Record Reviews
33 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | ARTHUR BROWN ~ MONSTER`S BALL
CLEOPATRA 2214 (Barcode: 889466221422) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022
At the remarkable age of eighty (he was born in 1942), British vocalist / songwriter / bandleader Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist still makes music more exciting than all the musicians, half or quarter his age, seem to be able to come up with these days. Amazingly, this is his second release in 2022 and the unstoppable energy and creativity knows no borders.
This time Brown abandons his usual formula of recording his own songs, and ventures into an insane world of covers of some Rock classics, all related to Halloween-like show about hell, fire, mayhem, monsters, zombies, etc., with a wink of course. The album presents thirteen (what else) songs, only three of which were penned by Brown, including a new version of his mega-hit “Fire” from 1968, but include also songs by CreamFind albums by this artist, Pink FloydFind albums by this artist and many other iconic Rock groups.
Brown is accompanied by an incredible gathering of Rock superstars: Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist, Steve HillageFind albums by this artist, Carmine AppiceFind albums by this artist, Brian AugerFind albums by this artist, to mention but a few, all veterans of the scene who still prove they can kick a butt or two. The music rocks and is a great fun to listen to from start to finish, despite the potentially disastrous “various artists” gathering, which often fails miserably. Obviously Brown’s personality and incredible vocal power and producer Alan DaveyFind albums by this artist’s skills simply worked out.
Overall, this is an incredibly entertaining Classic Rock production, which works like magic and is able to offer quality music in the good old Rock idiom, which is almost completely absent from the scene these days. I really hope to be in Brown’s form when I get to be his age and in the meantime I can only recommend this great album to all of us geriatric people, who are the last survivors able to tell good music from trash.
| | Updated: 09/01/2023Posted: 09/01/2023 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ =1 (LIMITED EDITION)
EAR MUSIC 4029759191346 (Barcode: 4029759191346) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2024 Released: 2024
This is the 23rd studio album by the iconic British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist and the first album recorded by the Mk IX lineup, which includes vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist, new guitarist Simon McBrideFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Don AireyFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist. The album presents thirteen tracks, all co-composed by all members of the group and their regular producer Bob EzrinFind albums by this artist, for whom this is the 5th DP album he produced. The bonus CD presents a video offers a new “behind the scenes” documentary.
Deep Purple seem to be completely and utterly time resistant, and sound every bit as vital and creative as ever. The new guitar player fits the bill perfectly and his riffs are as recognizable as those of his predecessors. The songwriting is also completely consistent with their past ways, and the album might have been recorded fifty years ago and nobody would be able to tell the difference.
Of course some listeners might say that this album completely lacks innovation and is nothing more than a repetition, more or less, of music the group has been making for the last almost sixty years. Well, this is very true, but what of it? They do what they do perfectly and the music still kicks ass and puts any contemporary Rock group (if there are any) to shame. For people who grew up in the 1960s and followed Deep Purple faithfully for all these years, there is absolutely nothing wrong with hearing a bit more of the same, as long as it is as good as the music herein.
The instrumental abilities that come together on this album are absolutely convincing, which of course is no surprise to any music lover familiar with Deep Purple’s legacy, Gillan is still a mighty vocalist, losing just a bit of his upper range, which is all for the better. Sparkled with some British sense of humor and obvious love of the subject matter, they are simply unbeatable. Veterans, grandpas, dinosaurs and whatever they are called, they still easily kick the ass of any band half (or one third) their age.
Overall, this is a superb Rock album, which combines tradition, great selection of material and sublime musicianship, which is way more than one dares to expect from any contemporary Rock music. The fans of the group need no convincing and the youngsters might just learn something from what it has to offer. Hats off are in order and hopefully see you all on stage one day soon, lads.
| | Updated: 05/08/2024Posted: 05/08/2024 | CD+DVD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ …TO THE RISING SUN (IN TOKYO)
EAR MUSIC 4029759095477 (Barcode: 4029759095477) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015
This is the second of the two live double albums by the iconic British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, recorded during the world tour following the release of the “Now What?!Find albums with this title” album. It features the Mk VIII lineup of the group: vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Don AireyFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded at the legendary Budokan hall in Tokyo, which saw the group recording their epic “Made In JapanFind albums with this title” album in 1972, i.e. forty-two years earlier. The 2CD album presents eighteen tracks, spanning the entire repertoire of the group and several tracks from the last album. The DVD presents the full footage of the concert.
The music is of course familiar to all the fans of the group, but the amazing performances included herein are simply beyond expectation, proving that Deep Purple are still the best live Rock group out there, which has its roots decades ago and an uninterrupted span of making excellent music without compromise, ignoring the world changing around and the true values of music in general and Rock in particular disintegrating.
Depp Purple impersonate the Classic Rock definition better that any other existing Rock act today, not only due to their persistence and stamina, but for their ability to keep the music timeless and able to preserve the aesthetic values of creativity, ignoring fads and fashions. Despite the fact that their lineup changed over time and they lost the spiritual leadership of Jon LordFind albums by this artist, the managed to overcome the hardships and kept their faith in what they do.
Overall, this album is an amazing display of Classic Rock at its best, superbly recorded and performed by incredibly talented musicians, who know exactly what they are doing. There is no one false note, one disturbance in the continuity and flow of the music, simply perfection itself. Regardless of what some people may think, these dinosaurs still rule the earth!
| | Updated: 01/04/2022Posted: 10/03/2022 | 2CD+DVD 3 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ BOMBAY CALLING
EAR MUSIC 4029759139959 (Barcode: 4029759139959) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1995 Released: 2022
This is a live album by the legendary British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, recorded on April 18, 1995 in Mumbai, India during the first tour by the Mk VII lineup, captured before the first studio album by that lineup, “PurpendicularFind albums with this title” from 1996, was released. It is considered to this very day as the greatest Rock concert ever played in India. The Mk VII lineup of the group included vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jon LordFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist, and this is the earliest recording of them playing live. The 2 CDs present sixteen tracks and the DVD adds one more track not included on the CDs.
The group is in top form on these recordings, as expected, with the new energies brought by Morse, who astonishingly was able to take the role of the veteran leading guitarist Ritchie BlackmoreFind albums by this artist without creating a major crisis within the band. The material includes some new songs, which will appear on the a.m. studio album and, as usual, a selection of their crowd pleasing favorites, which are completely timeless Classic Rock pieces.
Overall, this is a brilliant document of the last reunion of the MK lineup and the history of one of the greatest Classic Rock groups of all time and British Rock unparalleled Masters. Although Deep Purple released a plethora of live albums, they are one of the very few acts, which produced such variety and diversity in their performances, that each and every one of their live albums is completely unique and worth listening to. As such this is another classic!
