MUSIC

The first re-release of the second live album of the “Mark VIII” line-up by legendary British Hard Rock band.
The only difference in line-up is, unlike "Live At Montreux 1996", "Live at Montreux 2006 – They All Came Down To Montreux" includes Don Airey on keyboards instead of Jon Lord.
The band's association with Montreux goes back to the early seventies, when their attempt to record their album "Machine Head" at the Montreux Casino was thwarted when it promptly burnt down, forcing them to make the album in the rooms and corridors of the Grand Hotel instead. The story was, of course, immortalized in their classic song "Smoke On The Water". Few bands are more closely associated with Montreux than Deep Purple, and there was simply no other contender when it came to choosing the act to headline the closing night of the 40th Montreux Festival in 2006.
The album was recorded during 2006 Rapture Of The Deep Tour. The band duly delivered one of their finest live performances, sprinkling songs from their latest album "Rapture Of The Deep" through a set, chock-full of their classic tracks and, of course, a show-stopping performance of "Smoke On The Water".
Eagle Rock Entertainment Ltd./Sony Music Entertainment Czech Republic s.r.o., 2007/2009 (8869745570216). Made in Czech.


Tracklist:
1. Pictures Of Home 3:57
2. Things I Never Said 5:44
3. Strange Kind Of Woman 5:05
4. Rapture Of The Deep 5:16
5. Wrong Man 4:25
6. Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye 4:13
7. When A Blind Man Cries 3:33
8. Lazy 7:34
9. Keyboard Solo 4:58
10. Space Truckin' 4:54
11. Highway Star 8:42
12. Smoke On The Water 9:12
Total playing time: 67:26 min.

The sixth full-length studio album by legendary British Hard Rock band.
Deep Purple simply were the finest musicians around in the early 70s. The bands stable line up for this whole period revolves around three of the biggest musicians ever namely: Ian Paice, Jon Lord and Ritchie Blackmore. These guys could simply out play anyone around at the time. Roger Glover, although one of the bands more modest members was a fantastic bassist who has some truly memorable moments on this album, including a bass solo. Ian Gillan is frankly the most fun you’ll ever have with Rock vocals. His range is phenomenal. For many people, it's the first Metal album ever (in terms of performing, sound, and production). For others, it's a simple hybrid attempt of trying to look different. Nonetheless, the influence of this album in the development of Metal music is gigantic!
“Machine Head” gives you everything: catchy songs between powerful tunes. A total machine, able to do whatever you expect from it. It's so Metal and so traditional at the same time. A necessary masterpiece in your collection, no doubt about it!
180 gram heavyweight vinyl in gatefold cover includes fold-out poster.
Deep Purple (Overseas) Ltd./Universal International Music B.V., 1972/2015 (0600753635827 | 3635827). Made in the Netherlands. Pressed in Czech.


Tracklist:

Side 1
1. Highway Star 6:05    
2. Maybe I'm A Leo 4:51
3. Pictures Of Home 5:03
4. Never Before 3:56

Side 2
1. Smoke On The Water 5:40
2. Lazy 7:19
3. Space Truckin' 4:31

Total playing time: 37:25 min.

The sixth full-length studio album by legendary British Hard Rock band.
Deep Purple simply were the finest musicians around in the early 70s. The bands stable line up for this whole period revolves around three of the biggest musicians ever namely: Ian Paice, Jon Lord and Ritchie Blackmore. These guys could simply out play anyone around at the time. Roger Glover, although one of the bands more modest members was a fantastic bassist who has some truly memorable moments on this album, including a bass solo. Ian Gillan is frankly the most fun you’ll ever have with Rock vocals. His range is phenomenal. For many people, it's the first Metal album ever (in terms of performing, sound, and production). For others, it's a simple hybrid attempt of trying to look different. Nonetheless, the influence of this album in the development of Metal music is gigantic!
“Machine Head” gives you everything: catchy songs between powerful tunes. A total machine, able to do whatever you expect from it. It's so Metal and so traditional at the same time. A necessary masterpiece in your collection, no doubt about it!
The Gramophone Company Of India Ltd., EMI Group/Stateside, 1972 (TPSA 7504). Made in India. First press. Used (cover/disc): EX/VG+.


Tracklist:

Side One:
1. Highway Star
2. Maybe I'm A Leo 
3. Pictures Of Home
4. Never Before

