Uriah Heep

Every Day Rocks

(BMG)

9/10

By Decibel Report

As the clock mechanism eye on the cover of this inviting box set perfectly illustrates, seminal albums - such as the first seven studio albums by legendary British rock entity Uriah Heep - are timeless. And they continue to be especially when properly presented with this substantial level of dutiful care and respect. In essence, this alluring product and merchandise combo rounds-up the band’s first seven albums from their stellar heyday. With each album stunningly presented for the first time as a picture disc, some with the original and reimagined artwork by Roger Dean, the vinyl looks very impressive and there’s a T-Shirt to match each release. Not forgetting the lyric quote art-cards and a wall planner, presumably for those who have vacant wall space in their man cave to plan their weekly Heep fix, there’s also a Mick Box signed certificate of authenticity to validate their loyalty to boot!

To review each of these seminal albums, for the very ‘Umbly umpteenth time, would be a futile exercise given that this tremendous box set is clearly aimed at this heavy group’s most dedicated fan; who also possesses reasonably deep pockets! For the newer and occasional fan, there is the less wallet challenging concurrent Choices CD box release with each CD compiled by Mick Box, Ken Hensley (RIP), Lee Kerslake (RIP), and Paul Newton plus current band members Bernie Shaw and Phil Lanzon who have chosen their favourite Heep tracks.

The intrinsic value in Every Day Rocks, seven LPs for each day of the week, is in the original recorded music now alloyed by stunning picture disc artwork and the further accoutrements contained within. However, this is most certainly a collector’s item and, as such, will accrue in monetary value given its limited pressing and construction. It’s a whole lot of Heep for those who can afford to take stock and invest in this objet d’music!

The final word rightly goes to Mick Box:

“Along with BMG, we wanted to do something extra special for our fans which will give them a piece of Heep love every single day of the week. Our first 7 albums will be put on to picture disc, and there will be a t-shirt for each album to wear for each day of the week. We have also included a yearly wall planner so that you can plan your listening or just make some notes on how the albums make you feel. This way you can keep on Heepin’ on! ‘Appy days!” Mick Box.