Deep Purple Burn

Deep Purple are an English rock band formed in Hertford in 1968. The band is considered to be among the pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock, although their musical approach changed over the years. Originally formed as a progressive rock band, the band shifted to a heavier sound in 1970. Deep Purple, together with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, have been referred to as the "unholy trinity of British hard rock and heavy metal in the early to mid-seventies". They were listed in the 1975 Guinness Book of World Records as "the globe's loudest band" for a 1972 concert at London's Rainbow Theatre, and have sold over 100 million albums worldwide…

By early 1975, the flame was quickly fading out for the Ritchie Blackmore era of Deep Purple. Discontent with the overtly funk-based direction the group had recently embraced on such releases as Burn and Stormbringer, Blackmore's focus had shifted to launching a solo career. But the "Mark III" lineup of Purple certainly went out with a bang, as evidenced by the release of their last ever show together, Live in Paris 1975…

Deep Purple are an English rock band formed in Hertford in 1968. The band is considered to be among the pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock, although their musical approach changed over the years. Originally formed as a progressive rock band, the band shifted to a heavier sound in 1970. Deep Purple, together with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, have been referred to as the "unholy trinity of British hard rock and heavy metal in the early to mid-seventies". They were listed in the 1975 Guinness Book of World Records as "the globe's loudest band" for a 1972 concert at London's Rainbow Theatre, and have sold over 100 million albums worldwide…

In 1974, Deep Purple were proving detractors wrong who figured that the exit of both singer Ian Gillan and bassist Roger Glover a year earlier would lead the group into an artistic tailspin. But as it turned out, newcomers David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes were worthy replacements, who contributed significantly to two more Purple classics in a single-year span, Burn and Stormbringer. And the "new look Purple" was certainly capable of delivering the goods during their live performances that year, as evidenced by the 2011 archival release, Live in London 1974. Expectedly, the track listing is comprised of then-new tunes (a red hot, set-opening reading of Burn's title track, as well as "Might Just Take Your Life," etc.), plus classics ("Smoke on the Water," "Space Truckin'," etc.).

In 1974, Deep Purple were proving detractors wrong who figured that the exit of both singer Ian Gillan and bassist Roger Glover a year earlier would lead the group into an artistic tailspin. But as it turned out, newcomers David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes were worthy replacements, who contributed significantly to two more Purple classics in a single-year span, Burn and Stormbringer. And the "new look Purple" was certainly capable of delivering the goods during their live performances that year, as evidenced by the 2011 archival release, Live in London 1974. Expectedly, the track listing is comprised of then-new tunes (a red hot, set-opening reading of Burn's title track, as well as "Might Just Take Your Life," etc.), plus classics ("Smoke on the Water," "Space Truckin'," etc.).

Essential: a masterpiece of rock music
Burning up the charts
"Deepest Purple" is a fine introduction to the music of the legendary Deep Purple. While the tracks pretty much pick themselves, when complied in this format they represent a thoroughly enjoyable, and surprisingly accurate high level summary of the bands work.