DEEP PURPLE DIGEST #80
Lots of subscribers and counting...
In this issue:
A word from the Editor...
DP stuff- My opinions
Best SOTW
DP Live
Fave SOTW
Best Live
Fave SOTW
Lyrics and Live in London
Best DP Live
Best Version of SOTW
___________________________________________
From the Editor, Dean Webb: dplist(at-a-domain-named)deep-purple.com
Well, the drought is over! Looks like a bunch of you were sending to the
wrong address and it wasn't getting bounced properly over to me. If you
did make a submission in the last few weeks and don't see it here, send it
to dplist(at-a-domain-named)deep-purple.com and it will get to me just fine! We've got a lot
of meat here, so let's get right down to it, shall we?
___________________________________________
-----Original Message-----
From: G Alberts [mailto:g_albert_s(at-a-domain-named)hotmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, September 11, 1999 4:01 AM
To: dplist(at-a-domain-named)deep-purple.com
Subject: DP-stuff - my opinions
Hello Deep Purple Digest readers,
I haven't contributed to the Digest for quite a while, but in that
time I have read all the Digests and formed my opinion about some
subjects that have passed. Also other things popped up and were
stuffed into the back of my head until now. Let's give a short index
because it's quite a bunch of text - I will talk about my favourite
line-ups, my first DP-contact, setlists, best version of SOTW, the
sound quality of DP-records and the concerto's. So here's my word -
the opinion of a 20 year old fan.
First my favourite line-ups: the currentand mk2. And that choice has
got something to do with how I discovered the great Deep Purple.
At the end of 1994 I listened to the top 100 of all times on the radio,
(which was voted for by listeners) and the no 1 was Child in time by
Deep Purple. I found it a really scary song and that impressed me. So
a few days later I borrowed a cd from the beeb - Anthology. I listened
to it a few times and taped it. Child in time was a highlight but to
my astonishment there were much better songs on it (remember, this is
only my opinion, so don't go off at me) - especially Bloodsucker,
Strange kind of woman, Highway star, Smoke OTW and the rest of CD2,
also the songs of mk4 with Bolin. When I heard MiJ and Come Hell OHW
I knew it was mk2 that had the most power. My Deep Purple crazyness
was starting to grow. In 1996 I bought Purpendicular - not even
knowing it was released only a few days - and there was a little
touring schedule attached to the cd. So I realized that it was a new
cd I bought, and not one from the 70's. They were still making music
and they were also on tour! On 21 September that year I made it to my
first ever (Deep Purple) concert with my father. By then I already had
the best Deep Purple albums, so I knew the songs. But I had NO idea
what to expect of a Deep Purple concert - I hadn't even seen ANY
concert at all at that time! But when I walked into the concert hall
I knew it was going to be a great night. I saw the big stage and the
instruments and I just knew it. After the support act (which was
boring), the hall became completely dark. After a while - we could not
see that they were already on stage - there was this loud
airconditioning, even louder - Fireball. I remember big Ian swinging
his microphone in the stroboscope lights during the short drum intro.
When the whole band joined, all the stage lights went on and I went
insane. SO LOUD. Imagine (I was 16) I had never seen a concert before!
I saw Deep Purple as THE GODS of all music. And I almost couldn't
believe that they were only a few meters away from me!
So that was how Deep Purple totally captured me. Since then, I have
seen 3 more concerts (Bocholt 20/06/98, Rotterdam 12/10/98 and
Gelsenkirchen 16/06/99), but actually none of them did as much to me
as the first one. Isn't that the same with lovers? But that's another
NON-DP story and I will keep it for myself.
Now I have (almost) every official release of Deep Purple - exept for
the mk1-era, I only have the songs of that period that are on
Anthology and singles A's and B's. Although I like everything of DP,
I have no need to hear ANYTHING from mk1. So I like mk2 as well as the
current lineup, so you could take this as putting Blackmore and Morse
on the same level - I do, I put them on the same level but in two
completely different worlds.
One thing I don't understand about the Morse-lineup: why don't they
have a more varying setlist? The band U2 for instance, (I know this
is totally different but I just use them as an example) had setlists
that were (almost) never the same in the late 80's. Different
following orders and other songs almost every night. And that makes
it even more interesting for the fans. But it could be that DP find
it a bit too unpractical, changing the setlist every gig, and maybe
it's also unpractical for the lighting and the soundtechnician. Can
somebody else come up with other reasons?