Side Two:
5. Smoke On The Water   
6. Lazy
7. Space Truckin

Remastered re-release of the eleventh full-length studio album by the legendary British Hard Rock band.
It represents the first album for eleven years recorded by the reunited, the most successful and popular 'Mark II' line-up (Ritchie Blackmore and Roger Glover arrived from Rainbow, Ian Gillan from Black Sabbath, Jon Lord from Whitesnake, and Ian Paice from Gary Moore's backing band), the last being "Who Do We Think We Are" in 1973. It was the first Deep Purple studio album in nine years. It is one of the better examples of a reunion album, although the band's uneasy camaraderie only lasted a few more years.
Long before reunions became big-money pursuits, the key members of Deep Purple put aside differences that caused them to split in 1973 and, bowing not to financial concerns but public demand, reformed for their first album in 11 years and a subsequent blockbuster tour. While the record’s title cleverly acknowledges the long time the musicians spent apart, everything about the album confirms the inimitable blend of creative chemistry, crafty songwriting, and trademark skills shared by the five players.
All the hallmark traits from Deep Purple’s golden era (1970-1973) are on display throughout this platinum comeback affair, which has aged much better than most mid-80s efforts in terms of sound, performance, and content. At times mystical, aggressive, and dramatic, "Perfect Strangers" leaves a lasting impression courtesy of Ian Gillan’s leather-lunged vocal range, Roger Glover’s self-assured bass lines, Ian Paice’s titanium-tough drumming, and the trade-off soloing between the wizard-like, vibrato-emboldened guitar playing of Ritchie Blackmore and voodoo-casting organ spells of Jon Lord.
Compositions such as the hit “Knocking at Your Back Door,” hook-laden title track, and racing “A Gypsy’s Kiss” could be deemed products of a supergroup. Yet calling them so shortchanges the artistry, as the posturing asides and attention-getting episodes common to such projects aren’t here. "Perfect Strangers" is hard, heavy purity, the last album Deep Purple crafted of its kind and one that stands right up to the ensemble’s classic “Fireball” and “Machine Head”!
180 gram heavyweight vinyl with printed inner sleeve. Includes a voucher to download MP3 version of the album.
Deep Purple Overseas Ltd./Universal Music B.V./Polydor, 1984/2016 (0600753635872). Made in EU. Re-press.


Tracklist:

Side One
1. Knocking At Your Back Door 7:00
2. Under The Gun 4:35
3. Nobody's Home 3:55
4. Mean Streak 4:20

Side Two
1. Perfect Strangers 5:23
2. A Gypsy's Kiss 4:40
3. Wasted Sunsets 3:55
4. Hungry Daze 4:44

Total playing time: 38:32 min.

The eleventh full-length studio album by the legendary British Hard Rock band.
It represents the first album for eleven years recorded by the reunited, the most successful and popular 'Mark II' line-up (Ritchie Blackmore and Roger Glover arrived from Rainbow, Ian Gillan from Black Sabbath, Jon Lord from Whitesnake, and Ian Paice from Gary Moore's backing band), the last being "Who Do We Think We Are" in 1973. It was the first Deep Purple studio album in nine years. It is one of the better examples of a reunion album, although the band's uneasy camaraderie only lasted a few more years.
Long before reunions became big-money pursuits, the key members of Deep Purple put aside differences that caused them to split in 1973 and, bowing not to financial concerns but public demand, reformed for their first album in 11 years and a subsequent blockbuster tour. While the record’s title cleverly acknowledges the long time the musicians spent apart, everything about the album confirms the inimitable blend of creative chemistry, crafty songwriting, and trademark skills shared by the five players.
All the hallmark traits from Deep Purple’s golden era (1970-1973) are on display throughout this platinum comeback affair, which has aged much better than most mid-80s efforts in terms of sound, performance, and content. At times mystical, aggressive, and dramatic, "Perfect Strangers" leaves a lasting impression courtesy of Ian Gillan’s leather-lunged vocal range, Roger Glover’s self-assured bass lines, Ian Paice’s titanium-tough drumming, and the trade-off soloing between the wizard-like, vibrato-emboldened guitar playing of Ritchie Blackmore and voodoo-casting organ spells of Jon Lord.
Compositions such as the hit “Knocking at Your Back Door,” hook-laden title track, and racing “A Gypsy’s Kiss” could be deemed products of a supergroup. Yet calling them so shortchanges the artistry, as the posturing asides and attention-getting episodes common to such projects aren’t here. "Perfect Strangers" is hard, heavy purity, the last album Deep Purple crafted of its kind and one that stands right up to the ensemble’s classic “Fireball” and “Machine Head”!
Polygram Records, Inc./Thames Records, LTD, 1984 (823 777-1). Made in Holland. First press. Used (cover/disc): EX+/NM-.


Tracklist:

Side One
1. Knocking At Your Back Door 7:00
2. Under The Gun 4:35
3. Nobody's Home 3:55
4. Mean Streak 4:20

Side Two
1. Perfect Strangers 5:23
2. A Gypsy's Kiss 4:40
3. Wasted Sunsets 3:55
4. Hungry Daze 4:44

Total playing time: 38:32 min.

