50 Memories of Germany

The true power of music is impossible to define and yet we can all feel it when the sonic planets align. The magical impact of the finest rock'n'roll - that hazy but overwhelming blend of inspiration and perspiration - sustains us through dark times and fills our hearts with joy and strength. Music unites us, nourishes us and provides us with an emotional clarity that the rest of our turbulent lives singularly fails to offer. For those reasons and many more, we must proudly acknowledge and salute the true architects of the musical world that we call home. Above all else, Ritchie Blackmore is one of rock's greatest architects; a six-string seer that laid robust foundations upon which four decades of thunderous, perpetual evolution have taken place.

Though it was considered a disappointment upon its release (indeed, its production was much too sleek at times, and it lacked the creative daring of Perfect Strangers), 1987's House of Blue Light has actually stood the test of time just as well, if not better, than its predecessor. The second effort from the re-formed Mark II lineup, this album showed Deep Purple searching for an '80s-flavored hit single, and by doing so, sounding uncomfortably similar to guitarist Ritchie Blackmore's other band, Rainbow…

Some bands go through numerous lineup changes yet somehow manage to be consistent, but all too often, bands that are revolving doors are anything but consistent; you never know if they are going to come out with a great album, a mediocre album, or a weak album. That has certainly been the case with Destruction; the German outfit has had more than its share of lineup changes over the years – and their albums have ranged from excellent to totally forgettable. Released in 2005 – 23 years after the band's formation – Inventor of Evil won't go down in history as one of Destruction's essential discs but is still a good, solid addition to their catalog…