Record Reviews
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  | 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 ~ 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 ~ 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 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 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 ~ 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 ~ 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 ~ 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 ~ 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 |
  | FUSION SYNDICATE ~ BEAUTIFUL HORIZON
PURPLE PYRAMID 4685 (Barcode: 889466468520) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2012 - 2023 Released: 2023
This is the third album by the Fusion SyndicateFind albums by this artist, a brainchild of American guitarist / composer / producer Fernando PerdomoFind albums by this artist, who assembled a group of Fusion / Prog superstars to record (mostly) his compositions with various lineups, which change from track to track. The collective lineup includes guitarists John EtheridgeFind albums by this artist and Robby KriegerFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Brian AugerFind albums by this artist, bassists Jah WobbleFind albums by this artist and Alphonso JohnsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Chester ThompsonFind albums by this artist, among others. The album presents seven tracks, all original compositions by Perdomo.
The album also presents three bonus tracks produced and composed by bassist / composer Billy SherwoodFind albums by this artist, which originate from the debut eponymous album by Fusion Syndicate from 2012, which is difficult to find these days. It features such Fusion giants like bassist Percy JonesFind albums by this artist, guitarist Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jim BeardFind albums by this artist, drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist and others. These bonus tracks were newly remastered and with the four bonus tracks added to the “A Speedway On Saturn`s RingsFind albums with this title” album, constitute a reissue of the debut album.
Although featuring excellent musicians, the album has nothing new to offer musically and has no coherent concept per se. There is plenty of excitement and excellent soloing by the participants, as expected, but sadly it confirms the notion that Fusion, following a relatively brief period of creativity and Artistic productivity during the Golden Decade (1965-1975) has been mostly dormant, if not dead since.
Overall, this is a well-played typical Fusion album, which adds nothing new to the genre’s illustrious past, but offers a pleasant listening experience to the genre’s hard to die fans.
| | Updated: 11/12/2023Posted: 11/12/2023 | CD 1 Digipak Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | JON LORD ~ CONCERTO FOR GROUP AND ORCHESTRA
EAR MUSIC 4029759081838 (Barcode: 4029759081838) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2011 - 2012 Released: 2012
British organist / composer Jon LordFind albums by this artist composed his legendary “Concerto For Group And OrchestraFind albums with this title” in 1969, when he was a member of the iconic British group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist. The concerto was first recorder live by Deep Purple with the Royal Philharmonic OrchestraFind albums by this artist, conducted by Malcolm ArnoldFind albums by this artist, and became Depp Purple’s 4th consecutive album (1st live). It was one of the first Rock albums to feature a full orchestra. The concerto’s original score was lost shortly after the first performance and was later painstakingly recreated by Lord and since 1999 was performed live many times around the globe with many different orchestras.
This album presents the first studio recording of the concerto, recorded in 2011 and 2012, and completed shortly before Lord’s death in July of 2012. The orchestral parts were executed by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic OrchestraFind albums by this artist conducted by Paul MannFind albums by this artist. The group parts were executed by Lord, guitarists Darin VasilevFind albums by this artist, Joe BonamassaFind albums by this artist and Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, vocalists Steve BalsamoFind albums by this artist, Kasia LaskaFind albums by this artist and Bruce DickinsonFind albums by this artist, bassist Guy PrattFind albums by this artist and drummer Brett MorganFind albums by this artist.
Separated by forty-two years, this version of the concerto offers a much better balance between the Rock group and the orchestra and a sublime sound quality, which was simply unobtainable at the time of the original recording. The music lost absolutely nothing of its power, beauty and relevance over time and is still very much a model of cross-genre thinking.
Overall, this is a timeless classic, which every fan of Rock, Prog and good music in general must have in his private music library. Thanks to Lord’s determination to complete this project before his departure, we can now enjoy it in its full glory.
| | Updated: 16/12/2021Posted: 16/12/2021 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ THE ROYAL DAN
MASCOT 7189 (Barcode: 8712725718925) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006
This is the 4th project in the series of Fusion tributes, conceived, produced and arranged by Jeff RichmanFind albums by this artist. Dedicated this time to the fabulous music of Steely DanFind albums by this artist – the band that gave us all some of the best crafted and most sophisticated tunes ever. The format is again a fixed band (Vinnie ColaiutaFind albums by this artist – drums, Jimmy HaslipFind albums by this artist – bass, Peter WolfFind albums by this artist – keyboards and Ernie WattsFind albums by this artist – sax) with a long gallery of Fusion guitarists (Robben FordFind albums by this artist, Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist, Mike SternFind albums by this artist, Frank GambaleFind albums by this artist and others). The electrifying performances seem to go on forever and as the music is obviously excellent, the entire project is just one great heap of fun. For Fusion heads and guitar lovers this is obviously a must have, but most music loving folks should have a feast with this stuff.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ VISIONS OF AN INNER MOUNTING APOCALYPSE
MASCOT 7117 (Barcode: 8712725711728) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005
This is the 2nd project in the series of Fusion tributes, conceived, produced and arranged by Jeff RichmanFind albums by this artist. An entire generation of contemporary fusion guitar players pays tribute to their divine master – John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist and his band Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist. This ambitious project works out like a dream (a wet dream for fusion fans for sure). Ten compositions by McLaughlin, written for and performed with Mahavishnu Orchestra, are given here a new treatment. Each of the tracks features a different guitarist and the list reads like a who’s who of fusion: Mike SternFind albums by this artist, Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, Frank GambaleFind albums by this artist, David FiuczynskiFind albums by this artist, etc. The accompanying rhythm section of Vinnie CalaiutaFind albums by this artist – drums, Kai EckhardtFind albums by this artist – bass and Mitchel FormanFind albums by this artist – keyboards is the backbone of the project and carries the load splendidly. Ex-Mahavishnu Orchestra violinist Jerry GoodmanFind albums by this artist adds his magic touch on several tracks, closing the full circle, so to speak. Definitely a must for all Mahavishnu Orchestra fans and basically for all fusion fans - whatever their fusion taste may be this is much too good to be ignored.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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