Posted by Nick on Sunday, July 31st, 2022,
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It’s very hard to choose between In Rock and Machine Head as the best DP albums.
For me I still choose In Rock and it’s purely because Ian Gillan was untouchable and in a league of his own and No one on Earth can sing these songs in that way. It’s just a freak of nature.
Peace ✌️
Choosing between In Rock and Machine Head depends on what you enjoy and value more. As was noted in an earlier post, MH probably has better written songs – Highway Star, Smoke, Space Truckin, Lazy are stalwart numbers of the DP canon, and the production overall is a bit smoother and refined. IR (to my ears anyway) is more spontaneous, has a tad more raw energy, and the solos are a bit more improvisatory. Yes, Gillan’s voice jumps out at you on IR, but he also is phenomenal on MH. When pushed against the wall, I vote for In Rock, due to its freshness and musicianship. But you can argue it either way. And, by the way, to me, Made in Japan is the ultimate Purple album.
For decades choosing between In Rock & Machine Head has been such a toss up that on any given day if you ask me to name my favorite album then my answer is the one of the two that I just listened to.
Listing a live or greatest hits album as the best is a bit of a cheat. There was a period of time when I listened to their live albums more than the studio albums but that flipped when Roger’s remastered versions came out.
I choose MH for melody though IR was rock-historically the more groundbreaking album and forged the recipe for the Purple sound. But MH is just more tuneful and catchy, even the least melodic songs on MH (there aren’t any really) are still more tuneful than the most melodic songs on IR, the verses of Child in Time excepted. MH is also much better produced and arranged (by then Purple had it down pat how to arrange songs in the studio to make them transferable to the live stage – that is the true reason why MH songs are still overrepresented in Purple’s live act today – they just work live and always have).
But IR was the right album at the right time, the iconic cover and the way the music exploded from your turntable with relentless energy. It was also a dark and moody record with an “angry young men”-attitude which befitted the times, it was rightly referred to as “underground” when it came out.
In contrast, MH (recorded only two years later) was a well-honed product by five established musicians who already knew they were on the verge of making it very big and that nothing could stop them now. But what an excellent product it was!!! Purple at the height of their skills. This review kind of sums the album up for me:
In Rock vs. Machine Head: depends on one’s mood, eh? It’s like comparing french toast to ice cream. You can’t go wrong either way. Speaking of which, someone might as well kick the beehive over – so I’ll do it right now. Is Ritchie coming back to Purple?! There, I said it. If DP is truly winding down, no reason not to bury the hatchets, make a mint on a reunion album and parachute into retirement with a bankload of money, right? I know it’s just a crazy dream, absolutely impossible – or is it?
Dr. Bob @5, I partially agree and partially disagree with you. Listing a greatest hits album as your favorite album- yes, that’s a cheat. But for a group who were/are as great live as Purple (in this case, MK II), a live album is designed to showcase that ability. The fact that they play previously released material is not the point – although I personally think Made in Japan’s versions of Highway Star and Smoke on the Water blow the studio versions away. What I love about MIJ is the fabulous musicianship, improvisational virtuosity and the kinetic excitement. Yes, DP had terrific hard rock songwriting chops, as evidenced by In Rock and Machine Head. But what sets them apart from many other groups is their excellence as a live band, which MIJ displays in spades. Jon said on numerous occasions that they were “on fire” during those gigs. I totally agree.
To me In Rock is the ‘heavy’ album but to my ears it sounds a bit dated whilst ‘Machine Head’ still sounds fresh and energetic and dare i say to me it is the bands ‘pop’ album.
But that are both great albums and i also have a weakness for WDWTWA.
The songs and production of In Rock are not as polished as Machine Head, but that’s exactly what I love about it. Ritchie’s guitar has such an edge to it, as does Jon’s keys. The intro to Speed King really grabs your attention and that intensity never lets up. If I had to choose an album that most represents Purple (to me of course), then that would be it.
“To me In Rock is the ‘heavy’ album but to my ears it sounds a bit dated whilst ‘Machine Head’ still sounds fresh and energetic and dare i say to me it is the bands ‘pop’ album.”
Amen, St. Steven! And I’ve always liked pop as well.
And St. Andy is just as right: “… and that intensity never lets up …”.
Indeed it doesen’t: In Rock is a pummeling on the senses and I was a glutton for punishment.
