Sabbath on the other hand I do like a lot and a lot of the music I grew up with is influenced by bands of that era. Very 'eavy, very 'umble is a great album title! Sounds like it might describe the band quite well. If I want to check out some more Heep is that as good a one to start with as any?
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Aug 24, 2016 8:25:50 GMT
That's a good one Mark. It's their first and I still remember the first time I heard it with Gypsy on it. A one chord song almost, that sounds like a medieval hurdy gurdy and their wailing chord singing. The riff is really simple, but very powerful. Just five notes .... D D D DF. I was away fascinated how they sing chords in harmony so perfectly in tune. In those days, no tuning correction and blow me, seeing them live showed just how spot on their vocals actually are. Spine tingling live. Greatly underrated Also the Magicians Birthday and Look at yourself are good. I like Totally Driven as well because they replay numbers like Gypsy with modern instruments and it is damned powerful stuff. If you look them up on YouTube, they are great to watch live. They play well at live venues. Mick is a hoot. He doesn't take himself at all seriously and points at his fingers while he plays very often!!! Dave's is their 'newer' member and he's a great bass player. Brings a lot to the sound of the band and the vocalist, from Canada is amazing. Bernie Shaw - IMO one of their best.
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jello
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Post by jello on Aug 25, 2016 20:28:43 GMT
Thanks for the recommendations Ian. Just had a listen to Very 'eavy and Gypsy is very powerful as you say. What a killer of an opening track. Some of the others I can take or leave but they are nothing if not diverse. Looking forward to working my way through some of the other albums now. Their dress sense is a bit iffy though. That Egyptian t-shirt is a real shocker Edit: there's a very limited selection of their material on Qobuz so moved onto a live album 'Live in Armenia' dating back to 2008. Very tight band, great vocals (Bernie Shaw I think - to my ears he sounds a bit like Bruce Dickinson from Iron Maiden at times), good harmonies and I'm really digging the organ sound.
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Aug 25, 2016 21:09:41 GMT
The key lard player is a guy called Phil Lanzon. I like his playing as well. I was also very keen on Jon Lord and learned quite a few of Jon's studies and keyboard pieces as a student.
They are a bit trampy in dress. Mick has no airs and graces. Loves his dog Iggy to bits and takes every opportunity to be at home in N London. Davey's a slightly better dresser I guess but he's only been with them for about three years, I think.
I like their sudden chords that are sung in harmony. That grabbed my attention when Very Eavy came out. They work as a band and not one individual takes over really. Mick certainly doesn't seem to take his guitar solos that seriously if you watch him play!!
Totally Driven is a great listen.
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