Next topic: The best version of Smoke on the water. I think that's
the one on "Come Hell or high water". Especially the start - a very
quiet intro by Ritchie (and Jon) and suddenly the riff comes in, I
love that sudden contrast. I also like SOTW played by mk3 (f.i. on
Live in London) when Ritchie starts the riff in a too low pitch on\
purpose and plays the original cords when Jon gets in. But if I have
to choose between these versions I would go for the mk2-version with
Gillan and Glover, for the reason of 1. the lineup and 2. the sound
quality (I love the clear clattering drums on Come hell more than the
dark 70's sound).
Speaking of sound quality, on most DP-albums it's great. Take In Rock
and Fireball and compare it to other bands of that time. Deep Purple
just had the best quality. Clear and raw. Machinehead tops the bill -
how could they get such a clear sound in that time? And the live
record - MiJ - what do I have to say about that quality? Perfect. The
albums from the next years are also good quality but CTTB is another
highlight with a perfect sound from the hammond and the drums. In my
opinion, the quality and the sound of the drums has often the most
influence on the sound quality of the record. By the sound of the
drums I can often tell from which year the recording is (I don't mean
DP songs because I already know what year they're from) *wow, this
guy's got talents!* :). I think the 80's were not only a dropback for
Deep Purple, but also a dropback of the DP-sound. The 80's have always
a very distinctive sound (I'm not esp. talking about DP) - terrific
cheap electronic keyboard sounds (well, it were the first sounds of
keyboards, so I can understand somehow why they were used so much at
the time) and those electronic drums (f.i. the song Don't lose your
head from Queen on A kind of magic from '86, you'll hear what I mean)
or electronic-sounding drums. In my opinion, a lot of rock bands in
the 80's had the latter, the electronic-sounding drums, however the
drums are real but the sound has been blown up by the mixing - tuning
the snaredrum too low, adding reverb and more tone and that sort of
stuff. That's the main thing that makes THOBL sound so terrible IMO.
The 90's have perfect sound quality, and Deep Purple is one of the
bands that has the utter-perfect quality, starting with TBRO. My
compliments, Roger! I got Total Abandon a few weeks ago and that one
already sounds crystal clear in stereo but play it in Dolby Surround
and it becomes twice as beautiful. Try it if you don't believe me!
So far about sound quality.
One more thing: will somebody please make a perfect DAT- or
MD-recording of the Concerto's in London his month. I think the
concerto's can be recorded very clear since there's no crowd that
screams right through the songs (at least I hope not). I'd really
like a copy on cd when the recording is good so maybe we can make a
trade then. My bootlegs are on http://g-alberts.webjump.com. I wonder
what it would cost to "bribe" a sound-technician. It's easy for them
to give a line-out! I wonder, would he be sensitive for money?? I hope
I gave you a good tip and I hope someone's gonna try it out!
Well, that's about it. This might be a complete digest what I typed
here. But I hope you liked what I had to say!
Greetz,
Gerard Alberts
The Netherlands
g_albert_s(at-a-domain-named)hotmail.com
http://g-alberts.webjump.com
___________________________________________
-----Original Message-----
From: Ivan Kirigin [mailto:blackmore(at-a-domain-named)softhome.net]
Sent: Saturday, September 11, 1999 8:02 AM
To: dplist(at-a-domain-named)deep-purple.com
Subject: SOTW versions
Hi Purple people!
Somebody mentioned to make our own top five SOTW versions.
So, here is my top five:
1. 09.03.1972. Paris Theatre, London, In Concert 70-72
- I think this was the first time that band do this song live 'cos
SOTW doesn't exsist on bootlegs during February '72 or early
March, very bluesy version, low volume, slow like it's should be -
my favorite, closest to studio version
2. 01.07.1972. Rainbow Theatre, London
- long, nice version, with perfect ending, the band was showing off in
front of their own countrymans
3. 15.08.1972. Osaka
- we know everithing about it, don't we
4. 29.06.1973. Osaka
- last "real" version
5. 15.05.1973. Long Beach Arena, USA
- Ritchie's intro just killing me in this version
I don't like the beginning with Mark III because, Ritchie starts the riff
using "D" minor instead "G" minor. Therefore riff sounds more distorted
and doesn't fit well in this blues song.
So, this is my favorite top five versions.
Let's pick another, much complex song like Lazy or Mandrake Root and make
top five thing.