But there really isn’t a bad Mk II album from the 70ies: In Rock is ferocious and determined, Fireball interesting and varied (deemed mostly unperformable at the time, isn’t it ironic that by now every song on that album has seen a deft live version by Mk VI, VII and VIII?), Machine Head hi-gloss and supremely crafted and Who Do We Think We Are has a luster of “been there, done that” world-weariness and the slightly decadent, yet exquisite attitude to do as you please.
@ 7 – James, as much as I enjoy your ‘stirring the cauldron’ are you masquerading as a tabloid journalist, he he he! If not maybe you should, that comment would surely conjure up a few thousand or more sales, even if only for one edition surely it could work. Myself I agree, bring it on. Cheers.
In theory we would all like our favourite artists to lift to another level when performing live. That really is what it is all about. So a good live recording (as long as it has NOT been studio enhanced), is usually a wonderful thing to behold. Second to actually being at the concert of course. Made in Japan is the pinnacle of certain songs performed at a live concert or two & not tampered with apparently, a rare gem me thinks. However I do not compare a live performance to a studio album in the sense of it being a better record or not. They are two totally different beasts. Cheers.
Based on the four Reunionbow shows I saw, Ritchie would need a six-month rock gig endurance and energy regimen with his own drill sergeant before being able to return to the mothership for a good final show or mini-tour. I am not joking and you may all stone (cold) me now. I doubt that he would be willing to invest the time, even if everything else did not pose a problem. After 30 years of BN gigs, he simply lacks rock practice (like anyone in his situation would), Deep Purple isn’t Pink Floyd.
But hell, of course I would travel around the world to be there. But reunion shows can be a bittersweet thing, I saw Quo with Lancaster and Coghlan twice when they did the Frantic Four (FF) shows .. It was heart-warming, but you could also hear and see that
– Lancaster due to his MS affliction was a pale shadow of his legendary energy as a bassist (he sang fine, but Quo without his throbbing bass is a car running on three cylinders),
– Rossi’s heart wasn’t in it, he was frankly bemused by the adulation for the classic line-up and the rest of the time visibly concerned whether Lancaster and Coghlan would hold up,
– Coghlan had endurance issues and
– the weight of the FF reunion shows lay on Rick Parfitt and Rick Parfitt’s shoulders alone, who did an admirable job in the rhythm guitar engine room and was also greatly enjoying himself. He saved those gigs by sheer commitment.
James @7
To be honest I don’t think IG and RB can be together on the same stage without Candice singing in the background.
I like to keep it all in the family.
Peace ✌️
Andy @21, I’ve diligently reviewed your proposal for a family reunion:
DC – Aunt Daisy sadly lost her voice, but sends her regards: ‘ere’s a greeting card for ya !!!
Glenn – Nobody invites Auntie Hughes to family get-togethers anymore, she needs too much space and certain family members feel overwhelmed by the prospect.
JLT – Much the same applies for Auntie Joelene who, in addition, is from New Jersey, nuff said.
Steve – … has other things to attend to right now, bless him and his wife.
Nick – All the others are (rightfully so) scared that at any meeting the ole warhorse will break their noses first for not getting his hoofs into the RRHoF.
Rod – A fine choice. Both Tommy and Jon have selflessly agreed to join and perform for free if Doctor Rod makes an appearance. He will be dancing madly backwards on a sea of air during intermissions.
Ritchie – Carole, his mum-in-law and career manager, has – without prejudice! – sent a first 60-page provisional proposal/letter of intent to the current Purple management setting out her client’s more reasonable and basic demands (e.g. continuous replenishment of water cups on stage during all gigs, plentiful Italian pasta with tomato sauce backstage). It is being worked through as I write! Negotiations with Mr Ian Gillan, who shall be required to wear court jester garments during all to-be-agreed stage presences of Mr Blackmore, continue.
Uwe Hornung@23
Well said and very truthful and factual.
Plz save it so you do not have to write all this again when someone asks about future family reunion 😂
BTW no one should forget to invite Joe Satriani to the party as well 😁
Peace ✌️
Can anybody explain to me whats wrong with New Jersey? I ve got relatives there.
Through the years watching movies more than once NJ was belittled somehow.
After 45 years following the band I d not really know what to choose for a desert island package.
O k, I ll play along. In Rock, MIJ, BURN, CTB , PS.
Can I throw in Concerto 69 plus what DP did that day?
Whats the story again about NOT filming thatpart? Grrrrrrrr
RV @25: Nothing wrong with NJ or your relatives living there, making fun of New Jersey for no real reason is just a running joke – I like the Garden State!