The album is a numbered limited edition and my copy is 2,687/10,000 ;)
| | Updated: 06/10/2022Posted: 06/10/2022 | 2CD+DVD 3 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ BURN (30TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION)
RHINO 081227464127 (Barcode: 081227464127) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2005
This is a reissue / remaster of the eighth studio album by the legendary British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist. It was the first album by the Mk III lineup of the group that included vocalist David CoverdaleFind albums by this artist, guitarist Ritchie BlackmoreFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jon LordFind albums by this artist, bassist Glenn HughesFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist. The album presented eight original songs co-written by the group members. This remastered edition was expanded with five bonus tracks, which are remixes of four album tracks and a B-side of a single.
The lineup change had some minor influence on the musical direction, with included elements of soul and funk, but the prevailing riff dominated and Blues influenced style remained mostly intact. Coverdale turned out to be a fierce lead vocalist, to some degree more rounded and stable that his predecessor. Sadly, this lineup would exist for just over a couple of years, producing just one more studio album, called “StormbringerFind albums with this title”.
Overall, this is an everlasting Classic Rock gem, which lost nothing of its glory over time and stands as an icon of what Rock music is all about, making contemporary “Rock” look utterly ridiculous. An absolute must in any decent record collection.
| | Updated: 22/07/2022Posted: 22/07/2022 | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ COME TASTE THE BAND (35TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION)
EMI 5099964786629 (Barcode: 5099964786629) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2010
This is a reissue / remaster of the tenth studio album by the legendary British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist. It was the only album by the Mk IV lineup of the group that included vocalist David CoverdaleFind albums by this artist, American guitarist Tommy BolinFind albums by this artist, who replaced the “irreplaceable” Ritchie BlackmoreFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jon LordFind albums by this artist, bassist Glenn HughesFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist. The album presented nine original songs, mostly co-written by Bolin and Coverdale with some contributions by Hughes. This remastered edition was expanded with one bonus track, which is a single version, and also adds a whole second CD with new remixes of the original album and two additional bonus tracks, which are outtakes from the original recording sessions.
The lineup change had significant influence on the musical direction, which took the band closer to American Rock and featured heavy Funk influences, mainly due to Bolin’s guitar style and songwriting, but the prevailing riff dominated and Blues influenced style remained mostly intact. Coverdale turned out to be a fierce lead vocalist, to some degree more rounded and stable that his predecessor. Sadly, this lineup would exist for just a few months, and Deep Purple disbanded by mid-1976 and it will be only eight years later, when they would reform again. Bolin died of drug overdose just a few months after the band split.
Overall, this is an everlasting Classic Rock gem, which lost nothing of its glory over time and stands as an icon of what Rock music is all about, making contemporary “Rock” look utterly ridiculous. It is an absolute must to all Deep Purple fans and in deserves an honorable place in every decent record collection.
| | Updated: 13/05/2023Posted: 13/05/2023 | CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ FROM THE SETTING SUN (IN WACKEN)...
EAR MUSIC 4029759105367 (Barcode: 4029759105367) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2013 Released: 2015
This is the first of the two live double albums by the iconic British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, recorded during the world tour following the release of the “Now What?!Find albums with this title” album. It features the Mk VIII lineup of the group: vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Don AireyFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded at the legendary Wacken Open Air Festival in Germany. The 2CD album presents seventeen tracks, spanning the entire repertoire of the group and several tracks from the last album. The DVD presents the full footage of the concert.
The music is of course familiar to all the fans of the group, but the amazing performances included herein are simply beyond expectation, proving that Deep Purple are still the best live Rock group out there, which has its roots decades ago and an uninterrupted span of making excellent music without compromise, ignoring the world changing around and the true values of music in general and Rock in particular disintegrating.
Depp Purple impersonate the Classic Rock definition better that any other existing Rock act today, not only due to their persistence and stamina, but for their ability to keep the music timeless and able to preserve the aesthetic values of creativity, ignoring fads and fashions. Despite the fact that their lineup changed over time and they lost the spiritual leadership of Jon LordFind albums by this artist, the managed to overcome the hardships and kept their faith in what they do.
Overall, this album is an amazing display of Classic Rock at its best, superbly recorded and performed by incredibly talented musicians, who know exactly what they are doing. There is no one false note, one disturbance in the continuity and flow of the music, simply perfection itself. Regardless of what some people may think, these dinosaurs still rule the earth!
| | Updated: 01/04/2022Posted: 01/04/2022 | 2CD+DVD 3 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ HARD ROAD: THE MARK 1 STUDIO RECORDINGS 1968-69
PARLOPHONE 825646337415 (Barcode: 825646337415) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1968 - 1969 Released: 2014
This wonderful Box Set includes the expanded and remastered versions of the first three albums by the seminal British band Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist: "Shades Of Deep PurpleFind albums with this title", "The Book Of TaliesynFind albums with this title" and the eponymous "Deep PurpleFind albums with this title". Recorded between May 1968 and March 1969, i.e. in just ten months (!), these are some of Rock and Prog cornerstones of epic proportions, seldom given their due as far as influencing future generations of Rock and especially Prog musicians in the decades to come. The Mark 1 lineup consisted of vocalist Rod EvansFind albums by this artist, guitarist Ritchie BlackmoreFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jon LordFind albums by this artist, bassist Nick SimperFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist, who all contributed as songwriters, although obviously most of the group´s material was created by Lord and Blackmore. On those three albums the band played mostly their own music, but also arranged, quite dramatically one must admit, songs by other songwriters, like John LennonFind albums by this artist / Paul McCartneyFind albums by this artist (twice), DonovanFind albums by this artist, Joe SouthFind albums by this artist, Billy RobertsFind albums by this artist, Neil DiamondFind albums by this artist and others. All three albums were produced by the legendary British produced Derek LawrenceFind albums by this artist.
This Box Set includes both the original mono and stereo mixes (on separate CDs) of the first two albums and the stereo version of the third album. All five CDs are expanded by a plethora of bonus tracks, which include album outtakes, alternate takes, single edits, etc. all of which are studio recordings. For radio (i.e. live in the studio) recordings of the Deep Purple Mark 1 the fans should look up the excellent double CD album entitled "The BBC Sessions 1968–1970Find albums with this title", which collects all Mark 1 BBC recordings on the first CD.
It is also worth remembering that although the next Deep Purple album would be recorded by the Mark 2 lineup with vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist and bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist, musically it belongs very much to what the Mark 1 lineup was doing on the third album, which included elaborate orchestral arrangements. The appropriately titled "Concerto For Group And OrchestraFind albums with this title" album, a pioneering and unprecedented merger of a Rock group with a Symphonic Orchestra, was a direct result of the work initiated on the third album and is a true closure of the Mark 1 chapter. The fifth album however, "In RockFind albums with this title", was a completely new story and came as a reaction to the release of the Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist debut album in early 1969, which also prompted the personnel change from Mark1 to Mark 2. That album embedded Deep Purple´s role as a defining element of the Hard Rock / Heavy Metal genres and Rock music in general.