B rgds
Ivan
P.S. Think of it as trade offer: First Mark III gig (09.12.73.,
Copenhagen) exsist on tape. Mail me for more info.
___________________________________________
-----Original Message-----
From: Bolinhed(at-a-domain-named)aol.com [mailto:Bolinhed(at-a-domain-named)aol.com]
Sent: Saturday, September 11, 1999 9:42 PM
To: dplist(at-a-domain-named)deep-purple.com
Subject: Re: Deep Purple Digest #79
Hey Dean, the most recent DP Digest was nice!! I enjoyed and related to
your
predicament regarding "What IS the best DP live song?" Of course it is
subjective, TOO subjective, and what does "best" actually encompass
anyway -
to me the BEST Dp song live is one that I do not put on much anymore as I
have heard it quite a bit, but when I think of how it sums up some of the
best Purple elements - Gillan's wild howl, Glover's bass throbbing like a
well-tuned motor, Ian Paice mixing subtleties with thrashing, Jon and
Ritchie
both melding blues with classical with their own thangs, a reckless frenzy
melded by virtuosos who never let it get out of control - the version of
"Highway Star" on MADE IN JAPAN really nails it all. YES I know many of us
have heard it too many times, yes there are rarer songs, longer songs,
more
complex songs, yadda yadda yadda, but I think that one does it.
P.S. I LOVED the "interpretation" of "Perfect Strangers"!! Hysterical!!
GIllan couldn't've done better, I hope he gets to read that one!!
P.S.S. Can ANYONE give an update or a CLUE as to what happened to "Daze
May
Come"? I recall Mike Drumm of the Bolin Archives saying HE had signed off
on
his end, giving his OKs; you see Nick Robinson from DPAS posting
enigmatically on alt.music.deep-purple that HE doesn't know when it is
coming
out; who holds the reins? Anyone know?
For those jonesing for a good taste of Bolin, though, all is not lost. The
Bolin Archives just put out FIVE CDs this week!!! These are:
1. TOMMY BOLIN: ENERGY - studio recordings of Tommy with his 1972 band,
including some nice instrumentals as well as the original versions of
"Dreamer" and "Got No Time For Trouble."
2. TOMMY BOLIN: SNAPSHOT - a mix of acoustic demos and other goodies; 4 or
5
demoes for James Gang songs, and a BLAZING jam on Weather Report's
"Cucumber
Slumber."
3. BOLIN/MOUZON FUSION JAMS - those lucky folks who know jazz drummer
extraordianire Alphonse Mouzon's MIND TRANSPLANT album (and if you do NOT,
you are missing what may be Bolin's best stuff ever) re-released on CD
with
an extra track called "The Real Thing" - that extra track is part of a jam
session that was taped as these greats warmed up and experiemented with
sounds. This CD has more from that session; my favorite Bolin material
ever,
I would say. Off-the-cuff wailing, just jaw-dropping stuff.
4. EBBETS FIELD 1974: THE ALTERNATE TAKES - the Bolin Archives released a
nice live CD called TOMMY BOLIN & FRIENDS: LIVE AT EBBETS FIELD 1974 which
had the best of 2 nights's shows on it; this is the CD of the tracks that
did
not make that first CD!! This is Bolin blazing away with a blues
power-trio-type band (with a percussionist too) and if you like your Alvin
Lee and stuf of that nature, this is right up there.
5. THE SAMPLER: this takes tracks from the different Bolin Archives' CDs
and
makes a sort of "Best Of/Sampler" plus adds the studio version of Energy's
"Rock-A-Bye," unavailable elsewhere.
I got all five as soon as I could, and all are great. I hope Deep Purple
also
someday does get its "collector's club" together. Tommy Bolin's
recorded-and-officially-released output during his lifetime was far too
small; the Bolin Archives has filled in a lot of gaps and released some
first-rate music. Jim
___________________________________________
-----Original Message-----
From: Sean P Powers [mailto:spowers(at-a-domain-named)ramapo.edu]
Sent: Sunday, September 12, 1999 9:25 AM
To: Deep Purple Digest
Subject: Fave SOTW
Well, I happened to send a submission to the list too and it didn't make
it...so here goes again...of course maybe it was deemed a horrid thing for
me to say, but...
My favorite version of Smoke On The Water is from 1983. "Wait-DP wasn't
playing anything, let alone SOTW in '83." Yeah yeah yeah, I mean the Ian
Gillan-led Black Sabbath version, check out the Reading Fest boot. Wow.