The eleventh full-length studio album by the legendary British Hard Rock band.
It represents the first album for eleven years recorded by the reunited, the most successful and popular 'Mark II' line-up (Ritchie Blackmore and Roger Glover arrived from Rainbow, Ian Gillan from Black Sabbath, Jon Lord from Whitesnake, and Ian Paice from Gary Moore's backing band), the last being "Who Do We Think We Are" in 1973. It was the first Deep Purple studio album in nine years. It is one of the better examples of a reunion album, although the band's uneasy camaraderie only lasted a few more years.
Long before reunions became big-money pursuits, the key members of Deep Purple put aside differences that caused them to split in 1973 and, bowing not to financial concerns but public demand, reformed for their first album in 11 years and a subsequent blockbuster tour. While the record’s title cleverly acknowledges the long time the musicians spent apart, everything about the album confirms the inimitable blend of creative chemistry, crafty songwriting, and trademark skills shared by the five players.
All the hallmark traits from Deep Purple’s golden era (1970-1973) are on display throughout this platinum comeback affair, which has aged much better than most mid-80s efforts in terms of sound, performance, and content. At times mystical, aggressive, and dramatic, "Perfect Strangers" leaves a lasting impression courtesy of Ian Gillan’s leather-lunged vocal range, Roger Glover’s self-assured bass lines, Ian Paice’s titanium-tough drumming, and the trade-off soloing between the wizard-like, vibrato-emboldened guitar playing of Ritchie Blackmore and voodoo-casting organ spells of Jon Lord.
Compositions such as the hit “Knocking at Your Back Door,” hook-laden title track, and racing “A Gypsy’s Kiss” could be deemed products of a supergroup. Yet calling them so shortchanges the artistry, as the posturing asides and attention-getting episodes common to such projects aren’t here. "Perfect Strangers" is hard, heavy purity, the last album Deep Purple crafted of its kind and one that stands right up to the ensemble’s classic “Fireball” and “Machine Head”!
Polydor/Polygram Records, Inc., 1984 (823 777-1). Made in Germany. First press.


Tracklist:

Side One
1. Knocking At Your Back Door 7:00
2. Under The Gun 4:35
3. Nobody's Home 3:55
4. Mean Streak 4:20

Side Two
1. Perfect Strangers 5:23
2. A Gypsy's Kiss 4:40
3. Wasted Sunsets 3:55
4. Hungry Daze 4:44

Total playing time: 38:32 min.

The first re-release of a compilation album by legendary British Hard Rock band.
All live tracks taken from “Come Hell Or High Water” live album.
BMG Entertainment International UK & Ireland/Sony Music Entertainment Czech Republic s.r.o., 1998/2011 (8869785475903). Made in Czech.


Tracklist:
1. Highway Star (Live) 6:48
2. The Battle Rages On 5:57
3. King Of Dreams 5:30
4. Speed King (Live) 7:36
5. The Aviator 5:20
6. Love Conquers All 3:47
7. Anya 6:35
8. Loosen My Strings 5:57
9. Solitaire 4:43
10. Child In Time (Live) 10:41
11. Smoke On The Water (Live) 9:50
Total playing time: 72:44 min.

“Rapture of the Deep” is the 18th studio album by Deep Purple, released in November 2005. It is currently the band's most recent studio album.
It is the fourth studio album from Deep Purple since Steve Morse joined the band in 1994. It is also the second album to feature veteran keyboardist Don Airey. The album was produced by Mike Bradford, who also produced the band's previous release “Bananas”. Like “Bananas”, the album was met with a generally positive response from critics and fans. “Rapture of the Deep” is Deep Purple's first release on Edel Records all over the world (with the exception of the USA where the record has been released by Edel long time partner label Eagle Records).
The album peaked on Billboard's USA "Top Independent Albums" Chart at position #43. It achieved considerable chart success in Europe, making the top 20 in several countries.
Edel Records, 2005 (0165542ERE). Made in Germany. First press.


Tracklist:
1.Money Talks 05:23
2.Wrong Man 04:53
3.Girls Like That 04:02
4.Rapture of the Deep 05:55
5.Clearly Quite Absurd 05:25
6.Don't Let Go 04:33
7.Back to Back 04:04
8.Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye 04:19
9.Junkyard Blues 05:33
10.Before Time Began 06:31

