MADE IN JAPAN

1972's 'Made In Japan' is undeniably an iconic live album that captures Deep Purple in their prime, unhinging their full potential live while playing and improvising over some of the best cuts from their string of classic albums released in the early 70s, this is a fantastic document of its era indicative of just how manic, heavy and experimental Purple really were in their finest days. Recorded at their Japanese tour, this second live album from the legendary British band presents a selection of material recorded at three particular shows - at the Budokan in Tokyo and at Festival Hall in Osaka. The compositions featured here are not necessarily run-throughs of the album tracks but instead go into a guitar and keyboard-heavy jam session-kind of playing, with the band playing extended instrumental improvisations within the framework of their songs, and with just seven tracks spread over the two sides of an LP, one can imagine the rattling ambition of this live album, vivid, powerful and really, really loud.

A thumping version of 'Highway Star' opens up the album, this is a fantastic way to kick off the show on a high note, the energy is excellent, the playing is excellent, and the dominant wailing screams of Ian Gillan impress all throughout. Lord and Blackmore are quite generous with their soloing, and the entire band locks in for a classic night of heavy rock. This is followed by a triumphant and rather exhilarating performance of 'Child in Time', graced by the frantic banshee wails of Gillan once again, all performances are beyond description here. The mandatory inclusion of 'Smoke on the Water' brings a rampant playthrough of the iconic rock anthem, while the following track 'The Mule' features the six-minute-long drum solo of Ian Paice, really entertaining and impressive to hear. The next tracks feature long and improvisational instrumental sections, with wide, stabbing solos from both Blackmore and Lord, working brilliantly within the jam-based setting here. The final and most expansive piece on the album is the 20-minute recording of 'Space Truckin', definitely a fantastic and explosive rendition of the otherwise tremendous song from the 'Fireball' album. The entire 'Made In Japan' set is perfect, from the inclusion of iconic tracks from the DP catalog to the incredible performances of each band member, to the degree of experimentation and flamboyant energy with which each song is tackled, and finally, because of the fact that this is arguably the most significant live recording of the Mark II lineup of the band.

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