I often wonder why the role of Deep Purple Mark 1 is almost completely ignored by the Prog snobs. Even under the populist definition of Prog as an amalgam of Rock (electric instruments and rhythmic patterns), Classical (extended melodic and harmonic themes) and Jazz (improvisation), Deep Purple Mark 1 are the essence of Prog, much more so that say early YesFind albums by this artist, GenesisFind albums by this artist and other pretenders to the Big Five. By the same token the roles of other Deep Purple Mark 1 contemporaries, like NiceFind albums by this artist, Moody BluesFind albums by this artist and several others, are similarly completely overlooked, which is a pity to say to say the least. Prog was not just born one day with Robert FrippFind albums by this artist being struck by lightening…
This is an essential piece of history of the formative years of Rock and a beautiful example how great music remains untouched by time and perhaps even gets better in time. I can´t imagine a music library, which does not include these classic recordings, so now is the time to repent and remedy.
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ IN CONCERT
PARLOPHONE 077779818129 (Barcode: 077779818129) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1970 - 1972 Released: 1992
This is a 2CD live album by the legendary British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist. Released originally in 1980, the CD edition was expanded with two tracks. It presents two concerts by the first incarnation of the Mk II lineup of the group that included vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Ritchie BlackmoreFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jon LordFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist: CD1 was recorded in 1970 and includes four tracks and CD2 was recorded in 1972 and includes eight tracks, both recorded by the BBC for their “in Concert” live broadcasts.
The 1970 concert features a couple of songs from the “In RockFind albums with this title” album and two songs from the albums recorded by the Mk I lineup. The 1972 concert was taped just a week before the release of the “Machine HeadFind albums with this title” album and features live versions of six of the seven songs on that album.
The group is in top form on both these recordings, as expected. The 1970 concert is characterized by expanded Rock improvisations lasting for almost twenty minutes on two of the songs and the other two being only somewhat shorter. It is a perfect summary of the Prog period of Deep Purple. The 1972 concert finds the group in their second phase, closer to Hard Rock, but one of the tracks also lasts about twenty minutes and features long instrumental improvisations.
Overall, this is a brilliant document of the early period of one of the greatest Classic Rock groups of all time, as well as a hyper-productive period in British Rock. Although Deep Purple released a plethora of live albums, they are one of the very few acts, which produced such variety and diversity in their performances, that each and every one of their live albums is completely unique and worth listening to. As such this is another classic!
| | Updated: 18/08/2022Posted: 18/08/2022 | CD 2 Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ INFINITE
EAR MUSIC 4029759118480 (Barcode: 4029759118480) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017
This is the 20th studio album by the iconic British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, released four years after their previous studio album “Now What?!Find albums with this title” from 2013. It is also the fourth studio album by the Mk VIII lineup of the group: vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist, American guitarist Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Don AireyFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist. It is the 2nd album by the group produced by Bob EzrinFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten songs, all co-written by the group members, except the final track, which is a cover of a song by The DoorsFind albums by this artist.
The music is everything one would expect from Deep Purple: a highly dynamic Rock music, which offers melodic themes and classic Rock riffs, which are the group’s trademarks. The current lineup completely consolidated its ranks since 2002 and became a perfect Rock machine, which has but a few contenders despite the advanced age of its members.
The sound returns to the organ drenched heavy sound that was the group’s trademark from its onset, Gillan’s charismatic vocals are still one of the most recognizable Rock symbols and the music still manages to grab the listeners by their hearts, so what else would one want?
The cover of “Roundhouse Blues”, originally recorded by the Doors and released on the “Morrison HotelFind albums with this title” album, is the longest and to me the best tracks on the album, being a great reminder of how great Deep Purple are when covering classic songs by others. It perhaps hints to making of the 2021 album “Turning To CrimeFind albums with this title”, which is entirely dedicated to covers.
Overall, this is another great album by a veteran band, which refuses to rest and still sounds better that any of the wimps that call themselves Rockers these days.
| | Updated: 05/08/2024Posted: 25/01/2022 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ LIVE IN BIRMINGHAM 1973
HNE 025 (Barcode: 5013929912526) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1993 Released: 2013
This is a remaster / reissue of a live album by the legendary British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, recorded during the last tour by the second and last reunion of the Mk II lineup, promoting “The Battle Rages On…Find albums with this title” album from 1993. Released originally in 2006 as the second part of the 4CD Box Set “Live In Europe 1993Find albums with this title”, this 20th Anniversary Edition was remastered. The Mk II lineup of the group that included vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Ritchie BlackmoreFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jon LordFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist are heard here playing together for the final time.
The group is in top form on these recordings, as expected, despite the internal tensions, which led Blackmore to leave the group following the last concert of the tour. The material includes some tracks from their last album and, as usual, a selection of their crowd pleasing favorites, which are completely timeless Classic Rock pieces.
Overall, this is a brilliant document of the last reunion of the MK lineup and the history of one of the greatest Classic Rock groups of all time and British Rock unparalleled Masters. Although Deep Purple released a plethora of live albums, they are one of the very few acts, which produced such variety and diversity in their performances, that each and every one of their live albums is completely unique and worth listening to. As such this is another classic!
| | Updated: 27/12/2022Posted: 27/12/2022 | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ LIVE IN CONCERT 72/73
EMI 317729 (Barcode: 094633177291) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1972 - 1973 Released: 2005
1st installent of the (so called) “Deep Purple DVD Archive Collection" series, which EMIFind albums on this label and the band intend to release, and it includes two concerts by Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist: one from 1972 (Copenhagen) and the other from 1973 (New York).
The first concert is filmed in black and white, which has a nice nostalgic effect to it. The sound is cleaned up and upgraded and the visual material pretty decent, so overall this is not too bad, surely better than most similar archival material.
The music of Deep Purple Mk II (Ian GillanFind albums by this artist, Jon LordFind albums by this artist, Ritchie BlackmoreFind albums by this artist, Roger GloverFind albums by this artist & Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist) was heading into heavy rock and although there is quite a bit of instrumental improvisation there (by Lord and Blackmore), the on-stage theatrics look pretty ridiculous in retrospect. They were a hell of a show for sure and they all could play incredibly well, as opposed to many of their contemporaries.
The interesting thing about the DVD is that there is an option to watch it with a “commentary” switched on, which means that you hear a commentator’s voice on top of the soundtrack. The commentary is quite well written, very informative and often even witty / funny – typical British humor mind you. This brings up considerably the educational value of the DVD.
