That's the interesting thing about these classic albums. Unlike more modern ones, they like (well, me, anyway) right away and do not take time to move in, because the music is so strong that it crushes you right away, crushes you and immediately revives. With the work of the "Byron" period of this magnificent group, I started with the 1972 album. This is, of course, something. Each song is unique (in the sense that it won't be created anymore, and not in the sense that it's difficult to play it). The playing of the instruments is impeccable (however, you can, of course, find fault if you want to, but why?). Byron's vocals with their variability were clearly noticed and subsequently surpassed by Farukh Bulsara (aka Freddie Mercury). The backing vocals of all the participants are also excellent. These are true masterpieces of progressive hard rock or hard n art, in which the music is both moderately complex and at the same time quite easy to perceive. (The trouble with many modern progressive people is excessive sophistication.) You can immediately see (or hear) that the line-up has stabilized: drummer Lee Kerslake has appeared (of all drummers, he has existed in the group the longest - until recently), as well as an excellent bassist Gary Thain. (By the way, Kerslake is a man of a pretty decent build, while Thane had the nickname Thin. Why am I? Yes, just because the opposites just converge.) There is less weight, but more truly magical melody, which can be described practically impossible - it is necessary to delve into it with heart and soul. The lyrics on a fabulous philosophical theme are also great and, which is very pleasing, there are few repetitions (in several songs there is no chorus as such). The pretty green and blue cover by Roger Dean (who has done artwork for many, including Yes) depicts a wizard walking in the night along a narrow rocky path somewhere among the rocks. So, "Demons and Wizards".
"The Wizard". An excellent start for this super album, it is a pity that it is short. The product of the creativity of Hensley and Mark Clark, bassist of the Colosseum, who took a vacant position for three months, but did not even “live up to” the recording of the album. Intro - excellent acoustic guitar, strong pleasant vocals, fantasy lyrics: "He was a wizard of a thousand kings, and I happened to meet him on my travels." Drums, Hammond organ and guitar with energetic chords enter. A beautiful choir sings along to Byron. The optimistic thing that people should be free, that they should know what love and peace are.
Traveler in Time. A sharp, even slightly aggressive introduction of all the instruments, then a sudden slowdown (the theme is played by keyboards and a guitar that makes "wa-va" sounds). It ends with an excellent percussion instrument with guitar and keyboard plays. Although the songwriting belongs to Byron, Box and Kerslake, it fits well with the overall fabulous concept of the album. The text is a monologue of a time traveler who cannot return home until he expiates his guilt (I wonder which one) and finds answers to his questions.
Easy Livin '. Pretty quick and short thing. The hit single of all time, later awarded several covers, including from DC Cooper (ex-Royal Hunt). Great combination of organ and guitar. The vocals are simply impressive (in the middle, to the sound of bells, Byron even switches to falsetto): "I am forgiven since you took your place in my heart." One drawback to this great song is that it is godlessly short. Stretch it for about 10 minutes! (Well, what can I do - I have a passion for long forms.)
Poet's Justice. Great drums intro to the chorus. Memorable riffing. In the middle there is a great solo, again an impressive chorus, slide guitar. Great vocal variability again. The text tells of a meeting with a girl who disappeared somewhere, and now the hero wants to find her. True, this is all described in a rather fantasy language.
Circle of Hands. A touching organ introduction, quiet, insinuating drums, which then powerfully enter along with the guitar, then the keyboards again become the leaders. Chorus. Again a great instrumental in the middle - two guitars, keyboards. Cool guitar playing at the end. Lyrics - you need to be together, you need to understand that good is stronger than evil and that all our actions affect the future ("Today is just tomorrow of yesterday").
"Rainbow Demon". Ominous theme (pre-doom practically) - guitar and keyboards, from which goosebumps run on the skin. Great solo. "Demon of the rainbow" is the combination. A strange creature with a sword and a pistol, racing somewhere on its fiery horse.
"All My Life". Probably the easiest theme on the album (by perception) and probably the worst, which does not mean bad. Such a perky hard-pop, very different from other tracks. And not surprising, because Hensley did not take part in writing it. Boxing, Byron and Kerslake tried again. And what Byron is doing with his voice in the chorus is actually something. The hero is sure that he will love his future wife all his life.
"Paradise". Measured sad thing. In the beginning - acoustic guitar and keyboards. Toward the end, a harder sound appears. Singing alternately Byron and Hensley. The vocals gradually disappear behind the beginning of the next theme. Love has disappeared, the sun has disappeared, I remember your lies, but you have to search again to find heaven.
"The Spell". Due to the smooth transition from the previous track to this one, they can be considered one epic. The track can be divided into 3 parts. The first part is pretty perky. 2nd - slowing down, the piano starts playing, to which the disturbing guitar and chorus are connected; a long instrumental, reminiscent of Pink Floyd in spirit, then vocals again come to play on the piano and disturbing keyboards; this is the saddest part not only of this song, but in general on the album, which always leaves me personally. The third part is playful again. A very interesting text - at first I thought it was about love, but it seems to be about a good and evil wizard.
British rock group "Uriah Heep", formed in 1969 in London, England, and borrowed the name from the character of the novel by Charles Dickens "David Copperfield". The band's first line-up was formed when producer Jerry Bron invited keyboardist Ken Hensley to join the Spice members; the worldwide fame of the group was brought in 1971-1973 by the albums Look at Yourself, Demons and Wizards and The Magician's Birthday, which are considered classics of hard rock. Genre: Art Rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal. Participants: Ken Hensley, David Byron, Chris Slade, John Wetton, John Lawton, Mick Box, Trevor Bolder, Lee Kerslake, Bernie Shaw, Nigel Olsson.
Translation of the song "The Wizard" by the "Uriah Heep" - Magician, magician.
He was a magician with many kings,
By chance we met on one of the lunar days.
His story is wonderful, like wine,
And the feeling of beautiful magic!
Cloak gold
And the look is burning.
Anyone could talk to him,
Detach the world from torment, from fear and shame.
Help all people of the world once and for all!
But why are hearts so deaf and callous?
They cannot love either weakness or the Creator!
Or maybe everyone would become happier -
The songs began to be sung.
Have learned the joy of life -
Be merciful!
So spoke the Wizard from his Peaks.
You will catch him and you will not be left alone!
Dream and believe in a miracle with the Wizard in the night,
With an endless host of stars pulling rays towards us!
Photos and videos are posted from open Internet sources.
© Copyright: Евгений, 2018
Свидетельство о публикации №118092101833
https://stihi.ru/2018/09/21/1833