The eighth official re-release of the debut full-length studio album by legendary British Progressive/Psychedelic/Hard Rock band.
The band, initially called Roundabout, was the idea of former Searchers drummer Chris Curtis, who recruited Jon Lord and Ritchie Blackmore before leaving the project. The Mk. I line-up of the band was completed by vocalist/frontman Rod Evans, along with bassist Nick Simper and drummer Ian Paice, in March 1968.
After about two months of rehearsals, "Shades Of Deep Purple" was recorded in only three days in May 1968 and contains four original songs and four covers, thoroughly rearranged to include classical interludes and sound more psychedelic. Stylistically the music is close to Psychedelic Rock and Progressive Rock, two genres with an ever growing audience in the late 60s. The album was released in July 1968 on Tetragrammaton in the United States and in September 1968 on Parlophone in the United Kingdom. 
The usual perception of early Deep Purple is that it was a band with a lot of potential in search of a direction. And that might be true of their debut LP. From the opening bars of "And the Address," it's clear that they'd gotten down the fundamentals of Heavy Metal from day one, and at various points the Electricity and the Beat just surge forth in ways that were startlingly new in the summer of 1968. Ritchie Blackmore never sounded less at ease as a guitarist than he does on this album, and the sound mix doesn't exactly favor the heavier side of his playing, but the rhythm section of Nick Simper and Ian Paice rumble forward, and Jon Lord's organ flourishes, weaving classical riffs, and unexpected arabesques into "I'm So Glad", which sounds rather majestic here. "Hush" was the number that most people knew at the time, and it is a smooth, crunchy interpretation of the Joe South song. But nobody could have been disappointed with the rest of this record - one can even hear the very distant origins of "Smoke on the Water" in "Mandrake Root", once one gets past the similarities to Jimi Hendrix's "Foxy Lady"; by the song's extended finale, they sound more like the Nice. Their version of "Help" is one of the more interesting reinterpretations of a Beatles song, as a slow, rough-textured dirge. "Hey Joe" is a bit overblown, and the group clearly had to work a bit at both songwriting and their presentation, but one key attribute that runs through most of this record is a spirit of fun; these guys are obviously having the time of their lives rushing through their limited repertoire, and it's infectious to the listener; it gives this record much more of a '60s feel than we're accustomed to hearing from this band.
The album was not well received in the UK, where it sold very little and did not chart. In the US, on the other hand, it was a success and the single "Hush" became very popular at the time, reaching number 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The good sales of the album and the intense radio play of the single contributed largely to the attention Deep Purple would get in their early US tours and also during the 70s. Modern reviews of the album are generally positive and consider "Shades Of Deep Purple" an important piece in the history of Deep Purple.
HEC Enterprises/Parlophone Records Ltd., A Warner Music Group Company, 1968/2015 (PCSR 7055 | 0825646138357). Made in Germany. 


Tracklist:

Side One
1. And The Address 4:38
2. Hush 4:24
3. One More Rainy Day 3:40
4. Prelude-Happiness / I'm So Glad 7:19

Side Two
5. Mandrake Root 6:09
6. Help 6:01
7. Love Help Me 3:49
8. Hey Joe 7:33

Total playing time: 43:33 min.

The thirteenth full-length studio album by legendary British Hard Rock band.
"Slaves And Masters" was the definitely one of the most controversial and criticized albums of all time in the history of Deep Purple. This formation is known as Mark V, one of the many changes in the band's formation, more than their share of personnel changes over the years. In 1990, their lineup consisted of guitarist Ritchie Blackmore (who had returned to the Purple fold in 1984 after leaving the band to form Rainbow following the release of "Stormbringer" in November 1974), singer Joe Lynn Turner, keyboardist/organist Jon Lord, drummer Ian Paice, and bassist Roger Glover. This is the only Deep Purple album to feature former Rainbow lead vocalist Joe Lynn Turner, who had joined the previous year after the firing of Ian Gillan. Before hiring Turner, the band had considered singer Jimi Jamison of Survivor, but other obligations made him unavailable. Turner was still a member of the band when they began writing and recording their next album in 1992, but under duress from managers who were eyeing a 25th anniversary tour, Deep Purple ultimately decided to bring back Gillan to the line-up for their 1993 studio album "The Battle Rages On...". A handful of working tracks originally intended for the follow-up to "Slaves And Masters" would turn up on subsequent solo releases by Turner. "Too Much Is Not Enough" was re-recorded by Turner for his album "Hurry Up And Wait" (1998).
Longtime Purple followers continued to hope that Blackmore (who made promising contributions to the sound of 1984's reunion LP "Perfect Strangers") would help the band to reclaim the Metal throne, but "Slaves And Masters" was hardly the album to further the cause. The songwriting is weak and pedestrian, and most of the time, the once-mighty Purple (who were at least 16 years past their prime) sound like a generic Foreigner wannabe. The album dramatically sold below expectations, as compared to Deep Purple's previous album, "The House Of Blue Light" with Gillan, which charted at No. 34 in the US.VDespite underwhelming album sales, Deep Purple had a relatively successful tour in support of "Slaves And Masters" in 1991, especially for the band's European leg.
Technically the band stands together and makes a good performance but this album doesn't contain any of the elements that made Deep Purple famous throughout the world. Most tracks are about love with a mix of Whitesnake and 80's Rainbow, the only songs that are actually Hard Rock oriented are "Breakfast In Bed", "Fire In The Basement", and "Wicked Ways" which are the best on the album. Lyrically the album is good; Ritchie, Joe, Roger and the others are great songwriters and they kept their usual performance in this area. The best thing on the album is the production, thanks to Roger Glover - he works not only for bass but also for production, definitely he is one of the greatest artists in the music industry.
All in all, what puts this album in the bottom of the band's discography is the concept, the fact that they composed something that was so usual to hear in the 80's. Nowadays, none of the songs in this album are in the setlist of the band for live shows. It's definitely a consequence of the failure this album was, even the band knows the level this album is at compared with other classics. "Slaves And Masters" is not a a complete disaster, but it's definitely the worst album the band ever made. Although it had a relatively successful tour in 1991, it was way too melodic for the Hard Rock fans of Deep Purple.
Following its release, "Slaves And Masters" peaked at No. 87 on the US Billboard 200 chart.
RCA/ BMG Music, 1990 (74321 18719 2). Made in Germany.


