- Germany Bronze Records
Uriah Heep's "Look at Yourself," released on Germany's Bronze Records as a 12" Vinyl LP in 1971, is a progressive rock masterpiece. The iconic album cover features a real mirror, inviting listeners to introspection. With powerful guitar riffs, Hammond organ solos, and David Byron's soaring vocals, the album explores themes of self-reflection and societal critique. Its enduring impact has solidified it as a classic in the realm of rock music.
In the realm of classic rock, Uriah Heep stands as a formidable force, and their 1971 album "Look at Yourself" is a testament to their musical prowess. Released under Bronze Records, the 12" Vinyl LP has become a cherished gem for fans of the band and enthusiasts of the progressive rock era. Let's delve into the history of the creation of this iconic album and explore the background that shaped its making.
The Band's Genesis:
Uriah Heep, formed in 1969, emerged from the ashes of Spice, a short-lived band featuring guitarist Mick Box and drummer Alex Napier. The lineup solidified with the addition of vocalist David Byron, keyboardist Ken Hensley, and bassist Paul Newton. Lee Kerslake joined on drums, completing the quintet that would go on to define the Uriah Heep sound.
Bronze Records and the Progressive Rock Scene:
Bronze Records, a UK-based independent record label, played a pivotal role in nurturing progressive rock bands during the early 1970s. Uriah Heep, signing with Bronze, found themselves amidst a roster that included other notable acts like Manfred Mann's Earth Band and Osibisa. This period marked a flourishing of progressive rock, characterized by intricate compositions, conceptual themes, and experimental sounds.
The Making of "Look at Yourself":
"Look at Yourself" was Uriah Heep's third studio album, following "Very 'Eavy... Very 'Umble" (1970) and "Salisbury" (1971). Recorded at Lansdowne Studios in London, the album showcased the band's evolution in both musical depth and lyrical themes. The production was helmed by Gerry Bron, the founder of Bronze Records, ensuring a synergy between artist and label.
Mirror, Mirror on the Cover:
The most striking feature of the album cover is a real, mirror placed at the center. The mirror reflects the image of the person looking at the album cover, creating a literal interpretation of the album's title, "Look at Yourself." This interactive element was a bold and unconventional choice, allowing listeners to engage with the album in a unique way. The mirror concept aligns with the introspective themes found in the album's lyrics.
Musical Exploration and Themes:
The album's title track, "Look at Yourself," introduced a distinctive feature – a mirror attached to the front cover, allowing listeners to literally "look at themselves." The music within mirrored this introspection, with powerful guitar riffs, Hammond organ solos, and Byron's soaring vocals. The songwriting, often introspective and philosophical, touched on themes of self-reflection and societal critique.
Album Reception and Legacy:
Upon its release in October 1971, "Look at Yourself" received positive reviews for its bold musicality and innovative cover design. The album charted well in the UK, solidifying Uriah Heep's presence in the progressive rock scene. Over the years, it has attained cult status among fans and is frequently cited as one of the band's quintessential works.
Music Genre:Progressive Rock, Hard Rock, Early Metal |
Album Production Information: Produced by Gary Bron |
Label Information:Bronze 85 703 XOT (85703) |
Media Format:12" Full-Length 150 grams Vinyl LPAlbum weight: 240 gram |
Country of Production Made in Germany |
Band Members and Musicians on: Uriah Heep Look at Yourself |
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Complete Track Listing of: Uriah Heep Look at Yourself |
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Album cover photos of : Uriah Heep Look at Yourself |
Photo of Album's Back Cover |
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Close-up Photo of Record Label
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Note: the above pictures are actual photos of the album and allow you to judge the quality of cover. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. |
Bronze S 204 532 , 1982 , Germany
Abominog is the 14th album for British rock group URIAH HEEP. It was the first album without keyboardist Ken Hensley. The album was critically acclaimed and fairly commercially successful album due, in part, to the band retooling and updating their sound to a contemporary heavy metal style.
Abominog 12" Vinyl LPBronze 28 784 XOT / LC 2313 , 1979 , Germany
The 1979 release "Best of Uriah Heep" on Bronze Records, catalog number 28 784 XOT, is a compilation spanning 1970-1976. Produced by Gerry Bron, it features the band's pinnacle tracks, showcasing their evolution. Sound engineer Peter Gallen ensures sonic fidelity. Distributed in Germany, the LP captures Uriah Heep's global appeal. LC 2313 highlights Bronze Records' role.
Best of URIAH HEEP 12" Vinyl LPBronze 201 655 , 1980 , Germany
"Conquest" is an album by the English rock band Uriah Heep, released in 1980. It and marked a departure from their earlier, heavier sound towards a more polished and commercial style. The album features a mix of hard rock, progressive rock, and arena rock elements and includes songs such as "Heartless Land," "Imagination," and "Feelings."
Conquest 12" Vinyl LP
Uriah Heep's 1974 album "Demons and Wizards," released on a 12" LP in Austria with a Roger Dean-designed gatefold cover (Island 86 185 IT), holds significance within the evolving rock music landscape. The collaboration between the iconic band and Dean resulted in a visually striking cover that complemented the album's fantasy themes. This Austrian release contributed to the global accessibility of Uriah Heep's music, marking a notable chapter in 1970s rock history.