It probably has to do with the fact that NYC inhabitants regard every one as backward who doesn’t live in their boroughs (and people from Manhattan don’t even accept the other four broroughs as equal), be it “Upstate New York” or New Jersey. Sniffy urbanites exist everywhere, and it’s ok as long as it’s good-natured. Everyone living in the country thinks their arrogant and have no manners in retaliation. That applies for Berlin, Paris, London, Rome and Moscow just as well.
New Jersey has been the home of so much great music, not just usual suspects like Springsteen, Southside Johnny, Dr Hook & the Medicine Show or Bon Jovi, but also my local favorites here (an inspiration for Bon Jovi btw):
Never heard my cousin say I did pronounce it wrong but what does he know? He doesnt speak DUTCH anymore and thinks I m more eloquent in English than most of his neighbours!
He is that kinda guy who loves to put parafernalia on/in the house from the old country, even did put a FEYENOORD tattoo on his arm. Hell, I live in Rotterdam and dont even care for football/soccer.
Amsterdam has that mentioned attitude about everything whats not Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is a great city but the dynamics in my city are bewildering sometimes.
I do nurture a love/hate relationship with my city though.
![[hand]](/hs-pics/portraits/hands/gillan7.jpg)
![[face]](/hs-pics/portraits/faces/mcbride5.jpg)
Unauthorized copying, while sometimes necessary, is never as good as the real thing
Ritchie said he got the idea for the Space Truckin’ groove from the theme song for the original Batman TV series with Adam West.
August 1st, 2022 at 00:07It’s very hard to choose between In Rock and Machine Head as the best DP albums.
August 1st, 2022 at 06:02For me I still choose In Rock and it’s purely because Ian Gillan was untouchable and in a league of his own and No one on Earth can sing these songs in that way. It’s just a freak of nature.
Peace ✌️
Doug is cool!!!!! check out Stargazer & Sign of the Southern Cross fun stuff!😁.
August 1st, 2022 at 12:18Choosing between In Rock and Machine Head depends on what you enjoy and value more. As was noted in an earlier post, MH probably has better written songs – Highway Star, Smoke, Space Truckin, Lazy are stalwart numbers of the DP canon, and the production overall is a bit smoother and refined. IR (to my ears anyway) is more spontaneous, has a tad more raw energy, and the solos are a bit more improvisatory. Yes, Gillan’s voice jumps out at you on IR, but he also is phenomenal on MH. When pushed against the wall, I vote for In Rock, due to its freshness and musicianship. But you can argue it either way. And, by the way, to me, Made in Japan is the ultimate Purple album.
August 1st, 2022 at 13:28For decades choosing between In Rock & Machine Head has been such a toss up that on any given day if you ask me to name my favorite album then my answer is the one of the two that I just listened to.
Listing a live or greatest hits album as the best is a bit of a cheat. There was a period of time when I listened to their live albums more than the studio albums but that flipped when Roger’s remastered versions came out.
August 1st, 2022 at 19:45I choose MH for melody though IR was rock-historically the more groundbreaking album and forged the recipe for the Purple sound. But MH is just more tuneful and catchy, even the least melodic songs on MH (there aren’t any really) are still more tuneful than the most melodic songs on IR, the verses of Child in Time excepted. MH is also much better produced and arranged (by then Purple had it down pat how to arrange songs in the studio to make them transferable to the live stage – that is the true reason why MH songs are still overrepresented in Purple’s live act today – they just work live and always have).
But IR was the right album at the right time, the iconic cover and the way the music exploded from your turntable with relentless energy. It was also a dark and moody record with an “angry young men”-attitude which befitted the times, it was rightly referred to as “underground” when it came out.
In contrast, MH (recorded only two years later) was a well-honed product by five established musicians who already knew they were on the verge of making it very big and that nothing could stop them now. But what an excellent product it was!!! Purple at the height of their skills. This review kind of sums the album up for me:
https://bestclassicbands.com/deep-purple-machine-head-review-4-9-20/
August 1st, 2022 at 23:10In Rock vs. Machine Head: depends on one’s mood, eh? It’s like comparing french toast to ice cream. You can’t go wrong either way. Speaking of which, someone might as well kick the beehive over – so I’ll do it right now. Is Ritchie coming back to Purple?! There, I said it. If DP is truly winding down, no reason not to bury the hatchets, make a mint on a reunion album and parachute into retirement with a bankload of money, right? I know it’s just a crazy dream, absolutely impossible – or is it?