Dolby Digital 5.0 Surround Sound and DTS, 127 minutes.
| | Updated: 06/02/2024Posted: | DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ LIVE IN HONG KONG 2001
EAR MUSIC 4029759140214 (Barcode: 4029759140214) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2001 Released: 2022
This is a reissue / remaster of one of the six 2CD live albums by the legendary British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, which were originally released in 2001 as the Box Set entitled “The Soundboard SeriesFind albums with this title”, which documented the group’s Australian / Japanese tour of the same year.
The album features the Mk VII lineup of the group: vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jon LordFind albums by this artist, guitarist Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist. They are supported by a three-piece brass section and another three-piece background vocals section. The material includes a couple of songs from the 1996 album “PurpendicularFind albums with this title” and of course the classic songs by the band from their entire repertoire. These live recordings were amongst the last done with Jon Lord, before he retired from the group in 2002.
As usual, Deep Purple perform spotlessly, full of vigor, dedication and masterful ability, completely ignoring the passing of time. They sound perfectly synchronized and in flawless balance, with Gillan’s vocals in faultless condition. Morse’s guitar playing revitalized the group’s sound considerably and the show is just as a brilliant Classic Rock experience as imaginably possible.
Overall, this is a great live album, full of the everlasting Deep Purple energy and Classic Rock experience encapsulated for posterity. Although some of the material is repeated on almost every live Deep Purple album, each and every one of them is completely unique and for the band’s many fans indispensable.
The album is a numbered limited edition and my copy is 8,177/10,104 :)
| | Updated: 06/11/2022Posted: 06/11/2022 | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ LIVE IN LONDON 2002
EAR MUSIC 4029759169659 (Barcode: 4029759169659) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2002 Released: 2021
This is an archival album presenting a live concert recording by the iconic British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, captured at the Hammersmith Apollo, London on February 22, 2002. It features the Mk VII lineup of the group with four veteran members going back together since the forming of the Mk II lineup in 1969: vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jon LordFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist and the latest addition (since 1996) to the group, American guitarist Steve MorseFind albums by this artist. It is one of the last concerts featuring Lord, who was replaced due to illness by keyboardist Don AireyFind albums by this artist, and the temporary replacement soon after became permanent, followed by Lord’s amicable departure from the group, forming the Mk VIII lineup of the group, which exists till now. The 2CD album presents sixteen songs.
The brilliantly recorded live performance presents Deep Purple as an unstoppable, perfectly oiled Rock machine, performing songs from the entire recording legacy of the group, going back as far as the first album recorded (then) thirty-four years earlier. Everything works like clockwork and if Rock is to be remembered in the distant future by this album alone, full justice would be done to the genre.
As usual, the concert environment allows the musicians to take many liberties, usually not allowed during studio recordings, including long instrumental passages. Gillan introduces all the songs and tells occasional jokes, as usual in his case, holding the audience in the palms of his hands, and both his vocal ability and charisma are undeniable.
Deep Purple have released about fifty or so live albums, so there is plenty to choose from, but a few of those are absolute classics, like “Made In JapanFind albums with this title” for example, and this album is very close to those classics, and as such absolutely essential to the many Deep Purple fans all over the world.
The album is a numbered limited edition and my copy is 198/10,000 ;)
| | Updated: 13/04/2022Posted: 13/09/2021 | CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ LIVE IN NEWCASTLE 2001
EAR MUSIC 4029759139010 (Barcode: 4029759139010) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2001 Released: 2019
This is a reissue / remaster of one of the six 2CD live albums by the legendary British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, which were originally released in 2001 as the Box Set entitled “The Soundboard SeriesFind albums with this title”, which documented the group’s Australian / Japanese tour of the same year. The Newcastle here is of course the Australian town not the British one.
The album features the Mk VII lineup of the group: vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jon LordFind albums by this artist, guitarist Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist. They are supported by a three-piece brass section and another three-piece background vocals section. The material includes several songs from the 1996 album “PurpendicularFind albums with this title” and of course the classic songs by the band from their entire repertoire. These live recordings were amongst the last done with Jon Lord, before he retired from the group in 2002.
As usual, Deep Purple perform spotlessly, full of vigor, dedication and masterful ability, completely ignoring the passing of time. They sound perfectly synchronized and in flawless balance, with Gillan’s vocals in faultless condition. Morse’s guitar playing revitalized the group’s sound considerably and the show is just as a brilliant Classic Rock experience as imaginably possible.
Overall, this is a great live album, full of the everlasting Deep Purple energy and Classic Rock experience encapsulated for posterity. Although some of the material is repeated on almost every live Deep Purple album, each and every one of them is completely unique and for the band’s many fans indispensable.
The album is a numbered limited edition and my copy is 17,141/20,000 ;)
| | Updated: 13/04/2022Posted: 13/04/2022 | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ LIVE IN ROME 2013
EAR MUSIC 4029759144311 (Barcode: 4029759144311) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2013 Released: 2019
This is an archival album presenting a live concert recording by the iconic British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, captured at the Ippodromo Delle Capannelle, Rome on July 22, 2013. It features the Mk VIII lineup of the group: vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist, American guitarist Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Don AireyFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist. The 2CD album, which is one of the “Soundboard Series” releases, presents twenty-two songs.
The brilliantly recorded live performance presents Deep Purple as an unstoppable, perfectly oiled Rock machine, performing songs from the entire recording legacy of the group, going back as far as the early albums recorded (at the time of the recording) forty years earlier. Everything works like clockwork and if Rock is to be remembered in the distant future by this album alone, full justice would be done to the genre. As usual, the concert environment allows the musicians to take many liberties, usually not allowed during studio recordings, including long instrumental passages.
Deep Purple have released about fifty or so live albums, so there is plenty to choose from, but a few of those are absolute classics, like “Made In JapanFind albums with this title” for example, and this album is very close to those classics, and as such absolutely essential to the many Deep Purple fans all over the world.
The album is a numbered limited edition and my copy is 4,817/20,000 ;)
| | Updated: 19/01/2022Posted: 19/01/2022 | CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ LIVE IN STUTTGART 1993
HNE 024 (Barcode: 5013929912427) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1993 Released: 2013
This is a remaster / reissue of a live album by the legendary British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, recorded during the last tour by the second and last reunion of the Mk II lineup, promoting “The Battle Rages On…Find albums with this title” album from 1993. Released originally in 2006 as the first part of the 4CD Box Set “Live In Europe 1993Find albums with this title”, this 20th Anniversary Edition was remastered. The Mk II lineup of the group that included vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Ritchie BlackmoreFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jon LordFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist are heard here playing together for the final time.
The group is in top form on these recordings, as expected, despite the internal tensions, which led Blackmore to leave the group following the last concert of the tour. The material includes some tracks from their last album and, as usual, a selection of their crowd pleasing favorites, which are completely timeless Classic Rock pieces.
