The heavier roots of Uriah Heep
Fredrik Bendz | Lund Sweden | 02/14/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Cliff Bennet (Rebel Rouser) joined a band called "The Gods", which had featured e.g. Greg Lake, but whose member now were Ken Hensley and Lee Kerslake who would both find success with Uriah Heep, as well as John Glasscock who would join Jethro Tull.About half of the songs were covers and half written by Ken Hensley, though Bennett would get the credit for contractual reasons. It is a pretty good record. Hensley had matured as a songwriter and musician, and the covers were good songs. My favorites are the cover of an early Elton John song, Bad Side of the Moon, The Wherefors And The Whys (sic) with Hensley on vocals and But I'm wrong, also penned by Hensley.You Tried To Take It All would appear in a much better version only a year later on Hensley's (unofficial) solo album, "Orgasm" with Head Machine (featuring Glasscock, Kerslake and others). Head Machine was soon disbanded as Hensley joined Uriah Heep while Kerslake had a short session with The National Head Band before too joining Heep.This is a must for Uriah Heep collectors, and will (hopefully) be pleasant for others. If you're looking for another Heep album, this is not for you, but if you enjoy heavy bluesy rock from the gengre which would later be referred to as "Heavy Metal" it is a good choice."
Toe Fat Is The Best
Harry J. Harris | Lynchburg, VA | 02/04/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought the first Toe Fat album because of the cover. Was I ever glad I did. I feel in love with it. There isn't a bad song on it. I didn't like the cover of the second album as much but I still loved the record. It took me a long time to find the CD. I had to get it from a web site in England. It was worth it to hear it again. I could have gotten it cheaper here, but it wasn't available at the time. Imagine my surprise when I bought my first Uriah Heep album and recognized the names Ken Hensley and Lee Kerslake. Toe Fat's two albums have to be among the best albums ever made. You won't believe it until you listen to them for yourself."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1