Crucify me for it, you Blackmore lovers, but this version rocks.
Sean
{Dean "No crucifixions here!" Webb: No crucifixions here! I plumb forgot
about that version! I have to say it is one of the best. I especially like
the way Iommi keeps playing the SOTW main riff through the vocals part.
Very nice effect. Too bad that lineup of BS didn't last longer... Big Ian
could've handled the 2 bands, d'ya think?}
___________________________________________
-----Original Message-----
From: Spiros Papageorgiou [mailto:spapag(at-a-domain-named)hotmail.com]
Sent: Monday, September 13, 1999 2:11 AM
To: dplist(at-a-domain-named)deep-purple.com
Subject: favorite live dp song
Well, I have the same problem with Dean. I can't really make up my mind on
what's my favorite live DP song. It depends strongly on which album I've
heard last, or the mood I'm in. Sometimes it's Mistreated, sometimes
Highway
star, sometimes Black Night as an encore to most live albums. But the one
that really gives me the chills each time I hear it is the version of Burn
as it opens the Live in London show. I don't know what it is that I like
so
much: maybe it's the announcement before the boys get on stage 'Burn with
Deep Purple', maybe the strength of the riff from Ritchie or the very warm
atmosphere. I always loved Burn anyway, it's the song that I put on when I
want to hear something fast to heat things up, but this particular version
is fantastic.
Cheers,
Spiros Papageorgiou
___________________________________________
-----Original Message-----
From: Heikki Heino [mailto:heikki.heino(at-a-domain-named)mailis.rkol.fi]
Sent: Monday, September 13, 1999 4:16 AM
To: Deep Purple Digest
Subject: Favourite SotW
Hi all!
There are quite a few versions of Smoke on the Water. Even though the Mk 2
versions on Made in Japan & Live in Japan are great, I still think the
definite version is on Live in London. Ritchie plays a bit of Lazy before
he
plays THE RIFF in some strange key. Glenn Hughes' bass line is simpler and
has more power and than Glover's original, and even though we're not
allowed
to hear the third verse with its original lyrics, Coverdale & Hughes make
us
almost forget it. There's not yet Georgia On My Mind, and that's IMO a
good
thing. Coverdale & Hughes are there to show that Purple can go on without
Gillan & Glover. It seems that they hadn't yet grown tired with this song.
Heikki
___________________________________________
-----Original Message-----
From: Alexandro Talamini [mailto:Alexandro(at-a-domain-named)Boticario.com.br]
Sent: Monday, September 13, 1999 8:37 AM
To: 'dplist(at-a-domain-named)deep-purple.com'
Subject: Lyrics and Live in London
Hi folks!
I remember reading many digests ago that "Live in London" would be
re-released remastered as a 2CD set containing the rest of the show (Space
Truckin' and Going Down - or something like that). Does anybody know about
it???
Another question, now related to the Rainbow remasters. Does "Down to
Earth"
contain lyrics?? If so, does anybody could scan and send it to me,
please???
Thanks,
Alex
Curitiba, Brazil
{Yeah, where is that CD? I want a copy, too!}
___________________________________________
-----Original Message-----
From: sabine.krahe(at-a-domain-named)stud [mailto:sabine.krahe(at-a-domain-named)stud.uni-bamberg.de]
Sent: Monday, September 13, 1999 12:55 PM
To: dplist(at-a-domain-named)deep-purple.com
Subject: Re: Deep Purple Digest #79 (Best DP live song)
>
> DEEP PURPLE DIGEST #79
> Lots of subscribers and counting...
>......
> Best DP Live Song
> Congrats on *another* baby...
> ___________________________________________
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dean Webb [mailto:deanwebb(at-a-domain-named)microsoft.com]
.....
> Subject: Best DP live song.
......
> I'd like to hear from you, regardless of your situation.
>
> Dean Webb
Hi, first time here....
it's difficult so a personal top ten (although they're ridiculous)
For me:
1) Lazy/MIJ, cos of the interacting between Lord and Blackmore,
especially in the break after RB'S 2n solo, which obviously is the
best example (IMO) of the famous fighting/Jon's Helping out between
the two of them. On the other versions of LIJ (though JL's Solo on
the second night is "elsewhere") this part doesn't exist and shows
the differrence. Never been there in such excitement...