Overall, this is a brilliant document of the last reunion of the MK lineup and the history of one of the greatest Classic Rock groups of all time and British Rock unparalleled Masters. Although Deep Purple released a plethora of live albums, they are one of the very few acts, which produced such variety and diversity in their performances, that each and every one of their live albums is completely unique and worth listening to. As such this is another classic!
| | Updated: 29/09/2022Posted: 29/09/2022 | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ LIVE IN TOKYO 2001
EAR MUSIC 4029759173151 (Barcode: 4029759173151) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2001 Released: 2022
This is a reissue / remaster of two (combined into one, as the two consecutive night concerts were almost identical) of the six 2CD live albums by the legendary British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, which were originally released in 2001 as the Box Set entitled “The Soundboard SeriesFind albums with this title”, which documented the group’s Australian / Japanese tour of the same year.
The album features the Mk VII lineup of the group: vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jon LordFind albums by this artist, guitarist Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist. They are supported by the Shin Nihon Philharmonic Select OrchestraFind albums by this artist, conducted by Paul MannFind albums by this artist. Vocalist Ronnie James DioFind albums by this artist guests on five tracks. The material includes a rare performance of the “Concerto For Group And OrchestraFind albums with this title”, some songs originating from outside of the band’s albums and of course some classic songs by the band from their entire repertoire, arranged for orchestral accompaniment, which makes this album particularly unique and special. These live recordings were amongst the last done with Jon Lord, before he retired from the group in 2002.
As usual, Deep Purple perform spotlessly, full of vigor, dedication and masterful ability, completely ignoring the passing of time. They sound perfectly synchronized and in flawless balance, with Gillan’s vocals in faultless condition. Morse’s guitar playing revitalized the group’s sound considerably and the show is just as a brilliant Classic Rock experience as imaginably possible.
Overall, this is a great live album, full of the everlasting Deep Purple energy and Classic Rock experience encapsulated for posterity. Although some of the material is repeated on almost every live Deep Purple album, each and every one of them is completely unique and for the band’s many fans indispensable.
The album is a numbered limited edition and my copy is 6,319/10,000 :)
| | Updated: 08/11/2022Posted: 08/11/2022 | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ LIVE IN VERONA
EAR MUSIC 4029759130147 (Barcode: 4029759130147) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2011 Released: 2014
This is a live album by the iconic British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist. It features the Mk VIII lineup of the group: vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Don AireyFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded on July 18, 2011 at the legendary Arena di Verona Roman amphitheater, with the group accompanied by a full scale symphonic orchestra, the Neue Philharmonie FrankfurtFind albums by this artist, conducted by Stephen Bentley KleinFind albums by this artist. The 2CD album presents twenty-one tracks, spanning the entire repertoire of the group.
The music is of course familiar to all the fans of the group, but the amazing performances included herein are simply beyond expectation, proving that Deep Purple are still the best live Rock group out there, which has its roots decades ago and an uninterrupted span of making excellent music without compromise, ignoring the world changing around and the true values of music in general and Rock in particular disintegrating. The orchestral accompaniments are of course new and quite unusual, and although Deep Purple recorded with orchestras before, the integration between the orchestra and the group on this album is absolutely unprecedented and fully complementing.
Depp Purple impersonate the Classic Rock definition better that any other existing Rock act today, not only due to their persistence and stamina, but for their ability to keep the music timeless and able to preserve the aesthetic values of creativity, ignoring fads and fashions. Despite the fact that their lineup changed over time and they lost the spiritual leadership of Jon Lord, the managed to overcome the hardships and kept their faith in what they do.
Overall, this album is an amazing display of Classic Rock at its best, superbly recorded and performed by incredibly talented musicians, who know exactly what they are doing. There is no one false note, one disturbance in the continuity and flow of the music, simply perfection itself. Regardless of what some people may think, these dinosaurs still rule the earth!
| | Updated: 08/01/2024Posted: 08/01/2024 | CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ LIVE IN WOLLONGONG 2001
EAR MUSIC 4029759140252 (Barcode: 4029759140252) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2001 Released: 2021
This is a reissue / remaster of one of the six 2CD live albums by the legendary British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, which were originally released in 2001 as the Box Set entitled “The Soundboard SeriesFind albums with this title”, which documented the group’s Australian / Japanese tour of the same year.
The album features the Mk VII lineup of the group: vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jon LordFind albums by this artist, guitarist Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist. They are supported by a three-piece brass section and another three-piece background vocals section. The material includes a couple of songs from the 1996 album “PurpendicularFind albums with this title” and of course the classic songs by the band from their entire repertoire. These live recordings were amongst the last done with Jon Lord, before he retired from the group in 2002.
As usual, Deep Purple perform spotlessly, full of vigor, dedication and masterful ability, completely ignoring the passing of time. They sound perfectly synchronized and in flawless balance, with Gillan’s vocals in faultless condition. Morse’s guitar playing revitalized the group’s sound considerably and the show is just as a brilliant Classic Rock experience as imaginably possible.
Overall, this is a great live album, full of the everlasting Deep Purple energy and Classic Rock experience encapsulated for posterity. Although some of the material is repeated on almost every live Deep Purple album, each and every one of them is completely unique and for the band’s many fans indispensable.
The album is a numbered limited edition and my copy is 332/10,000 :)
| | Updated: 21/05/2022Posted: 21/05/2022 | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ MACHINE HEAD
WARNER 081227976545 (Barcode: 081227976545) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2019
This is a reissue of the sixth studio album by the legendary British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist. It was recorded in December of 1971 by the first incarnation of the Mk II lineup of the group that included vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Ritchie BlackmoreFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jon LordFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist. The album presented seven original songs co-written by the group members. It contains the song “Smoke On The Water”, which is related to the circumstances surrounding the recording of the album, and which remains an anthem of the group, featured in all live appearances until today, over five decades later.
Grueling touring and recording schedule did not prevent from the band to create absolute master albums one after another, and this one is an excellent example of their early work. Deeply influenced by Blues and with some Prog tendencies, this album remains an icon of Classic Rock fifty years after it was recorded. No other Rock band managed to produce such an outstanding series of albums with absolutely no weak tracks on them like Deep Purple Mk II.
Overall, this is an everlasting Classic Rock gem, which lost nothing of its glory over time and stands as an icon of what Rock music is all about, making contemporary “Rock” look utterly ridiculous. An absolute must in any decent record collection.
| | Updated: 25/10/2022Posted: 25/10/2022 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ MADE IN JAPAN (DELUXE EDITION)
UNIVERSAL 602537696406 (Barcode: 602537696406) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2014
British Rock legends Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, in their second incarnation called Mk II, were one of the definitive bands of all times and this live recording captures the band at their absolute peak form, resulting in an iconic album which is an integral part of the pantheon of live Rock albums. The band was an incredible amalgamation of talent and included the fierce rhythm section: bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist, two absolutely stupendous instrumentalists: organist Jon LordFind albums by this artist and guitarist Ritchie BlackmoreFind albums by this artist and a charismatic, energetic and unstoppable vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist. Between them they also shared a rare ability to write incredible catchy riffs that stuck with the listener forever and some of the most beautiful Rock melodies ever composed. As a result at that time they had only very few competitors to the "Kings of Rock" title.