Tracklist:
1. King Of Dreams 5:30 
2. The Cut Runs Deep 5:42 
3. Fire In The Basement 4:43 
4. Truth Hurts 5:14 
5. Breakfast In Bed 5:16 
6. Love Conquers All 3:47 
7. Fortuneteller 5:45 
8. Too Much Is Not Enough 4:19 
9. Wicked Ways 6:35
Total playing time: 46:51 min.

The thirteenth full-length studio album by legendary British Hard Rock band.
"Slaves And Masters" was the definitely one of the most controversial and criticized albums of all time in the history of Deep Purple. This formation is known as Mark V, one of the many changes in the band's formation, more than their share of personnel changes over the years. In 1990, their lineup consisted of guitarist Ritchie Blackmore (who had returned to the Purple fold in 1984 after leaving the band to form Rainbow following the release of "Stormbringer" in November 1974), singer Joe Lynn Turner, keyboardist/organist Jon Lord, drummer Ian Paice, and bassist Roger Glover. This is the only Deep Purple album to feature former Rainbow lead vocalist Joe Lynn Turner, who had joined the previous year after the firing of Ian Gillan. Before hiring Turner, the band had considered singer Jimi Jamison of Survivor, but other obligations made him unavailable. Turner was still a member of the band when they began writing and recording their next album in 1992, but under duress from managers who were eyeing a 25th anniversary tour, Deep Purple ultimately decided to bring back Gillan to the line-up for their 1993 studio album "The Battle Rages On...". A handful of working tracks originally intended for the follow-up to "Slaves And Masters" would turn up on subsequent solo releases by Turner. "Too Much Is Not Enough" was re-recorded by Turner for his album "Hurry Up And Wait" (1998).
Longtime Purple followers continued to hope that Blackmore (who made promising contributions to the sound of 1984's reunion LP "Perfect Strangers") would help the band to reclaim the Metal throne, but "Slaves And Masters" was hardly the album to further the cause. The songwriting is weak and pedestrian, and most of the time, the once-mighty Purple (who were at least 16 years past their prime) sound like a generic Foreigner wannabe. The album dramatically sold below expectations, as compared to Deep Purple's previous album, "The House Of Blue Light" with Gillan, which charted at No. 34 in the US.VDespite underwhelming album sales, Deep Purple had a relatively successful tour in support of "Slaves And Masters" in 1991, especially for the band's European leg.
Technically the band stands together and makes a good performance but this album doesn't contain any of the elements that made Deep Purple famous throughout the world. Most tracks are about love with a mix of Whitesnake and 80's Rainbow, the only songs that are actually Hard Rock oriented are "Breakfast In Bed", "Fire In The Basement", and "Wicked Ways" which are the best on the album. Lyrically the album is good; Ritchie, Joe, Roger and the others are great songwriters and they kept their usual performance in this area. The best thing on the album is the production, thanks to Roger Glover - he works not only for bass but also for production, definitely he is one of the greatest artists in the music industry.
All in all, what puts this album in the bottom of the band's discography is the concept, the fact that they composed something that was so usual to hear in the 80's. Nowadays, none of the songs in this album are in the setlist of the band for live shows. It's definitely a consequence of the failure this album was, even the band knows the level this album is at compared with other classics. "Slaves And Masters" is not a a complete disaster, but it's definitely the worst album the band ever made. Although it had a relatively successful tour in 1991, it was way too melodic for the Hard Rock fans of Deep Purple.
Following its release, "Slaves And Masters" peaked at No. 87 on the US Billboard 200 chart.
RCA/Mega International Records/Balkanton, 1990 (BTA 12718 / PL90535). Made in Bulgaria. First press. Used (cover/disc): NM/EX-.


Tracklist:

Side A
1. King Of Dreams 5:30
2. The Cut Runs Deep 5:42
3. Fire In The Basement    4:43
4. Fortuneteller 5:45

Side B
5. Truth Hurts 5:14
6. Love Conquers All 3:47
7. Breakfast In Bed 5:16
8. Too Much Is Not Enough 4:19
9. Wicked Ways 6:35

Total playing time: 46:51 min.

Compilation album by legendary British Hard Rock band.
Rare unofficial Soviet compilation.
Picture sleeve with text in Russian and English.
Melodiya, 1990 (C60 26033 007). Unofficial release. Made in USSR. Used (cover/disc): EX/NM.
 

Tracklist:

Side 1
1. Black Night 3:25
2. Fireball 3:21
3. Space Truckin' 4:29
4. Child In Time 10:14

Side 2
1. Strange Kind Of Woman 3:47
2. Speed King 4:57
3. Highway Star 6:04
4. Smoke On Water 5:37

Total playing time: 41:54 min.

