Deep Purple - Machine Head

Deep Purple were on the eve of breaking wide open when the quintet made Machine Head, a record that launched a heap of hard-rock hits, not to mention the bulk of the live album Made in Japan. No fewer than three classics were unveiled here: "Highway Star," "Space Truckin'," and their biggest hit ever, "Smoke on the Water." Ritchie Blackmore's crunchy guitar was becoming the group's trademark, and the throb that opens "Smoke on the Water" went miles in concretizing his place in the pantheon of 1970s guitar deities. But the story here is the second disc, which is composed of remixes by Roger Glover that introduce long-dormant, more-energized variations on the originals and revive separate solos. --Andrew Bartlett Amazon.com

Deep Purple at their best

This is one of the top recordings of the day and the sound quality of this release is excellent. I am very pleased with it. July 7, 2008

Deep Purples Masterpiece

I always thought the original album was far too short on vinyl. I even have the quad version of the album but this expanded version is the ticket. Don't waste your time getting the original version and get this one, you won't be sorry. Anyway, most reviewers have already said pretty much what I would have said so what are you waiting for? If you like this one, get the rest of their catalog. Also stop by my small website, google "judemac Forever" and say hello. May 25, 2008

Machine Head is better than ever!

When I pulled out my old vinyl LP of Machine Head and noticed that the sound quality was worse than a transistor radio, I knew it was time to look for this remastered edition on CD. The sound is pretty amazing, like hearing it for the first time. The intros on "Maybe I'm a Leo", "Never Before" and "Space Truckin'" jump with great clarity and bass, with good punch from the drums as well. Disc 2 is pretty cool, with some alternate takes that make you feel like you're there in the studio. Definitely worth a listen. Extensive liner notes too. One minor detraction from the packaging. I've never liked the 2-CD jewel cases with the little hinges that crack and break so often. Getting the second disc out can be somewhat of a pain. I've never really considered myself a big Deep Purple fan, but this set did it for me. CRANK IT UP! March 18, 2008

Best Re-release of Purple

Good value with two mixes of all the songs recorded at Montreux. I really appreciated disc 2 re-mixed by Roger Glover, more complete and exciting even than the original. Well worth the extra bucks for this 25th anniversary edition. January 26, 2008

Everything a Re-Issue Should Be

Easily one of the defining rock albums of the 70's, Deep Purple's "Machine Head" went a long way towards codifying the sound of British Rock at the time. Hell, just Ritchie Blackmore's iconic riff that kicks off "Smoke On The Water" would set "Machine Head" into the history books. Yet to many die-hards, both Fireball and In Rock were the harder albums. What, then, makes this album the landmark it is revered as today?

For one thing, the original side one roared from the drop of the needle to the final spiral of its inner groove. "Highway Star" to this day conjures up a rebellious freedom that whips the wind through your helmetless motorcycle ride, the naked air slamming your face while speeding in your topless roadster. "Never Before" grinds with undeniable power. "Maybe I'm A Leo" ("...but I ain't a lion...") rocks the blues as only The Purple could. That was only side one.

The old days had you flip that vinyl over for the multiple punches of "Smoke On The Water," "Lazy" and "Space Trucking." These three alone would put "machine Head" into the heavy metal hall of fame. Every teen from 1972 on who picked up their first guitar has probably practiced that riff at least twice. "Lazy" has the terrific Jon Lord organ workout, and "Space Trucking" is the last word in intergalactic rock songs.

The remaster here is stunning, almost digital in its precise sound. It's almost as good as the DVD-A from 2001 (and with that item fetching $50 these days, this double CD is a bargain). The real treat, however, is the bonus CD. Roger Glover exhumes those 25 year old master tapes and gives us a slightly re-imagined entire new version of this classic album. While it won't make you snap the original CD is half, it is a striking curio. There are alternate guitar solos, a little bit of band banter (love the 'whoop!' at the end of "Lazy"), and some alternate endings. There are no 'rough sketches' or goof-offs; this is a working band's triumph against bad odds and they were making the most of it. It is exactly the kind of re-issue package that Rhino made their original reputation on, and they do "Machine Head" proud. January 25, 2008

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