THE BOOK OF TALIESYN

Even though the band and the album are a bit problematic, I gave "The Book of Taliesyn" the 5-star rating. The band is problematic because the band members change once every few years. "Taliesyn"'s Deep Purple isn't "Machine Head"'s Deep Purple, and "Machine Head"'s Deep Purple isn't "Bananas'" Deep Purple etc. The album is problematic because half of it is covers (and if you didn't know- even track 4 - We Can Work it Out's Exposition is a cover- for beethoven's seventh symphony-2nd movement). BUT these are the common standarts for rating (everyone rates by band and ignore any historical changes the band has been through), so that's how I will rate.

The album has a few highlights - Listen Learn Read On (one of the best album openings I have ever heard), Shield and Anthem. The bonus version of the album (with 5 more tracks), has the playground track which is so very cool... All of the other songs are also very well played. The album makes you notice how colorful this band is. Each of the band members of that preiod of Deep Purple present their abilities and talent, and together construct (in my opinion) Deep Purple's best album so far.

As compared to Deep Purple's other albums and as compared to every other album I know, I decided to give the 5-star rating. Everyone can say whatever they want, but I think that this album is no less then a MUST-HEAR album for every rock fan. It's pure fun.

My rating is 4.6