URIAH HEEP - RETURN TO FANTASY 12" Vinyl LP Album

Uriah Heep's 1975 release, "Return to Fantasy," showcased a harmonious blend of production mastery by Gerry Bron and recording finesse at London's Lansdowne and Morgan Studios. The visual allure, courtesy of Dave Field's design and Joe Gaffney's photography, complemented the musical journey. Released on Bronze Records as a 12" vinyl LP, the album's inner sleeve with complete lyrics added a personal touch, contributing to its significance in the diverse musical landscape of 1975.

 

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"Return to Fantasy" Album Description:

In the spring of 1975, the music scene was buzzing with creative fervor, and one album emerged as a significant contributor to the sonic tapestry of the time. Uriah Heep's "Return to Fantasy," released in Germany in 1975, stands as a testament to the band's prowess and the dynamic landscape of the era.

Production Mastery: Gerry Bron's Touch

At the helm of the album's production was Gerry Bron, a visionary figure in the music industry. Bron's touch added a layer of sophistication to the sound, elevating the listening experience. The collaboration with sound/recording engineers Peter Gallen, David Burns, and Dave Harris ensured a meticulous crafting of each track.

Recording Spaces: Lansdowne and Morgan Studios

The choice of recording locations, Lansdowne and Morgan Studios in London, played a crucial role in shaping the album's sonic character. These iconic studios were witness to the magic unfolding during the spring of 1975. The unique acoustics and atmosphere of these spaces became integral to the album's identity.

Visual Symphony: Dave Field's Design and Joe Gaffney's Lens

Beyond the auditory realm, the album's visual identity was meticulously crafted. Dave Field's album cover design and Joe Gaffney's photography intertwined to create a captivating visual symphony. The gatefold cover, adorned with images of Uriah Heep, provided a visual narrative that complemented the musical journey within.

Unveiling the Vinyl Gem: Bronze Records 89 065 XOT

Released under the Bronze Records label with the catalog number 89 065 XOT, the album found its home in the hearts of music enthusiasts. The 12" vinyl LP format added a tactile dimension to the listening experience, marking an era when physical albums were cherished artifacts.

Inner Sleeve Revelations: Lyrics and Album Details

The inclusion of the original custom inner sleeve with complete lyrics added a personal connection between the listener and the music. This attention to detail allowed fans to immerse themselves fully in Uriah Heep's lyrical and musical prowess.

Musical Odyssey: Contextual Significance

"Return to Fantasy" didn't merely exist in isolation; it was a part of the broader musical landscape of 1975. The album's release coincided with a period of musical exploration and experimentation, contributing to the eclectic soundscape of the time.

Album 
Production information:

The album: "Return to Fantasy" was produced by: Gerry Bron

Gerry Bron was a prominent British music producer and manager, best known for his contributions to the music industry during the 1970s and 1980s. Born on 1 September 1933, in Hendon, Middlesex, England, Bron played a significant role in shaping the careers of numerous successful artists and bands.

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Bron began his journey in the music industry in the early 1960s when he co-founded the music management and publishing company, RAK Music. The company represented several notable songwriters, including Jonathan King, who achieved success with hits like "Everyone's Gone to the Moon". RAK Music quickly gained a reputation for its ability to spot and nurture talent.

In the late 1960s, Bron expanded his endeavors into record production, establishing himself as a highly respected producer. He worked with a diverse range of artists across various genres, including progressive rock, folk, and hard rock. Some of his earliest notable production credits included albums by Manfred Mann, including their breakthrough hit, "Mighty Quinn", and The Move's album "Shazam".

One of Bron's most significant collaborations was with the influential progressive rock band, Uriah Heep . He signed them to his management company and produced many of their albums, including "Demons and Wizards", "The Magician's Birthday", and "Sweet Freedom". These albums helped solidify Uriah Heep's place in the progressive rock genre and contributed to their global success.

As a producer, Bron was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to bring out the best in artists. He had a knack for capturing the essence of a band's sound and translating it into successful records. His production style often emphasized strong melodies, powerful instrumentation, and lush vocal harmonies.