Originally this album was released as a double LP, a tradition that started in the late 1960s and continued for the decade to come, with most top Rock acts releasing at least one double live album during their career. The album included seven original Deep Purple tunes, originating from the three studio albums that preceded this recording: "In RockFind albums with this title", "FireballFind albums with this title", and "Machine HeadFind albums with this title". The average playing time of each of these tunes is over ten minutes, which means these were expanded versions, full of long solo spots, improvised passages and a general mayhem and race with the devil. The level of musicianship, energy, inventiveness and sheer stunning brilliance is simply astounding.
This Deluxe edition of the album adds a second CD of previously unreleased material recorded at the same concerts that produced the original album, and includes mostly encores the band played at the time. It includes songs which were not included on the original album, one of which is the band´s cover of a classic Rock song (they rarely played covers so this is a treat). Of course one can only speculate when the complete recordings done on the three nights in Japan will be released in their entirety.
In retrospect this is a piece of the Holy Grail, which appeared on earth for a brief decade and then was lost again. Nobody makes music like this any more and probably nobody will ever do. Thank God for sound recording and record labels for sharing this Ambrosia with us (for a fee, mind you). I pity the generations that came after ours for being ignorant of this music´s existence.
| | | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ MADE IN JAPAN (LIMITED EDITION SUPER DELUXE BOXED SET)
UNIVERSAL 602537696383 (Barcode: 602537696383) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2014
This is the expanded reissue / remix of the seminal live album by iconic British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, recorded in Osaka and Tokyo during three consecutive nights on August 15, 16 and 17, 1972. The album was recorded by the original Mk II lineup of the group with vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Ritchie BlackmoreFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jon LordFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist.
The Box Set presents the full concerts played during the three nights on CD1 to CD3 and the encores of all three nights on CD4. There is also a DVD with a documentary about these concerts and other material, as well as a replica of a 7” Vinyl single released in Japan during the tour and a plethora of printed materials.
The set list of the three concert is identical, as are the encores (with one exception). This provides the fans with an opportunity to compare these concerts looking for subtle (and sometimes less subtle) differences between them. Of course, every live concert is different from another, but the creativity of these musicians is truly amazing and in fact they are able to create many variations of the same tunes in a most astonishing way.
This album has been hailed for generations as “the best live Rock album of all time”, and it certainly deserves an honorable place on a pedestal of most memorable live recordings for its sheer power, ingenuity and brilliant music, uniquely combined into one. The new remixes might surprise listeners, who have listened to the earlier versions of this album (and who hasn’t?), as it offers a much more detailed separation between the instruments and clear sound. Of course even if you already have an earlier version, this Box Set is worth having, except for the fact that it now has an astronomical price rag.
Overall, this is a monumental historic Rock document, which is an essential part of every decent Classic Rock record collection, not necessarily in this expanded version. If your wife is bothering you about wasting money on buying records, tell her that this album is now worth over ten times as much as you paid for it ten years ago ;) Best investment ever!
| | Updated: 06/02/2024Posted: 06/02/2024 | 4CD+DVD+VINYL SINGLE 6 Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ NOW WHAT?! (DELUXE EDITION)
EAR MUSIC 826992031828 (Barcode: 826992031828) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013
This is the 19th studio album by the iconic British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, released over seven years after their previous studio album “Rapture Of The DeepFind albums with this title” from 2005. It is also the third studio album by the Mk VIII lineup of the group: vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist, American guitarist Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Don AireyFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist. It is the 1st album by the group produced by Bob EzrinFind albums by this artist. The original album presents eleven original songs, all co-written by the group members. This Deluxe Editions adds one bonus tracks and a bonus DVD with an interview with the band and three bonus audio tracks.
The album is dedicated to Jon LordFind albums by this artist, the founding member of Deep Purple, who died in 2012, while this music was recorded.
The music is everything one would expect from Deep Purple: a highly dynamic Rock music, which offers melodic themes and classic Rock riffs, which are the group’s trademarks. The current lineup completely consolidated its ranks since 2002 and became a perfect Rock machine, which has but a few contenders despite the advanced age of its members.
The sound returns to the organ drenched heavy sound that was the group’s trademark from its onset, Gillan’s charismatic vocals are still one of the most recognizable Rock symbols and the music still manages to grab the listeners by their hearts, so what else would one want?
Overall, this is another great album by a veteran band, which refuses to rest and still sounds better that any of the wimps that call themselves Rockers these days.
| | Updated: 05/08/2024Posted: 23/01/2022 | CD+DVD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ ORIGINAL ALBUM CLASSICS
SONY 886979445024 (Barcode: 886979445024) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1990 - 1996 Released: 2011
This Box Set collects reissues of three albums by the iconic British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, originally released on the RCAFind albums on this label label between 1990 and 1996. They are: “Slaves And MastersFind albums with this title” (1990), “The Battle Rages On…Find albums with this title” (1993), and “PurpendicularFind albums with this title” (1996).
“Slaves And Masters” is the thirteenth studio album and the only album recorded by the Mk V lineup of Deep Purple, in which the lead singer Ian GillanFind albums by this artist was replaced by the ex-RainbowFind albums by this artist vocalist Joe Lynn TurnerFind albums by this artist. The rest of the members were veterans since the forming of the Mk II lineup in 1969: keyboardist Jon LordFind albums by this artist, guitarist Ritchie BlackmoreFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist. Some string orchestral arrangements are also present. The album presents nine songs, all co-written by the band members. Later reissues of the albums included single edits as bonus tracks, which are not present here.
“The Battle Rages On…” is the fourteenth studio album and the only album recorded by the second reunion of the Mk II lineup of Deep Purple, in which the lead singer Ian Gillan returned to his vocal duties, alas for the last time. This was the last album recorded by the classic Mk II lineup. The album presents ten songs, all co-written by the band members.
“Purpendicular” is the fifteenth studio album and first album by the Mk VII lineup of Deep Purple, which marked the arrival of ex-Dixie DregsFind albums by this artist / KansasFind albums by this artist American guitarist Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, as a replacement for Blackmore (The short-lived Mk VI featured American guitarist Joe SatrianiFind albums by this artist, who eventually could not join the group on a permanent basis). The album presents twelve songs, all co-written by the band members. Later reissues of the albums included single edits as bonus tracks, which are not present here.
Although these albums were met with mixed reception by critics and fans at the time of their release, they are still classic rock album created by Masters of the trade, who never played a wrong note in their life. Considering how dreadful Rock / Pop music created in the 1990s was in general, these three albums are some of the last strongholds of sanity and of course they are an essential part of the Deep Purple legacy.
