Urban Hymns is the third studio album by English rock band The Verve, released in September, 1997. It earnedunanimous critical praise upon its release, selling more than 10 million copies worldwide, and featuring the singles "Bitter Sweet Symphony," "Lucky Man" and "The Drugs Don't Work." The album has been remastered for its 20th anniversary.The 180-gram vinyl 6LP Super Deluxe Edition features the remastered album, B-sides, and the previously unreleased Live at Haigh Hall May 24, 1998 concert. Also included is a 20-page photo book."The Case: The Verve had a major smash with their dreamy 'Bittersweet Symphony.' Vocalist Richard Ashcroft penned the song's lyrics, but the instrumental backing was partially sampled from a symphonic version of the Rolling Stones' song 'The Last Time,' recorded in 1965 by the Andrew Oldham Orchestra. The band had originally agreed to license a five-note segment of the recording in exchange for 50 percent of the royalties, but former Rolling Stones' manager Allen Klein claimed the Verve voided the agreement by using a larger section than they agreed to use. ABKCO Records, Klein's holding company, filed a plagiarism suit on behalf of himself and 'The Last Time' songwriters Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
