Deep Purple

Simply one of the most important rock records of all time. Not only does every guitarist learn "Smoke On the Water" at some point, there are few moments in rock as jarringly, unspeakably great as Ian Gillian shrieking in "Space Truckin'." Then there's the rest of "Space Truckin'." And "Highway Star." And "Space Truckin'."

I just don't understand, as Ann-Margret once sang, why an exciting band like Deep Purple,
who consistently hit the top of the charts in Merrie Olde and have taken Europe by storm,
remain a comparatively unknown quantity to American audiences. Especially when said
audiences have wholeheartedly embraced bands with similar musical aims and not one
more ampere of excitement. It's a shame, but Deep Purple themselves are at leas... More >

"Smoke on the Water" is about a big fire in Montreux, obviously the most exciting thing to happen to these fellows since the London Symphony Orchestra. No jokes about who's getting burned, though--I approve of their speeding, and Ritchie Blackmore has copped some self-discipline as well as a few suspicious-sounding licks from his buddies in London. Personal to Paul Kantner: Check out "Space Truckin'." (Grade - B)