EPIC / Portrait PRT 26414 , 1985 , EEC
"Equator" is the 1985 album by the English rock band Uriah Heep. . It was recorded during a time of change and transition for the band, as they were exploring new sounds and directions. The album features a mix of hard rock, progressive rock, and arena rock elements, and includes songs such as "Rockarama," "Lonely Nights," and "The Other Side of Midnight."
Equator incl Rockarama 12" Vinyl LPBronze 26 449 XOT , 1978 , Germany
"Fallen Angel" is the 12th album released by British rock band URIAH HEEP in 1978. The album cover for Uriah Heep's 1978 album "Fallen Angel" was indeed designed by artist Chris Achilleos. Chris Achilleos is a Cypriot-British painter and illustrator who has created cover art for many books, albums, and magazines. He is well known for his fantasy and science fiction artwork and his attention to detail, and has created many memorable and iconic images throughout his career.
Fallen Angel 12" Vinyl LP
Firefly is the tenth album released by British rock band URIAH HEEP. It was first album without David Byron, lead vocalist and a founder-member of the band, and the first of three albums with John Lawton.
- Firefly (Germany, Bronze 28 791) - Firefly (Germany) - Firefly (Gt Britain) 12" Vinyl LPBronze 205 474 , 1983 , EEC
Uriah Heep's 1983 release, "Head First," marked their 15th studio album under Bronze Records. Produced by Ashley Howe, the album showcased the band's adaptability in the evolving music scene. Recorded at Manor Studios, it blended hard and progressive rock elements. In the context of 1983 Europe, the album reflected the era's musical trends and served as a sonic backdrop to the cultural shifts of the time.
Head First 12" Vinyl LPBronze 28 715 XOT , 1976 , Germany
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High and Mighty 12" Vinyl LP
The 1979 release of Uriah Heep's "Innocent Victim" on Amiga Records, featuring a distinctive band portrait on the cover, adds a captivating layer to the album's narrative. With liner notes by Ulrich Gnoth and the DDR catalog number AWA 8 55 671, it stands as a unique collector's item, providing a glimpse into the cultural and musical dynamics within the German Democratic Republic during that period.
- Innocent Victim (East-Germany, Amiga Records) - Innocent Victim (Germany) - Innocent Victim (Switzerland)INT 148.811 DMM , 1987 , Germany
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Live in Moscow / Cam B Mockbe 12" Vinyl LP
"Uriah Heep's 'Live 1973' 2LP Album, subtitled 'Bronze Records and Peter Bowyer Present,' captures the essence of the band's musical prowess during its release period. Released on vinyl, the record reflects a moment in music history, showcasing Uriah Heep's live performances. Bronze Records and Peter Bowyer's collaboration contributes to preserving and presenting this iconic era of rock music for enthusiasts and collectors alike."
- Live 1973 (Germany) - Live 1973 (USA)
Uriah Heep's "Look At Yourself," released on Bronze Records in Germany, adds a distinctive chapter to the band's musical narrative. Produced by Gerry Bron and recorded at Lansdown Studios in 1971, this release encapsulates the essence of British hard rock. With a unique imprint on the German music scene, it stands as a testament to Uriah Heep's international resonance and diverse influence.
- Look at Yourself (Germany) - Look at Yourself incl Large Poster (Germany) - Look at Yourself (Gt Britain) - Look at Yourself (Netherlands)
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- Magician's Birthday (Gt Britain) - Magician's Birthday (Italy) - Magician's Birthday (Netherlands & Germany)
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- Return to Fantasy (Germany, Bronze 28 783) Return to Fantasy (Germany, Bronze 89 065 XOT)
Released in 1970, URIAH HEEP's "Salisbury" 12" LP Vinyl Album, stands as a musical gem. With its distinctive gatefold album cover, this French edition adds a touch of elegance to the band's iconic sound. A testament to the era, the release encapsulates the spirit of the '70s music scene, making it a prized collector's item for enthusiasts of the period.
- Salisbury (France) - Salisbury (Germany)
Released in 1973 by Bronze Records, Uriah Heep's "Sweet Freedom" marked the band's sixth studio album. The 12" LP, cataloged as Bronze 28 777 XOT, showcased the British rock band's musical prowess during a dynamic period in the music industry. With its blend of rock and progressive elements, the album contributed significantly to the band's artistic evolution, leaving an indelible mark on the music scene of 1970s Germany.
- Sweet Freedom (Bronze Records) - Sweet Freedom (Island Records)
The Austrian release of Uriah Heep's debut album, "Very 'eavy... Very 'umble," on Island C 85 690/Bronze/Austro Mechana, offers a regional perspective on the band's impact. With a distinct catalog number, this version maintains the album's original charm, featuring a gatefold-sleeve and insert with band photos. The Austrian release contributes to the broader European dissemination of Uriah Heep's influential hard rock sound during the early 1970s.
- Very 'Eavy Very 'Umble (Austria) - Very 'Eavy Very 'Umble (Germany, Bronze Records) - Very 'Eavy Very 'Umble (Germany, Vertigo Records)Bronze 87 931 IT , 1974 , Germany
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