August 2nd, 2022 at 01:33Dr. Bob @5, I partially agree and partially disagree with you. Listing a greatest hits album as your favorite album- yes, that’s a cheat. But for a group who were/are as great live as Purple (in this case, MK II), a live album is designed to showcase that ability. The fact that they play previously released material is not the point – although I personally think Made in Japan’s versions of Highway Star and Smoke on the Water blow the studio versions away. What I love about MIJ is the fabulous musicianship, improvisational virtuosity and the kinetic excitement. Yes, DP had terrific hard rock songwriting chops, as evidenced by In Rock and Machine Head. But what sets them apart from many other groups is their excellence as a live band, which MIJ displays in spades. Jon said on numerous occasions that they were “on fire” during those gigs. I totally agree.
August 2nd, 2022 at 02:15To me In Rock is the ‘heavy’ album but to my ears it sounds a bit dated whilst ‘Machine Head’ still sounds fresh and energetic and dare i say to me it is the bands ‘pop’ album.
August 2nd, 2022 at 05:51But that are both great albums and i also have a weakness for WDWTWA.
Hi everyone! Comparing these two albums is like comparing the movies “The Godfather I & II. Both are brilliant!
August 2nd, 2022 at 11:12Have a nice Day!
The songs and production of In Rock are not as polished as Machine Head, but that’s exactly what I love about it. Ritchie’s guitar has such an edge to it, as does Jon’s keys. The intro to Speed King really grabs your attention and that intensity never lets up. If I had to choose an album that most represents Purple (to me of course), then that would be it.
August 2nd, 2022 at 14:17“To me In Rock is the ‘heavy’ album but to my ears it sounds a bit dated whilst ‘Machine Head’ still sounds fresh and energetic and dare i say to me it is the bands ‘pop’ album.”
Amen, St. Steven! And I’ve always liked pop as well.
August 2nd, 2022 at 14:27On the topic of Machine Head, is there any new info on the Fire In The Sky book ??
August 2nd, 2022 at 16:26And St. Andy is just as right: “… and that intensity never lets up …”.
Indeed it doesen’t: In Rock is a pummeling on the senses and I was a glutton for punishment.
But there really isn’t a bad Mk II album from the 70ies: In Rock is ferocious and determined, Fireball interesting and varied (deemed mostly unperformable at the time, isn’t it ironic that by now every song on that album has seen a deft live version by Mk VI, VII and VIII?), Machine Head hi-gloss and supremely crafted and Who Do We Think We Are has a luster of “been there, done that” world-weariness and the slightly decadent, yet exquisite attitude to do as you please.
August 2nd, 2022 at 22:08@ 7 – James, as much as I enjoy your ‘stirring the cauldron’ are you masquerading as a tabloid journalist, he he he! If not maybe you should, that comment would surely conjure up a few thousand or more sales, even if only for one edition surely it could work. Myself I agree, bring it on. Cheers.
August 3rd, 2022 at 02:15Every single one of those 4 early MkII albums is a masterpiece and which I prefer varies on my mood at any particular time.
The only thing that trumps them is MIJ which is just at another level.
August 3rd, 2022 at 02:44In theory we would all like our favourite artists to lift to another level when performing live. That really is what it is all about. So a good live recording (as long as it has NOT been studio enhanced), is usually a wonderful thing to behold. Second to actually being at the concert of course. Made in Japan is the pinnacle of certain songs performed at a live concert or two & not tampered with apparently, a rare gem me thinks. However I do not compare a live performance to a studio album in the sense of it being a better record or not. They are two totally different beasts. Cheers.
August 3rd, 2022 at 07:19James is chasing the purple elephant around the room! ; – ) Ritchie, the Undead!
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/24/cb/2f/24cb2f01c9e6184e95dd9a8c636632f2.jpg
Based on the four Reunionbow shows I saw, Ritchie would need a six-month rock gig endurance and energy regimen with his own drill sergeant before being able to return to the mothership for a good final show or mini-tour. I am not joking and you may all stone (cold) me now. I doubt that he would be willing to invest the time, even if everything else did not pose a problem. After 30 years of BN gigs, he simply lacks rock practice (like anyone in his situation would), Deep Purple isn’t Pink Floyd.
But hell, of course I would travel around the world to be there. But reunion shows can be a bittersweet thing, I saw Quo with Lancaster and Coghlan twice when they did the Frantic Four (FF) shows .. It was heart-warming, but you could also hear and see that
– Lancaster due to his MS affliction was a pale shadow of his legendary energy as a bassist (he sang fine, but Quo without his throbbing bass is a car running on three cylinders),
– Rossi’s heart wasn’t in it, he was frankly bemused by the adulation for the classic line-up and the rest of the time visibly concerned whether Lancaster and Coghlan would hold up,
– Coghlan had endurance issues and
– the weight of the FF reunion shows lay on Rick Parfitt and Rick Parfitt’s shoulders alone, who did an admirable job in the rhythm guitar engine room and was also greatly enjoying himself. He saved those gigs by sheer commitment.
