Uriah Heep's first two albums, underrated?

Recently I was listening to Uriah Heep's first couple albums (Very 'Eavy... and Salisbury) and I was surprised how well they've aged.
When most people discuss Uriah Heep it's usually the big names like Demons & Wizards, Magician's Birthday, etc. but I get the impression their earlier stuff is overlooked. Any thoughts?

 

Absolutely. Salisbury is my favorite by them. Sweet Freedom is also underrated in my opinion.

 

First two are good, yes. Look At Yourself is my favorite.

 

The first album has always been my favorite, without a doubt!!

 

I think they have both held up quite well. It seems that oftentimes the theme is "best" or "favorite", so perhaps that is why they get overlooked. But as all is subjective, so it wouldn't surprise me if some folks put one or both of these at the top.

Gypsy, Dreammare, Come Away, Melinda, The Park, High Priestess, Salisbury...what's not to like!

 

The first is my favorite by the band. Every song is great.

 

Love the debut.

 

Two best albums of theirs in my humble opinion. Look up the Lansdowne Tapes collection of their early recordings too.

 

"Salisbury" has always been my favourite Uriah Heep album but I don't think it's underrated. It's generally regarded as one of their best albums, maybe slightly beneath "Demons & Wizards" and "Look At Yourself". I can live with that assesment.

 

I have no interest in Salisbury, but I like the first one a lot. Gypsy is a great heavy rocker, and Wake Up Set Your Sights gets into a cool jazzy groove in the middle. David Byron's voice was really pretty amazing, and on the first album he was a young man with all his talents undimmed by the road and drinking.

 

I love the first three more than anything else I've heard by them to be honest.

 

I like the first live album a lot too!

 

I think the song Salibury is a masterpiece.
Don't like the rest of the album.

 

I had no idea that existed, thanks. How's the sound quality?

 

Recording-wise it is good, mastering-wise it resembles the latest batch of CD remasters.

 

The debut is killer one of my favorites. Gypsy has one of the finest organ solos ever. Both albums are top tier.

 

I listened to the album today and thought the same thing about the organ solo. I like Mick Box's little solo right after the organ solo before the final verse comes in. That little Page like solo knocks me out every time.
Anyone who says this band was for s**t has the same in their ears.

 

I'm not too crazy about Salisbury but I do love the first one. Dig Hensley's slide work as well as his keys. I never understood why the critics lambasted them so much at the time.

 

I'm spinning Salisbury right now.... I haven't heard it in years.
It's great. Anyone who thinks this band is a "poor man's Deep Purple" is nuts.
They sound nothing alike to me.

 

Great band, right from the start.
Especially the first album seems to be a scapegoat from time to time and I just can't understand why.

 

The first four are the best, but it's an interesting catalog to go all the way through. They're still releasing albums to this day.

 

Paul Newton is especially underrated. Gary Thain gets all the kudos (and rightly so) but Paul Newton is their secret weapon on the first three albums.

 

Is this the Dkmonroe from years past? If so, I just saw Love and Glory. You turned me on to SMiLE many years ago.

 

I fell in love with Uriah Heep the first time I heard their debut and followed them up to Sweet Freedom. That's where they lost me. Their debut Very 'Eavy Very 'Umble is still one of my favorites. I think Gypsy hooked me immediately, then Dreammare grabbed me next. As I immersed myself in this album I came to love Walking in Your Shadow, Real Turned On, and Bird of Prey as well. It wasn't until I got the CD with the bonus tracks that I discovered a real gem. The instrumental of Born in a Trunk is killer! And the bluesy Lucy Blues is a great ballad. I still listen to them today.

 

Dolphy from Scullyspost? Yeah, it's me! Very cool to see you - It's been a long time!