Five Miles Bootleg

Overview: Five Miles is the name of the recording sessions with producer Jimmy Miller that were nearly completed when John walked, followed shortly by Lee (or was it the other way around?). Four of the songs have been mixed and officially released; one appears on the Fallen Angel remaster, the other three on the A Time of Revelation box set. Three were re-recorded with John Sloman during the Conquest sessions.

The first time I heard the tape (c. 1995 before the remasters), I thought the album was too lightweight, but as I’ve listened to it, it has really grown on me and I like it better than Innocent Victim and Fallen Angel, even with most of the tracks unmixed. It’s actually quite a good balance between light and heavy, and not quite as poppy as the previous two albums. Grade: B

To get this album (as well as other Heep-related rarities), visit the Travellers in Time website and select the Heepster Mailing List Rarities. Also available is the Uriah Heep Live Archives, with downloadable album artwork by yours truly.

1. Let It Ride*. A brilliant heavy rocker ala the best of Ted Nugent or BTO with a great crunchy riff atop a galloping beat. Wonderful sing-a-long chorus with a great bluesy bridge. Mick and Ken add in a wicked dual-guitar solo. Definitely one to crank up in the car!! Grade: A+

2. Life is a Dream. Incredibly catchy pop song that starts right in with the chorus for a nice twist. John’s blues growl keeps the song from becoming the annoying ditty it would’ve been with a lesser singer. Lovely, melodic solo that’s either double-tracked or another dual guitar duet from Mick & Ken. The a cappella break and multiple key changes on the outro is marvelous. Grade: A-

3. Feelings*. Same chorus, different verses from the Conquest version. This version is considerably heavier as well, not just from Lawton’s voice, but also a crunchier guitar, stronger Hammond, and the verse structure. I’ll take this version any day. Grade: A+

4. That’s How I Am. Starting off as a bloody great hard blues rocker with a monster riff, it suddenly transforms into a marvelous slab of heavy prog rock with a flamenco acoustic guitar solo over some great synths, which mutates into a blistering solo from Mick before returning to the chorus. Structurally like Love in Silence, and sounds like it would’ve fit great on Look at Yourself. Grade: A+

5. You And I. Heep really hasn’t done anything like this gentle art rock number. It actually sounds more like a track off of the Justin Hayward & John Lodge (Moody Blues) Blue Jays album with its lovely intro and verses, and the heavy string orchestration. The chorus rocks a bit and Trevor plays some great bass. If Ken had sung this, it would’ve also fit perfectly on his Eager to Please album. Many Heepsters will find this lightweight, but I like seeing them try something new. Grade: B+

6. Your Love*. Another heavy, kick ass, riffarama workout that actually reminds of the Ridge Farm session material more than anything else. An unrelenting beat that sounds not quite finished, but John’s vocal jamming at the end is great. Grade: A

7. Never Forget. A gentle country-rock number that reminds me of Eagles more than anything else. Nothing special, just a pleasant attempt at a follow-up to Free Me. I’m sure it would’ve been Gerry Bron’s first choice for a single. Grade: C

8. Fools. Much bluesier than the Conquest version, not just John’s vocals, but also Mick’s rhythm and Ken’s Hammond. Trevor’s basslines are different but just as powerful. Which version you prefer will probably depend on your tastes, both are such great songs. For those Sloman haters, you will love this song after hearing John sing it. Grade: A+

9. Tonight. A George Harrison-ish pop treasure with a slight Caribbean flavor. One of those songs that will have hardline Heepsters cringing, except for Mick’s guitar solo, but it’s got such a great melody and hummable chorus that if you’re willing to listen to the song, you’ll find yourself singing along before you know it. John re-recorded this for his Still Payin' My Dues to the Blues album released in 2000. Grade: B+

10. I Won’t Change. A lovely acoustic ballad sung by Ken, almost a country song. Another one that would’ve fit great on Eager to Please. If you love Ken’s ballads, I guarantee you’ll like this one, it is prime Hensley. Grade: A-

11. Been Hurt**. Again, far bluesier than the single version with Sloman, although Trevor’s bass is just as funky. Another piece where it’ll come down to your personal preference, as both versions are quite good, although I like the blues grind on this. Grade: A