MACHINE HEAD

The quintessential Deep Purple? Perhaps yes. 'Machine Head' is an album which is either beloved by most, or completely discredited as an overblown and overhyped recording, but what it most likely is in reality is a very well-curated collection of timeless hard rock anthems, most of which have withstood the test of time and are not only genre-definitive but have become part of the zeitgeist and are justly seen as some of the best compositions of Purple. Not to mention that 'Machine Head' was recorded by the phenomenal Mark II lineup, arguably the most significant incarnation of the legendary British rockers. As for the music on the album itself, 'Machine Head' carries all the signature elements of that classic DP sound, making this and the two preceding albums the most characteristic LPs of the early 1970s.

This one is packed with monstrous riffs from Blackmore, certainly some of his most memorable and effective licks are to be heard on 'Machine Head', while the keyboard master Jon Lord delivers some of his most audacious and ballsy leads as well, the flashy Hammond organ sound on this album could hardly be seen as anything less than monumental and immense, technical and fiery at all times, there is a stiff competition between the two for the most dazzling performance on this album. Then comes the rock-solid rhythm section of Ian Paice and Roger Glover, both of which are in top form here, delivering some of that delightful DP boogie groove, and finally there are the wailing screams of Ian Gillan, whose unrestrained performance binds together the various different elements making up the energetic sounds of 'Machine Head'. All-time rock anthems grace the tracklist of this LP as well as underrated but no less epic tracks like 'Maybe I'm a Leo' and 'Lazy' - this entire record delivers the full spectrum of the Deep Purple ambition and atmosphere as speed, feel and instrumental pyrotechnics come in spades.

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