Deep Purple in Rock (also known as In Rock) is an album by English rock band Deep Purple, released in June 1970. It was their fourth studio album, and the first with the classic Mk II lineup. Deep Purple in Rock was their breakthrough album in Europe and would peak at #4 in the UK, remaining in the charts for months. Album was supported by the hugely successful In Rock World Tour which lasted 15 months.
Although this was the first studio album to feature the MK II lineup of the band, it was this lineup that had earlier recorded the Concerto for Group and Orchestra.
Change in direction
Deep Purple's earlier work ranged from psychedelic hard rock to orchestra-driven tracks and covers that ranged from The Beatles to Neil Diamond, among others, but on this record all tracks are credited to the five members of the band. "Speed King" and "Flight of the Rat" are hard rock songs, and the 10-minute epic "Child in Time", perhaps the most famous song from this record, would be a concert staple for years to come.
Although "Into the Fire" and "Speed King" were featured on the set lists at the time, "Child in Time" was the only song from this album that was included on Made in Japan two years later (although "Speed King" was the usual encore and is featured on the expanded CD re-issue, as is "Black Night" which was included in the Deep Purple in Rock re-issue).
The Pacific re-release of the album describes the success during recording sessions, along with the escapades they encountered during their rising fame. [1]
The cover depicts the band in a rock sculpture inspired by Mount Rushmore.
In 2000 Q magazine placed the album at number 78 in its list of the 100 Greatest British Albums Ever.
Jon Lord used both the Leslie speaker, and a Marshall amplifier with his Hammond organ, therefore the organ sound varies a lot throughout the songs. (Example: "Living Wreck" - Leslie speaker, "Hard Lovin' Man" - Marshall amplifier).
Ritchie Blackmore used a Gibson guitar on "Child in Time", not his usual Fender Stratocaster. This album is his favorite, along with Machine Head.
Later editions
In some countries, including Mexico, Deep Purple in Rock also included "Black Night", a single recorded during the sessions.
The US release of the album cut the intro to "Speed King", lasting just over a minute. It remains edited on the standard Warner Bros. US release, but is restored to full length on the 25th anniversary package.
In 1995 a remastered and revised 25th anniversary of the album was released by EMI. The remastering and remixing job was overseen by Roger Glover. The album features a number of bonus songs including previously unreleased jams.
On July 21, 2009 audiophile label Audio Fidelity released a remastered version of Deep Purple In Rock on a limited edition 24 karat gold CD. Mastering for the CD was performed by notable audio engineer Steve Hoffman. This release follows the original 7-track format with no bonus tracks.
Track listing
All songs written by Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord and Ian Paice.
Side one
- "Speed King" – 5:49
- "Bloodsucker" – 4:10
- "Child in Time" – 10:14
Side two
- "Flight of the Rat" – 7:51
- "Into the Fire" – 3:28
- "Living Wreck" – 4:27
- "Hard Lovin' Man" – 7:11
25th anniversary bonus tracks
- "Black Night" (original single version) – 3:27
- "Studio Chat (1)" – 0:28
- "Speed King" (piano version) – 4:14
- "Studio Chat (2)" – 0:25
- "Cry Free" (Roger Glover Remix) – 3:20
- "Studio Chat (3)" – 0:05
- "Jam Stew" (Unreleased instrumental) – 2:30
- "Studio Chat (4)" – 0:40
- "Flight of the Rat" (Roger Glover remix) – 7:53
- "Studio Chat (5)" – 0:31
- "Speed King" (Roger Glover remix) – 5:52
- "Studio Chat (6)" – 0:23
- "Black Night" (Unedited Roger Glover remix) – 4:47
Chart positions
| Year |
Chart |
Position |
Note |
| 2009 |
CD Universe (online retailer) chart |
2 |
Audio Fidelity 24 karat gold CD |
Personnel
Engineers
- Peter Mew - Original album remastering
- Roger Glover - Oversaw the mixing of the extra tracks
- Tom Bender and Jason Butera - Additional studio work
Sales accomplishments
References