AnTrop, 1992 (П91 00127). Made in Russia.

 
Tracklist:

Side A:
1. Stormbringer    4:07
2. Love Don't Mean A Thing    4:24
3. Holy Man    4:30
4. Hold On    5:06
    
Side B:   
5. Lady Double Dealer    3:22
6. You Can't Do It Right    3:24
7. Highball Shooter    4:27
8. The Gypsy    4:03
9. Soldier Of Fortune    3:13
    
Total playing time: 36:36 min.

The fourteenth full-length studio album by legendary British Hard Rock band.
Released in 1993, it's the last album recorded with the band's classic MK II line-up, which reunited for a second time (the first reunion being for 1984's "Perfect Strangers"). 
Personality clashes are as much a part of Deep Purple as Ritchie Blackmore's penchant for black clothing. A revolving door of members resulted in different lineups being given their own labels. The most popular version of Purple has always been the Mark II model: Ian Gillan, Ritchie Blackmore, Jon Lord, Roger Glover, and Ian Paice. This particular quintet has gotten together and had members leave in each of the past three decades, and "The Battle Rages On..." was that lineup's contribution to the '90s. Following a brief stint where former Rainbow vocalist Joe Lynn Turner sang lead for Purple on the prior "Slaves And Masters", Gillan returned for another go-round in 1993. Even though Mike DiMeo was initially chosen as the singer for the album after Joe Lynn Turner was fired, Ian Gillan eventually returned to the band in late 1992 and had to rework much of the material already existing for it, which had been intended for Joe Lynn Turner and DiMeo. After his firing, Turner would admit Ritchie Blackmore referred to the album as "The cattle grazes on". Blackmore became infuriated at the non-melodic elements and quit mid tour after the show of 17 November in Helsinki, Finland. American guitarist Joe Satriani joined Deep Purple as a temporary replacement for the duration of the tour. A handful of working tracks written during "The Battle Rages On..." sessions would turn up on subsequent solo releases by Turner, under different titles.
Personal differences aside, "The Battle Rages On..." picks up on the kind of chemistry that made albums like "Machine Head" and "Perfect Strangers" classics. Three decades on, Blackmore's range on guitar is still impressive as he goes from playing with an arrogant swagger on "One Man's Meat" to a fleet-fingered flamenco intro that kicks off the epic "Anya". Elsewhere, "A Twist in the Tale" plays out with the same kind of intensity as "Highway Star", while the hard-driving title track proved to be prophetic as Blackmore departed the band...
This album is as much a victim of the year it was released in as it was in being associated with the breakup of the band. It comes recommended to fans of Classic Rock and early 70s Metal, but fans of post-Ozzy Sabbath are also encouraged to check this one out. Don’t let the lack of interest fool you, there is some quality material on here!!
RCA/BMG International, 1993 (74321 15420 2). Made in Germany. Pressed in Austria. Re-press.


Tracklist:
1. The Battle Rages On 5:57
2. Lick It Up 4:00
3. Anya 6:32
4. Talk About Love 4:07
5. Time To Kill 5:51
6. Ramshackle Man 5:34
7. A Twist In The Tale 4:17
8. Nasty Piece Of Work 4:36
9. Solitaire 4:42
10. One Man's Meat 4:38
Total playing time: 50:19 min.

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The twelfth full-length studio album by the legendary British Hard Rock band.
It’s the second recording by the re-formed Mark II line-up, considered as classic: Ian Gillan - vocals, congas, harmonica; Ritchie Blackmore - guitar; Roger Glover - bass, synthesizer; Jon Lord - organ, keyboards; Ian Paice - drums.
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. This album showed Deep Purple searching for an 80s-flavored hit single, and by doing so, sounding similar to guitarist Ritchie Blackmore's other band, Rainbow.
Of the seventies Hard Rock dinosaurs that still roam the Earth, Deep Purple is one of the few with any credibility left in its crunch. "The House of Blue Light" is certainly a marked improvement over their lukewarm '84 comeback, "Perfect Strangers", and is as good as this band has ever been since its "Smoke On The Water" salad days.
"Bad Attitude" opens the album with five minutes of vintage "Machine Head" sludge - Ian Paice's thunder sticks calling the proceedings to order with a rigid goose-step beat, Ian Gillan raping his tonsils with the vigor of yesteryear. And "Mad Dog" is basically an '87-model "Highway Star," high-speed Metal fortified with Jon Lord's lusty Hammondorgan sound and the brass-knuckle guitar of Ritchie Blackmore.
The band has spiked its old hammer-and-anvil sound with a little future tech here and there: "The Unwritten Law" features subtly deployed electro-hand-claps and percolating sequencer amid its clenched-fist chorus and Blackmore's loco fretwork. But it's only when Purple turns on the retro-charm full blast that "The House Of Blue Light" really goes up in flames. "Hard Lovin' Woman" and "Dead or Alive" are both body-slam rockers in the old blitzkrieg spirit of "Speed King" and "Fireball", while Paice's sledgehammer-of-the-gods drumming and Blackmore's punch-your-lights-out chords keep "Call of the Wild", with its atypically Poppy hook, from turning into neo-Boston fluff.
"Strangeways" and a notable lack throughout the album of classic Blackmore psycho-chicken-scratch soloing, "The House Of Blue Light" is a surprisingly strong return from the tar pits. There's no "Smoke On The Water" here, but Deep Purple still has a pretty good fire going down below!
PolyGram Records, Inc. / Mercury, 1987 (LPR 16595 | 831 318 1). Made in the USA. First press. OIS. Used (cover/disc): NM (still in seal)/EX+.


