The Verve - Urban Hymns (1997)

SOLD! $28.00

Auction Link (ended November 23rd)
VG+ Original UK 1st Pressing

Hut Records: HUTLP 45
"A-1-1-1", "B-1-1-1", "C-1-1-1", and D-1-1-1" stampers on each respective side
Format: 2X12" Double LP, Black Vinyl
Includes: NM Custom Photo/Liner Notes Inner Sleeves
Cover Condition: NM, No ring wear, splits, creases, holes, or saw-cuts. Near perfect collectible condition. Always stored vertically in a protective poly sleeve.
Vinyl Condition: VG+ Nice copy with a few very minor, superficial hairline scratches, plays with minimal noise - Lables are NM!

Release Info:  Urban Hymns is the third album by English rock band The Verve, released on 29 September, 1997. It earned nearly unanimous critical praise upon its release, and went on to become the band's best-selling release and one of the biggest selling albums of the year.

The Verve had previously released two albums, A Storm in Heaven in 1993 and A Northern Soul in 1995. Neither album had achieved mainstream success, and the band split shortly after their second album due to internal conflicts. Vocalist Richard Ashcroft quickly reformed the group, with Simon Tong, an old friend of the band on guitar, however Ashcroft realised Nick McCabe's unique guitar style was required to complete the true Verve unit and later asked him to return. Tong also remained adding more guitar and keyboard/organ textures, making them a 5 piece band and expanding their sound.

In the years following its release, Urban Hymns received much acclaim. In 1998, it won Best British Album at the Brit Awards, it was also shortlisted for the Mercury Prize, and Q magazine readers voted it the 18th greatest album of all time. The magazine placed it at the same position in 2001.

In 2006, its editors voted it the 16th greatest album of all time. The Verve were awarded with the first ever "Q Classic Album" award for this album at the 2007 Q Awards. In a 2008 poll, Urban Hymns was ranked as the 10th best British album of all time.

It was also nominated for "Best British Album of the Last 30 Years" at the Brits 2010 but lost to Oasis's (What's The Story) Morning Glory?

The cover photo was taken in Richmond Park, London.

Track listing

All songs written by Richard Ashcroft, except where noted.

1."Bitter Sweet Symphony" (Jagger/Richards, Ashcroft) – 5:58
2."Sonnet" – 4:21
3."The Rolling People" (The Verve) – 7:01
4."The Drugs Don't Work" – 5:05
5."Catching the Butterfly" (The Verve) – 6:26
6."Neon Wilderness" (Nick McCabe, The Verve) – 2:37
7."Space and Time" – 5:36
8."Weeping Willow" – 4:49
9."Lucky Man" – 4:53
10."One Day" – 5:03
11."This Time" – 3:50
12."Velvet Morning" – 4:57
13."Come On" (The Verve) – 15:15
       1."Come On" - (00:00–6:38)
       2.[silence] - (06:38–13:01)
       3."Deep Freeze" - (13:01–15:15)