And yes, all the three album covers are amongst the ugliest ever! ;)
Side Note
The "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label, the "Original Album ClassicsFind albums with this title" by SonyFind albums on this label, the "5 Original AlbumsFind albums with this title" by UniversalFind albums on this label, the Box Sets by RhinoFind albums on this label and other similar releases are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard for the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires as to treat our Cultural Legacy with respect and loyalty.
The Box Sets produced under these monikers have no discographical information whatsoever about the lineups, musician names, composers, lyricists, dates and places of recording, original release data and even basic copyright data (the last is strictly illegal BTW). Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, they are often edited and information (which would be in most cases too small to be readable) is removed. Most importantly these Box Sets don't include any booklet offering a historical background and perspective about the Artists and the Music, which are extremely important and vital to the preservation of our Culture and passing the knowledge to the next generations.
In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap. Considering the fact how many times this music has been sold over and over again by the labels, this is a crying shame!
| | Updated: 06/02/2024Posted: 11/09/2021 | CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ PERFECT STRANGERS
POLYDOR 731454604529 (Barcode: 731454604529) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1984 Released: 1999
This is a reissue / remaster of the 11th studio album by iconic British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, which was also the first album recorded by the first reunion of the Mk II lineup with vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Ritchie BlackmoreFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jon LordFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist. Blackmore and Glover arrived from RainbowFind albums by this artist, Lord from WhitesnakeFind albums by this artist, Gillan from Black SabbathFind albums by this artist and Paice from Gary MooreFind albums by this artist’s band, which emphasizes the omnipresence of these musicians on the British Rock scene at the time. The album presents eight original songs and this reissue adds two bonus tracks.
The album offers an excellent collection of songs, which resulted in turning it into one of the most successful albums in the band’s history. The instrumental performances are as perfect as always, offering impressive solo parts. Despite the fact that the Rock music in the 1980 was already completely disintegrated, Deep Purple firmly hold on to the formula forged over a decade earlier, and were simply way above any other Rock group active at the time.
Overall, this is a superb Classic Rock album, which despite the continuous attempt to classify it as Heavy Metal, has absolutely nothing to do with that genre. Forty years later this still sounds better than everything you can hear these days in what remains of the media. Definitely worth to be re-visited!
| | Updated: 16/06/2022Posted: 16/06/2022 | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ RAPTURE OF THE DEEP
EDEL 4029758655429 (Barcode: 4029758655429) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005
This is the eighteenth studio album by the iconic British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, released two years after their previous studio album “BananasFind albums with this title” from 2003. It is also the second studio album by the Mk VIII lineup of the group: vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist, American guitarist Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Don AireyFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist. It is the first album by the group produced by Bob Ezrin. The album presents ten original songs, all co-written by the group members.
The music is everything one would expect from Deep Purple: a highly dynamic Rock music, which offers melodic themes and classic Rock riffs, which are the group’s trademarks. The current lineup completely consolidated its ranks since 2002 and became a perfect Rock machine, which has but a few contenders despite the advanced age of its members.
The sound returns to the organ drenched heavy sound that was the group’s trademark from its onset, Gillan’s charismatic vocals are still one of the most recognizable Rock symbols and the music still manages to grab the listeners by their hearts, so what else would one want? This album, the second produced by Michael BradfordFind albums by this artist, who also produced “Bananas”, is somewhat “heavier” than usual sounding, with a strong bass presence, probably due to the fact that Bradford is also an influential bassist.
Overall, this is another great album by a veteran band, which refuses to rest and still sounds better that any of the wimps that call themselves Rockers these days.
| | Updated: 16/03/2022Posted: 16/03/2022 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ STORMBRINGER (35TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION)
EMI 5099926464527 (Barcode: 5099926464527) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2009
This is a reissue / remaster of the ninth studio album by the legendary British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist. It was the second (and last) album by the Mk III lineup of the group that included vocalist David CoverdaleFind albums by this artist, guitarist Ritchie BlackmoreFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jon LordFind albums by this artist, bassist Glenn HughesFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist. The album presented nine original songs co-written by the group members. This remastered edition was expanded with five bonus tracks, which are remixes of four album tracks and an instrumental version of one track. The bonus DVD audio offers the original Quad mix of the album in 5.1 and PCM stereo versions.
The lineup change had a relatively minor influence on the musical direction, with included elements of soul and funk, but the prevailing riff dominated and Blues influenced style remained mostly intact. Coverdale turned out to be a fierce lead vocalist, to some degree more rounded and stable that his predecessor. Sadly, this lineup would exist for just over a couple of years, producing just one more studio album, called “BurnFind albums with this title”.
Overall, this is an everlasting Classic Rock gem, which lost nothing of its glory over time and stands as an icon of what Rock music is all about, making contemporary “Rock” look utterly ridiculous. An absolute must in any decent record collection.
| | Updated: 18/09/2023Posted: 18/09/2023 | CD+DVD 2 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ TURNING TO CRIME
EAR MUSIC 4029759157151 (Barcode: 4029759157151) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2021 Released: 2021
This is the 22nd studio album by the iconic British Rock / Prog band Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist and their first album dedicated entirely to covers of Classic Rock songs by such legends as Fleetwood MacFind albums by this artist, Bob DylanFind albums by this artist, YardbirdsFind albums by this artist, CreamFind albums by this artist and others. The lineup includes vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Don AireyFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist. A few additional musicians appear on selected tracks. The album presents twelve tracks, the last of which is a medley of five songs, so altogether the album includes covers of sixteen songs.
The album, recorded during the Covid-19 pandemic, was put together by recording the five members of the band in separate studios and then pasted together by the band’s regular producer Bob EzrinFind albums by this artist, for whom this was the 4th DP album he produced.
Although Deep Purple created a plethora of great original songs during the fifty plus years of their existence, they were always superb interpreters of songs written by other songwriters, starting with their debut album. This album proves that they indeed are able to put new life into songs, which are mostly as old as the group, and that without damaging the original songs and often improving on them.
The instrumental abilities that come together on this album are absolutely convincing, which of course is no surprise to any music lover familiar with Deep Purple’s legacy, Gillan is still a mighty vocalist, losing just a bit of his upper range, which is all for the better. Sparkled with some British sense of humor and obvious love of the subject matter, they are simply unbeatable. Veterans, grandpas, dinosaurs and whatever they are called, they still easily kick the ass of any band half their age.