Tracklist:

Side A
1. Bad Attitude 4:43
2. The Unwritten Law 4:35
3. Call Of The Wild 4:40
4. Mad Dog 4:51
5. Black & White 3:44

Side B
1. Hard Lovin' Woman 3:23
2. The Spanish Archer 4:57
3. Strangeways 5:55
4. Mitzi Dupree 5:02
5. Dead Or Alive 4:44

Total playing time: 46:34 min.

Remastered re-release of the seventh full-length studio album by the legendary British Hard Rock band.
Deep Purple's last album with singer Ian Gillan and bassist Roger Glover until "Perfect Strangers" came out in 1984.
Musically, the record showed a move to a more Blues based sound, even featuring scat singing. Although its production and the band's behavior after its release showed the band in turmoil, with frontman Gillan remarking that "we'd all had major illnesses" and felt considerable fatigue, the album was a commercial success.
The album featured the energetic Hard Rock single "Woman from Tokyo" (is about touring Japan for the first time), which has been performed on several tours by the band over the years. Despite massive sales, the group disintegrated among much infighting between band members as well as conflicts with their managers. The album's line-up would end after a final concert in Osaka, Japan on 29 June 1973.
Deep Purple became the US's top selling artist of calendar year 1973. 
Fans bought the album in record numbers. In the US, for example, it sold half a million copies in its first three months, achieving a Gold record award faster than any Deep Purple album released up to that time. The album hit number 4 in the UK charts and number 15 in the US charts. 
In 2000, "Who Do We Think We Are" was remastered and re-released with bonus tracks. The last bonus track is a lengthy instrumental jam called "First Day Jam”, which features Ritchie Blackmore on bass (Roger Glover, the band's usual bassist, was absent - allegedly lost in traffic).
Deep Purple (Overseas) Ltd./EMI Records Ltd., 1973/2000/2014 (7243 5 21607 2 3). Made in EU.


Tracklist:
1. Woman From Tokyo 5:51
2. Mary Long 4:26
3. Super Trouper 2:56
4. Smooth Dancer 4:14
5. Rat Bat Blue 5:26
6. Place In Line 6:31
7. Our Lady 5:20
Bonus tracks:
8. Woman From Tokyo ('99 Remix) 6:37
9. Woman From Tokyo (Alt. Bridge) 1:26
10. Painted Horse (Studio Out - Take) 5:21
11. Our Lady ('99 Remix) 6:06
12. Rat Bat Blue (Writing Session) 0:56
13. Rat Bat Blue ('99 Remix) 5:49
14. First Day Jam (Intrumental) 11:26
Total playing time: 72:25 min.

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The seventh full-length studio album by legendary British Hard Rock band.
Deep Purple's last album with singer Ian Gillan and bassist Roger Glover until "Perfect Strangers" came out in 1984.
Musically, the record showed a move to a more Blues based sound, even featuring scat singing. Although its production and the band's behavior after its release showed the band in turmoil, with frontman Gillan remarking that "we'd all had major illnesses" and felt considerable fatigue, the album was a commercial success.
The album featured the energetic Hard Rock single "Woman from Tokyo" (is about touring Japan for the first time), which has been performed on several tours by the band over the years. Despite massive sales, the group disintegrated among much infighting between band members as well as conflicts with their managers. The album's line-up would end after a final concert in Osaka, Japan on 29 June 1973.
Deep Purple became the US's top selling artist of calendar year 1973. 
Fans bought the album in record numbers. In the US, for example, it sold half a million copies in its first three months, achieving a Gold record award faster than any Deep Purple album released up to that time. The album hit number 4 in the UK charts and number 15 in the US charts.
Warner Bros. Records Inc./WEA Music Of Canada, Ltd., 1973 (BS 2678). Made in Canada. First press. Used (cover/disc): EX/EX+.