August 3rd, 2022 at 12:16This was fun too! Ringo and Lukather hit SOTW at about 00:35.
August 3rd, 2022 at 19:30James @7
August 3rd, 2022 at 20:03To be honest I don’t think IG and RB can be together on the same stage without Candice singing in the background.
I like to keep it all in the family.
Peace ✌️
@ 18 Uwe, is it too late for a DP reunion? We have DC, Glenn, JLT, Steve, Nick, Rod and Ritchie. It would fantastic.
August 4th, 2022 at 00:52Andy @21
August 4th, 2022 at 11:09Blood Bath 😂
Peace ✌️
Andy @21, I’ve diligently reviewed your proposal for a family reunion:
DC – Aunt Daisy sadly lost her voice, but sends her regards: ‘ere’s a greeting card for ya !!!
Glenn – Nobody invites Auntie Hughes to family get-togethers anymore, she needs too much space and certain family members feel overwhelmed by the prospect.
JLT – Much the same applies for Auntie Joelene who, in addition, is from New Jersey, nuff said.
Steve – … has other things to attend to right now, bless him and his wife.
Nick – All the others are (rightfully so) scared that at any meeting the ole warhorse will break their noses first for not getting his hoofs into the RRHoF.
Rod – A fine choice. Both Tommy and Jon have selflessly agreed to join and perform for free if Doctor Rod makes an appearance. He will be dancing madly backwards on a sea of air during intermissions.
Ritchie – Carole, his mum-in-law and career manager, has – without prejudice! – sent a first 60-page provisional proposal/letter of intent to the current Purple management setting out her client’s more reasonable and basic demands (e.g. continuous replenishment of water cups on stage during all gigs, plentiful Italian pasta with tomato sauce backstage). It is being worked through as I write! Negotiations with Mr Ian Gillan, who shall be required to wear court jester garments during all to-be-agreed stage presences of Mr Blackmore, continue.
August 4th, 2022 at 16:08Uwe Hornung@23
August 5th, 2022 at 05:22Well said and very truthful and factual.
Plz save it so you do not have to write all this again when someone asks about future family reunion 😂
BTW no one should forget to invite Joe Satriani to the party as well 😁
Peace ✌️
Can anybody explain to me whats wrong with New Jersey? I ve got relatives there.
Through the years watching movies more than once NJ was belittled somehow.
After 45 years following the band I d not really know what to choose for a desert island package.
O k, I ll play along. In Rock, MIJ, BURN, CTB , PS.
Can I throw in Concerto 69 plus what DP did that day?
August 5th, 2022 at 20:29Whats the story again about NOT filming thatpart? Grrrrrrrr
RV @25: Nothing wrong with NJ or your relatives living there, making fun of New Jersey for no real reason is just a running joke – I like the Garden State!
It probably has to do with the fact that NYC inhabitants regard every one as backward who doesn’t live in their boroughs (and people from Manhattan don’t even accept the other four broroughs as equal), be it “Upstate New York” or New Jersey. Sniffy urbanites exist everywhere, and it’s ok as long as it’s good-natured. Everyone living in the country thinks their arrogant and have no manners in retaliation. That applies for Berlin, Paris, London, Rome and Moscow just as well.
New Jersey has been the home of so much great music, not just usual suspects like Springsteen, Southside Johnny, Dr Hook & the Medicine Show or Bon Jovi, but also my local favorites here (an inspiration for Bon Jovi btw):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIAS9mygJi8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSLLyp5I7Ng
Just make sure you pronounce it “New Joise” so it rhymes with Boise, Idaho, like here at 01:45!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VgcL1iZQzY
August 7th, 2022 at 22:24@ 26
Never heard my cousin say I did pronounce it wrong but what does he know? He doesnt speak DUTCH anymore and thinks I m more eloquent in English than most of his neighbours!
He is that kinda guy who loves to put parafernalia on/in the house from the old country, even did put a FEYENOORD tattoo on his arm. Hell, I live in Rotterdam and dont even care for football/soccer.
Amsterdam has that mentioned attitude about everything whats not Amsterdam.
August 21st, 2022 at 21:22Amsterdam is a great city but the dynamics in my city are bewildering sometimes.
I do nurture a love/hate relationship with my city though.