Overall, this is a superb Rock album, which combines tradition, great selection of material and sublime musicianship, which is way more than one dares to expect from any contemporary Rock music. The fans of the group need no convincing and the youngsters might just learn something from what it has to offer. Hats off are in order and hopefully see you all on stage one day soon, lads.
| | Updated: 05/08/2024Posted: 25/12/2021 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ WHO DO WE THINK WE ARE
EMI 724352160723 (Barcode: 724352160723) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2000
This is a reissue / remaster of the seventh studio album by the legendary British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist. It was the last album by the first incarnation of the Mk II lineup of the group that included vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Ritchie BlackmoreFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jon LordFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist. The album presented seven original songs co-written by the group members. This remastered edition was expanded with seven bonus tracks, which include remixes, outtakes and a lengthy instrumental jam.
Grueling touring and recording schedule did not prevent from the band to create absolute master albums one after another, and this one is an excellent example of their early work. Deeply influenced by Blues and with some Prog tendencies, this album remains an icon of Classic Rock fifty years after it was recorded. No other Rock band managed to produce such an outstanding series of albums with absolutely no weak tracks on them like Deep Purple Mk II.
Overall, this is an everlasting Classic Rock gem, which lost nothing of its glory over time and stands as an icon of what Rock music is all about, making contemporary “Rock” look utterly ridiculous. An absolute must in any decent record collection.
| | Updated: 16/07/2022Posted: 16/07/2022 | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ WHOOSH! (LIMITED EDITION)
EAR MUSIC 4029759141358 (Barcode: 4029759141358) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2020 Released: 2020
This is the 21st studio album by the iconic British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, released three years after their previous studio album “InfiniteFind albums with this title” from 2017. It is also the fifth studio album by the Mk VIII lineup of the group: vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist, American guitarist Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Don AireyFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist. It is the 3rd album by the group produced by Bob EzrinFind albums by this artist. The album presents thirteen tracks, grouped into two six songs sets called Act 1 and Act 2 and one bonus track. All the songs were co-written by the group members and Ezrin, except the final track of Act 2, which is a re-make of a song from the group’s debut album “Shades Of Deep PurpleFind albums with this title” from 1968, written by Ritchie BlackmoreFind albums by this artist and Jon LordFind albums by this artist. The Limited Edition includes a bonus DVD, which includes an interview with Glover and Ezrin and a full live concert performance filmed in 2017.
The music is everything one would expect from Deep Purple: a highly dynamic Rock music, which offers melodic themes and classic Rock riffs, which are the group’s trademarks. The current lineup completely consolidated its ranks since 2002 and became a perfect Rock machine, which has but a few contenders despite the advanced age of its members.
The songs are distinctly shorter in duration, featuring less instrumental passages, but retain the Classic Rock formula faithfully and are all performed brilliantly, producing a time capsule, which sound nothing like contemporary music, thank God!
The sound returns to the organ drenched heavy sound that was the group’s trademark from its onset, Gillan’s charismatic vocals are still one of the most recognizable Rock symbols and the music still manages to grab the listeners by their hearts, so what else would one want?
Overall, this is another great album by a veteran band, which refuses to rest and still sounds better that any of the wimps that call themselves Rockers these days.
| | Updated: 05/08/2024Posted: 13/03/2022 | CD+DVD 2 Digibook Recommend To A Friend |
  | VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ SUNFLOWER SUPERJAM
EAR MUSIC 4029759101833 (Barcode: 4029759101833) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2012 Released: 2015
This is a live recording of the annual fundraiser concert for The Sunflower Jam charity, held at the Royal Albert Hall in London with the participation of top British Rock stars and some guests from abroad. Organized by Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist, the event was also partly a tribute to his Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist bandmate Jon LordFind albums by this artist, who sadly passed just a couple of months before the event took place. The album presents fourteen tracks of ass kicking Rock music and the companion DVD presents the concert in its entirety, adding four tracks that did not fit on the CD due to playing time constrains.
The gallery of names is very long and includes some superstars like Alice CooperFind albums by this artist, Brian MayFind albums by this artist, John Paul JonesFind albums by this artist, Micky MoodyFind albums by this artist, Uli Jon RothFind albums by this artist, my all time favorite Hammond player Brian AugerFind albums by this artist, who plays some wicked solos, and many more (if these names are not familiar to you, please don´t read any further).
Various lineups formed by the participating musicians perform Rock standards and the overall atmosphere is relaxed and informal, emphasizing the joy of playing together. Of course there is no end to spectacular guitar soloing and some great vocal performances.
The music is a tribute to the "real" Rock of the 1960s and 1970s, when the idiom enjoyed its golden days, and shows that many of the Rock idols are still great performers.
Overall this is a great piece of Rock fun performed by the best musicians out there, so what else can one ask for. Rather than innovate, this kind of albums are preserving the tradition. I wish I could have been there…
| | Updated: 06/09/2020Posted: 06/09/2020 | CD+DVD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | WHITESNAKE ~ LITTLE BOX `O` SNAKES
PARLOPHONE 5099993483728 (Barcode: 5099993483728) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1978 - 1982 Released: 2013
This is a Box Set collecting remastered reissues of the initial EP “SnakebiteFind albums with this title” (1978) and first seven LP albums by the British Rock group WhitesnakeFind albums by this artist: “TroubleFind albums with this title” (1978), “Live At HammersmithFind albums with this title” (1978), “LovehunterFind albums with this title” (1979), “Ready An` WillingFind albums with this title” (1980), “Live… In The Heart Of The CityFind albums with this title” (1980), “Come An` Get ItFind albums with this title” (1981) and “Saints & SinnersFind albums with this title” (1982).
The group was formed in 1978 by vocalist David CoverdaleFind albums by this artist, following his departure from the iconic British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, of which he was the lead singer between 1973 and 1976, recording three albums with them: “BurnFind albums with this title” (1974), “StormbringerFind albums with this title” (1974) and “Come Taste The BandFind albums with this title” (1975).
The initial lineup of the group included, in addition to Coverdale, two lead guitarists: Micky MoodyFind albums by this artist and Bernie MarsdenFind albums by this artist, bassist Neil MurrayFind albums by this artist and drummer Dave DowleFind albums by this artist. By the time the first album was recorded Deep Purple keyboardist Jon LordFind albums by this artist joined the group. Later on another Deep Purple member, drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist, also joined the group replacing Dowle.
Whitesnake were one of the best British Rock bands of all times, characterized by great musicianship and superb songwriting. Somewhat similar to Deep Purple, they had more Blues influences and at times sounded remarkably like FreeFind albums by this artist.
Overall, this Box Set is a remarkable treasure chest of superb British Classic Rock at its best, sounding better than ever and bringing back to life some albums that have been out of circulation for ages. Of course for Deep Purple fans the presence of Coverdale, Lord and Paice makes this Box Set completely irresistible. And Moody was always one of my favorite guitarists, with an incredible feel for the Blues. Loved every minute of it and I admit not hearing most of this music for the last four decades… tasty!
| | Updated: 04/06/2022Posted: 04/06/2022 | CD 8 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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