Uriah Heep - Wonderworld (2004 Deluxe) (1974 [FLAC]

Hash: 1231E4A4FDBA663601BDE0C9067C37B3645B1931

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Uriah Heep - Wonderworld (2004 Deluxe) (1974 [FLAC]
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Technical Information
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Artist...............: Uriah Heep
Album................: Wonderworld
Year.................: 1974 (2004)
Genre................: Hard Rock
Type.................: Studio Remaster
Duration.............: 1:07:31
Number of Songs......: 15
Artwork..............: Included (300dpi)
Scanner..............: HP ScanJet 4670

Audio Format.........: Lossless
Ripper...............: dBpowerAMP 15.1
Encoder..............: FLAC 1.3.0 (Level 5)
Hz...................: 44,100
Channels.............: Stereo
Reader...............: LiteOn iHAS524
Source...............: Retail CD (own rip)


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General Information (courtesy of AllMusic)
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Wonderworld continues in the vein of Sweet Freedom, trying to bring Uriah Heep's appeal to a wider
level while still retaining the grandiose trademark elements (the organ-guitar attack, David
Byron's operatic shriek) that got them noticed. The result is an album that is solid but not
as inspired as Look at Yourself or Demons and Wizards.

The hard rock quotient is a little stronger on this album than it was on Sweet Freedom: "Something
or Nothing" is a galloping stomp-rocker in the vein of past classics like "Love Machine" and
"Suicidal Man" is an organ-fortified speed-rocker that is one of the band's finest hard rock
tunes.

On other tracks, the group continues in the experimental vein of Sweet Freedom: "The Shadows
and the Wind" tacks a Queen-style round of a cappella harmonies onto its tag and "We Got We"
marries one of the band's gothic melodies to a funky rhythm track that features some tasty
clavinet jamming from Ken Hensley.

However, the most successful experiment is "The Easy Road," an orchestrated romantic ballad
that features a lovely, understated vocal performance from David Byron. Despite these highlights,
the remainder of Wonderworld has trouble sustaining a similar level of inspiration: The title
track is powerfully performed but feels like the band is going through the motions and "Dreams"
lacks the strong melody necessary to prop up the song's interesting riffs.

Ultimately, Wonderworld lacks the consistency and the high number of standout tunes that would
help it win over new listeners but contains enough highlights to please the Uriah Heep fan base.

*NOTES*

The album was the last to feature bass player Gary Thain, who got fired from the band in 1975
for having become too unreliable thanks to his drug abuse.

Thain died from a heroin overdose on 8 December 1975 in his home at Norwood Green in London. He
was 27, born in Christchurch, New Zealand on 15 May 1948.

Enjoy, regardless!

JJ

Band:
Ken Hensley – Organ, Guitars, Vocals
David Byron – Vocals
Mick Box – Lead Guitars
Gary Thain – Bass
Lee Kerslake – Drums

Tracklist:

01) "Wonderworld" – 4:29
02) "Suicidal Man" – 3:38
03) "The Shadows and the Wind" – 4:27
04) "So Tired" – 3:39
05) "The Easy Road" – 2:43
06) "Something or Nothing" – 2:56
07) "I Won't Mind" – 5:59
08) "We Got We" – 3:39
09) "Dreams" – 6:15

2004 Bonus Tracks
10) "What Can I Do" (Single B-side) - 3:10
11) "Love, Hate and Fear" (Out-take) - 4:30
12) "Stone's Throw" (Out-take) - 5:37
13) "Dreams" (Extended Version) - 7:16
14) "I Won't Mind" (Live) - 5:36
15) "So Tired" (Live) - 3:29

Time: 1:07:31