Deep Purple - Purpendicular
Another twist in the Purple saga was the departure, yet again, of Ritchie Blackmore. Steve Vai filled in during the tour. Steve Morse, ex Dixie Dregs, is the new 'permanent' member. After the pathetic effort last time out (The Battle Rages On, which rates as one of the worst CDs in my collection), I thought that it was time for Purple to finally rest in peace.
To my surprise, the reviews were actually good. The most interesting point made in the reviews was that Jon Lord was back on form. So I went out and bought the album, not really expecting too much from it.
I'm amazed. Purple are back on form. I'm not sure if this is a result of Ritchie's departure, a need to prove that they could hack it without him or the influence Steve Morse has had on the rest of the band. I suspect it's a combination of all of these.
The first thing that strikes you about the album is that Jon Lord and Steve Morse get more or less equal billing. This gives the album a similar feel to the earlier Purple albums. Jon Lord and the Hammond organ sound were always the features, to my ears, which made Purple standout from the crowd. The band have rediscovered that almost jazzy sound which they had in their heyday
There are a few songs which aren't in the classic Purple vein. It's clear Steve Morse in no mere session guitarist bought in the do Blackmore impersonations. Songs like 'The Aviator' & 'A Touch Away' are a departure and the songs which show the influence Steve Morse has had on the rest of the band.
In the grunge filled Nineties, it's good to know that a bunch of old timers like Purple can still deliver the goods and show the Pearl Jam wannabies at trick or two about making decent music. Some people have been going over the top saying this is the best album Purple have ever made. I'm not sure that I'd go that far, but it is the best album they've made in a very long time. Purple Rainbow are dead, long live Deep Purple !
Rating : 9
