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Deep Purple - Shades of Deep Purple Audio CD

A fair review of the Deep Purple "Shades of Deep Purple" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Deep Purple reviews here, or go back to the Deep Purple tabs.

Deep Purple Band: Deep Purple
Title: Shades of Deep Purple
Rating:
Release Date: 2009-01-06
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: And the Address 2: Hush 3: One More Rainy Day 4: Prelude: Happiness/I'm So Glad 5: Mandrake Root 6: Help! 7: Love Help Me 8: Hey Joe 9: Shadows [*][Outtake] 10: Love Help Me [Instrumental Version][*] 11: Help! [Alternate Take][*] 12: Hey Joe [BBC Top Gear Session][*] 13: Hush [Live US TV][*]

Classic Heavy Psychedelic Nugget
The sound is muddy but all the better for it really. The Deep Purple mk 1 line up recorded this album in 1968 so what you can expect is heavy rock in a psychedelic and jazzy style that frankly just cannot be compared to any other psych band of the time.

This line-up had (in true Purple tradition) a different singer and bassist in the shape of Rod Evans and Nick Simper respectively who contribute well to the overall sound, especially Simper, a busy bassist with a heavy sound. Evans is more restrained than the later Ian Gillan.

Lord, Blackmore and Paice weave their magic of course, but some of the songs would really benefit from some rhythm guitar, something that Blackmore didn't like. What was wrong with that guy? Paicey gets his jazz boots on in some of the songs and Lord even rips off excerpts from Sheherezade by Rimsky-Korsakov and Spanish excerpts from Manuel de Falla. No matter. It was the '60s.

One thing I particularly like is the extra song "Shadows", a lovely, psychedelic melody that wouldn't be out of place on a Nuggets compilation. The live cut of "Hush" on Playboy, however, sounds like it was recorded straight of the tv with not enough depth or presence. No matter. Its an interesting document.

All in all, I was surprised by this album. Its heavy, rocky, colourful, interesting, overlooked and, above all, just great!.


"Hey Joe" and all others that overlooked this the first time


It's not uncommon that a rock and roll band has a history that is forgotten about. As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" and a former radio disc-jockey, I am often asked to write and or discuss various recordings from the 60's and 70's. Many times, it is for the proper reasons. Deep Purple`s first incarnation "Mark I" had three terrific records. If they never created another note, they could be proud to have composed such great material.

While to most of the musical universe Deep Purple is "Mark 2" featuring the intense and strong vocals of Ian Gillian and Roger Glover on bass, the prior story begins in 1968. Rod Evans (One of the most underrated singers of the era) and Nick Simper (Bass) may not be household names but were very much a part of the foundation.

"Shades Of" isn't "In Rock. " That is not a swipe in the least. It is only a warning to those that are looking for the more metal and improvisational side of the band. What the initial album consists of is terrific material and well-blended rock with Ritchie Blackmore already way ahead of the curve and only to get better.

"And The Address" opens with a tasty riff that you don't forget. It's a solid choice to lay down the landscape of what will follow.

"Hush" is indeed the cover of the Joe South tune. Purple may very well have the definitive version. It is still played on rock radio to this day.

"One More Rainy Day" features a well-crafted sound by Jon Lord on the keyboards. Evans vocal feel is superlative.

"Prelude"/"Happiness"/"I'm So Glad" covers the musical spectrum in a bit over seven minutes. "I'm So Glad" is the timeless tune written by Skip James that was made famous by the incredible Cream version. Purple chooses not to intensify it to that degree but finds a perfect direction using a mid-tempo arrangement and first rate drumming from Ian Paice.

"Mandrake Root" is Purple's first journey into the land of improvisation. As they explore uncharted waters, the band jells well. Jon Lord's keyboards are mixed high and it give a memorable performance.

"Help!" needs no introduction. The Beatles classic (Lennon/McCartney) is slowed down to a totally different and unique arrangement. The vocals are heartfelt and the results are pleasant!

"Love Help Me" pays homage to the psychedelic sounds of the 60's Although it may be the least known song on the record it clearly belongs.
"Hey Joe" closes the festivities. There is debate if Billy Roberts wrote the song but never a question how endless versions from Hendrix to Purple will live forever. This rendition isn't full of fire but it packs enough of a punch to get the job done.

Make sure to purchase the remaster with the five bonus tracks because "Shadows" is strong enough to have been included on the original disc.


Enjoy the music and be well,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"
.


one of the best forgotten albums
THE ORIGINAL HEVY METAL GROUPS FIRST ALBUM IS THEIR BEST WITH THE GREAT GUITAR WORK ON MANDERICK ROOT AND THE JAZZ ROCK VERSION OF THE BEATLES HELP AND THEIR FIRST HIT HUSH IT IS A MASTERPEAC.


You can see a complete list of all Deep Purple discography, or go back to the Deep Purple tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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