Tracklist:

Side 1
1. Woman From Tokyo 5:50
2. Mary Long 4:25
3. Super Trouper 2:56
4. Smooth Dancer 4:10


Side 2
1. Rat Bat Blue 5:23
2. Place In Line 6:31
3. Our Lady 5:12

The sixth full-length album by legendary British Melodic Alternative/Hard Rock band.
The album marked a musical departure from their signature sound. After the lackluster performance of "Adrenalize", Def Leppard realized it was time to abandon their trademark wall-of-guitars sound. Jettisoning producer Mutt Lange - who, admittedly, was busy producing his wife, country singer Shania Twain - the group stripped its sound to the basics for "Slang". There are very few layers-of-guitar effects on the album, just straight, crunching chords. Most notably, Rick Allen has returned to playing acoustic drums after playing an electronic kit for nearly a decade. The change in approach is apparent and welcome - Def Leppard hasn't sounded so immediate since "Pyromania". Furthermore, they decided to expand their musical vocabulary slightly, working elements of R&B and Funk into the rhythms. Not all of the experiments work, but Def Leppard sound revitalized, particularly when they attack a straightforward rocker. "Slang" would have been even better if they had come up with a set of hooks that sounded as alive as their performance, but the album is a much-needed return to form for the band.
"Slang" is the first album with new material to feature new guitarist Vivian Campbell (Campbell had previously played on B-side collection "Retro Active" in 1993 and on the new song on "Vault" compialtion a year earlier). It charted at #14 on The Billboard 200[6] and #5 on the UK Albums Chart. It is also the only Def Leppard album that does not feature their recognisable logo on the album cover.
Bludgeon Riffola/Mercury Records Ltd. (London), 1996 (532 486-2). Made in Germany. First press.


Tracklist:
1. Truth 3:01
2. Turn To Dust 4:22
3. Slang 2:38
4. All I Want Is Everything 5:20
5. Work It Out 4:50
6. Breath A Sigh 4:07
7. Deliver Me 3:04
8. Gift Of Flesh 3:48
9. Blood Runs Cold 4:27
10. Where Does Love Go When It Dies 4:05
11. Pearl Of Euphoria 6:20
Total playing time: 46:02

The second full-length studio album by legendary British Melodic Hard Rock band.
Def Leppard's second album continues in the vein of the anthemic, working-class Hard Rock of their debut. While still opting for a controlled musical attack and melodies as big-sounding and stadium-ready as possible, the band opens up its arrangements a bit more on "High 'n' Dry", letting the songs breathe and groove, while the rhythm section and guitar riffs play off one another. MTV helped break the album in the U.S. with its heavy rotation of the video for the unabashedly dramatic Rock ballad "Bringin' on the Heartbreak".
It was the last Pete Willis' full-time album with Def Leppard.
The album charted at No. 38 on the Billboard 200 and No. 26 on the UK Albums Chart. "High 'n' Dry (Saturday Night)", ranked No. 33 on VH1's 40 Greatest Metal Songs. Following the success of "Pyromania", the album re-entered in the US chart and reached No. 72 in 1983.
Tracks 11 & 12 are bonus tracks, remixed* in February 1984.
PolyGram Records/Phonogram Ltd./Mercury, 1981/1984/1994 (818 836-2 Y-1). Made in the EU. Repress.


Tracklist:
1. Let It Go 4:43
2. Another Hit And Run 4:59
3. High 'n' Dry (Saturday Night) 3:27
4. Bringin' On The Heartbreak 4:34
5. Switch 625 3:03
6. You Got Me Runnin' 4:23
7. Lady Strange    4:39
8. On Through The Night    5:06
9. Mirror, Mirror (Look Into My Eyes) 4:08
10. No No No 3:13
11. Bringin’ On The Heartbreak (Remix)* 4:33
12. Me & My Wine (Remix)* 3:40
Total playing time: 50:28 min.

The second full-length studio album by legendary British Melodic Hard Rock band.
Def Leppard's second album continues in the vein of the anthemic, working-class Hard Rock of their debut. While still opting for a controlled musical attack and melodies as big-sounding and stadium-ready as possible, the band opens up its arrangements a bit more on "High 'n' Dry", letting the songs breathe and groove, while the rhythm section and guitar riffs play off one another. MTV helped break the album in the U.S. with its heavy rotation of the video for the unabashedly dramatic Rock ballad "Bringin' on the Heartbreak".
It was the last Pete Willis' full-time album with Def Leppard.
The album charted at No. 38 on the Billboard 200 and No. 26 on the UK Albums Chart. "High 'n' Dry (Saturday Night)", ranked No. 33 on VH1's 40 Greatest Metal Songs. Following the success of "Pyromania", the album re-entered in the US chart and reached No. 72 in 1983.
Mercury/Phonogram Ltd., 1981 (6359 045). Made in Germany. First press. Used (cover/disc): NM-/NM.


Tracklist:

Side 1
1. Let It Go 4:43
2. Another Hit And Run 4:59
3. High 'n' Dry (Saturday Night) 3:25
4. Bringin' On The Heartbreak 4:33
5. Switch 625 3:03

Side 2
6. You Got Me Runnin' 4:22
7. Lady Strange    4:40
8. On Through The Night    5:06
9. Mirror, Mirror (Look Into My Eyes) 4:07
10. No No No 3:05

Total playing time: 42:03 min.