2) Child in time/MIJ
Delicate -furious - delicate - chaotic. Never again so tight
4) Smoke/MIJ
No comment
3) You fool no-one/LiL
No composed intro, the band as tight as never again (maybe on Lay
Down stay down) and RB playing a bit of Jazz in his Blues. Paice
making some unheard noise in a superb drumsolo (short, sweet an '
good)
4) Mistreated first version/LC
Ritchie's subdued playing he awed me already 20 yeas ago on MiE (the
edited version) and DC in one of his few dominant performances on the
75-Tour
5) You keep on Moving/LCiJ
Awful album (though the future promises better), delightful track
with Jon in a furious way on the organ. Paice at his best (as always
on that tour)
6) Highway Star /Knebworth 85
All what we been waiting for, as dangerous as possible (on official
release) with RBs later sound and Lords driving organ
8) Anyone's Daughter/CHOHW
That's Ian Gillan as much within the Purpleframework as he could....
9) Perfect Strangers/CHOHW
Pompous, Lord, RB Doodles in the end, Dramatic
10) SIFLS/TA
Steve at his most delicate (of yours more on his solo) but not in a
song)
Honarable Mention (11- 20)
Anya, SpeedKing, TBRO/CHOHW
SpeedKing, Black Night, Pictures of Home /LATO
Soldier of Fortune/LCiJ
Knocking at your backdoor/Knebworth
SpeedKing, Child in time/Scandinavian Nights
Have Fun
Hartmut
Kinder, Kinder, abmelden nicht vergessen
Gruá und Kuá
___________________________________________
-----Original Message-----
From: Ardian Nurcahyo [mailto:nurcahyo(at-a-domain-named)tf.itb.ac.id]
Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 1999 12:42 AM
To: dplist(at-a-domain-named)deep-purple.com
Subject: Smoke On The Water versions
Well, what about SOTW by DP related bands? Rainbow, Gillan, Black
Sabbath, IGB...
BLACK SABBATH - SMOKE ON THE WATER
I think the Black Sabbath version was too simple, lacks of improvisation,
shorter than the MH version, but it is always great to hear Iommi playing
the classic riffs of the ultimate hard rock anthem, followed by the
ultimate heavy metal anthem "Paranoid". Yeah, Born Again rules! Can you
imagine that? A gig with two classic anthems as the encore? Wow... Hey,
anybody got full Born Again album online on the web (on http site),
doesn't have to be MP3, Real Audio is fine to me... Please, it is still
unavailable in my country (Indonesia) but I have heard samples on the net
and it rocks!
GILLAN - SMOKE ON THE WATER
Gillan version, I have heard one, performed with Bernie Torme (or Janick
Gers?). It is on remastered CD of Mr. Universe. The duration is 8:46 but
the sleeve said it is 10:10 so it is not taken from Trouble double single,
right? This version is wild. Guitar introduction (most likely by Torme)
drive me that way but it is too short cos after about a minute he played
that magic riff so the crowds recognize this is SOTW (err, Gillan said
they gonna play something about Switzerland so this is no surprise...).
Great drumming from Micky. Solid bassing from the bald and bearded one
McCoy. Oh yeah, did Gillan play SOTW on 1981 Reading with that Maiden
guitarist? Can anybody give me the full setlist? Is this right:
Second Sight
No Laughing In Heaven
Piano Solo
No Easy Way
Drum Solo
Trouble
Mutually Assured Destruction
On The Rocks
Bite The Bullet
New Orleans
Smoke On The Water
PS: I know Blackmore once guested on Gillan show on the Rainbow 1981. What
did he play with Torme there. SOTW, or If You Believe Me from Double
Trouble?????
RAINBOW - SMOKE ON THE WATER
Haven't heard 'em. I think JLT and "Doggy-style" White did this.
Bonnet? I think SOTW was played on Donnington sound check. But was Graham
singing on this?
IAN GILLAN BAND - SMOKE ON THE WATER
Jazzy rhtyhm section of Mark Nauseef and John Gustafson. I think Ray
Fenwick didn't play it with that two finger riffs. It's like he was
playing it with lead guitar melody... I don't know what to say... I am not
familiar with guitarist terms even I played guitar myself. Not my favorite
but since Gillan and Towns were here... Well, what can I say, they rocks!
Oh, do you know that Colin Towns used to play country music before he
joined IGB?
Other versions????
ARdian N.
{Colin Towns? COUNTRY? I'd like to hear more about THAT!!!}
___________________________________________
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