In addition to his work with Uriah Heep, Bron produced albums for other notable acts, such as Colosseum, Osibisa, and Hawkwind. He also played a pivotal role in the career of British folk-rock legend, Al Stewart, producing some of his most successful albums, including "Year of the Cat" and "Time Passages".

Throughout his career, Bron maintained a keen entrepreneurial spirit. In 1972, he founded his own record label, Bronze Records, which became renowned for its roster of talented artists. The label achieved significant success with bands like Motörhead, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, and The Damned.

Tragically, Gerry Bron passed away on June 19, 2012, at the age of 78. His contributions to the music industry left an indelible mark, and his work as a producer and manager continues to inspire aspiring musicians and industry professionals to this day. His dedication to nurturing talent and his ability to create timeless music remain a testament to his lasting influence on the music industry.

Gerry Bron did have his own record company. In 1972, he founded Bronze Records, which became an influential label in the music industry.

Bronze Records was known for its diverse roster of artists and its commitment to promoting unique and innovative music. The label signed a wide range of acts spanning various genres, including rock, folk, and punk. Some of the notable artists signed to Bronze Records included Uriah Heep, Motörhead, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, The Damned, Girlschool, and Juicy Lucy.

Under Bron's leadership, Bronze Records achieved significant commercial success. The label released a string of hit records and albums that resonated with audiences and garnered critical acclaim. Motörhead's albums, such as "Ace of Spades" and "Overkill," became iconic within the heavy metal genre, while Manfred Mann's Earth Band achieved chart success with their covers of songs like "Blinded by the Light" and "Davy's on the Road Again."

Bronze Records' commitment to fostering talent and embracing new sounds was instrumental in its success. The label's reputation for quality music and its ability to identify promising artists made it a sought-after destination for both established and emerging acts.

Gerry Bron's ownership of Bronze Records allowed him to exert greater creative control over the production and distribution of his artists' music. This autonomy enabled him to further shape and influence the careers of the musicians under his wing.

Although Gerry Bron passed away in 2012, Bronze Records' legacy endures as a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and his commitment to championing exceptional talent. The label played a pivotal role in shaping the music landscape of its time and continues to be remembered as an influential force in the industry.

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Peter Gallen, David Burns, Dave Harris

This album was recorded at: Lansdawne and Morgan Studios, London, Spring 1975

Album cover design: Dave Field

Album cover photography: Joe Gaffney

Label & Catalognr Information:
Bronze Records 89 065 XOT
Album Packaging:
 

Gatefold (FOC) cover design with photography of "Uriah Heep" on the inside cover pages. .

This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by Uriah Heep

Media Format:
  12 " Vinyl LP  Gramophone Record
Album weight: 290 gram  
Year & Country:
  1975 Made in Germany
Band Members and Musicians on: Uriah Heep Return To Fantasy
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • David Byron vocals
  • Ken Hensley keyboard, guitars, synthesizer, vocals
  • Mick Box guitars
  • Lee Kerslake drums, percussion, vocals
  • John Wetton bass guitar, mellotron, vocals
Track Listing of: "Return To Fantasy"

The Song/tracks on "Return To Fantasy" are

  • Return to Fantasy (Hensley, Byron) 4:29
  • Shady Lady (Hensley, Box, Byron, Kerslake) 3:38
  • Devil's Daughter (Byron, Box, Hensley, Kerslake) 4:27
  • Beautiful Dream (Hensley, Byron, Box, Kerslake) 3:39
  • Prima Donna (Byron, Box, Kerslake, Hensley) 2:43
  • Your Turn to Remember (Hensley) 2:56
  • Showdown (Hensley, Box, Byron, Kerslake) 5:59
  • Why Did You Go (Box, Byron, Hensley, Kerslake) 3:39
  • A Year or a Day (Hensley) 6:10
Album cover photos of : Uriah Heep Return To Fantasy
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Photo of "Return To Fantasy" Album's Back Cover  
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Photo of "Return To Fantasy" Album's Inner Cover  
High Resolution Photos of uriah heep return to fantasy  
Photo of "Return To Fantasy" Album's Inner Cover  
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Close-up Photo of "Return To Fantasy" Record Label 
High Resolution Photos of uriah heep return to fantasy  
Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash.

Index of URIAH HEEP - 1970-1980s Vinyl Record Discography and Album Covers