Description
Deep Purple – Machine Head – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Machine Head is a landmark album by British rock band Deep Purple, released in 1972. It is one of the most celebrated albums in the history of rock music, particularly noted for its influence on the development of hard rock and heavy metal. The album showcases the band at the peak of its powers, with a lineup that included Ian Gillan on vocals, Ritchie Blackmore on guitar, Roger Glover on bass, Jon Lord on keyboards, and Ian Paice on drums.
Recorded in December 1971 in Montreux, Switzerland, using the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio, the making of Machine Head is famously linked with a fire incident during a Frank Zappa concert at the Montreux Casino. This event inspired the band’s most famous song, “Smoke on the Water,” which details the story of the fire and the recording process of the album.
Machine Head contains some of Deep Purple’s most enduring songs, including:
“Highway Star” – The opening track, a driving hard rock anthem that features virtuosic guitar and organ solos, setting the tone for the album’s energetic and powerful sound.
“Smoke on the Water” – Perhaps the band’s most famous song, it features one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in rock history. The song recounts the story of the recording studio fire and has become a staple in rock music.
“Space Truckin'” – This song concludes the album with a lively, upbeat track that has become a concert favorite, highlighting the band’s ability to fuse rock with a sense of fun and adventure.
“Lazy” – A blues-infused track that starts with a distinctive organ solo by Jon Lord before transitioning into a full band jam showcasing Blackmore’s guitar skills and Gillan’s vocal range.
Machine Head is renowned for its production quality, capturing the raw energy of Deep Purple’s performances with clarity and power. The album’s sound is characterized by Ritchie Blackmore’s aggressive guitar work, Jon Lord’s classical-influenced organ playing, and Ian Gillan’s dynamic vocal delivery. The interplay between guitar and organ was a defining characteristic of the band’s sound and is prominently featured throughout the album.
Upon its release, Machine Head was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and solidifying Deep Purple’s status as one of the leading bands in the hard rock scene. The album’s impact on rock music was profound, influencing countless bands and musicians who followed.
Critically, Machine Head is often considered Deep Purple’s finest hour and a classic in the rock genre. It demonstrates the band’s ability to blend heavy rock with complexity and musicality, making it one of the essential albums of the 1970s.
The legacy of Machine Head continues to endure, with its songs still frequently played on classic rock radio stations and covered by other artists. The album is a testament to Deep Purple’s musicianship and their pivotal role in the evolution of rock music.
Gatefold Sleeve 180 Gram Heavyweight Vinyl
Recorded in Montreux, Switzerland, between December 6th and 21st of 1971, using the Rolling Stones mobile unit
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Gatefold Jacket
Track Listing
Highway Star
Maybe I’m A Leo
Pictures Of Home
Never Before
Smoke On The Water
Lazy
Space Truckin’
