POWERHOUSE

This is another Purple compilation. I guess they needed some money ... Two studio tracks : "Painted Horses" is a left over from the "Who Do You Think We Are" sessions. I guess you all know what a left over is : so, no wonder with this one. Same applies to "Cry Free" from the "In Rock" era although this one is better. Both are available now on the remastered version of each respective album. The sounds is far much better on those latter ones (that's the goal of a "remastering", right ?

Then, a very interesting trio of songs : each track has been recorded at the Royal Albert Hall (September 69) during their "famous" concert with the Royal Philarmonic orchestra. It was the first part of the concert with the Purple playing alone. This was unreleased at the time but now the whole first part of this concert has been released in 2002 as a double CD "Hush" was a track from the Mark I, and Ian sounds ways better than Rod Evans (sorry Rod) but who has doubt about Ian's skills ? The version of " Wring That Neck" is shorter than usual ("just" over thirteen minutes). Then, of course "Child In Time" : this version was recorded way before "Made In Japan". This rendition is really great and far much better than what one can find on "MIJ". It is the best one ever recorded live (together with the one available on "1970 - 1972 In Concert BBC - you can read my review of this one for more details). Gillan's screams are gorgeous of course. Talking about the guitar solo is useless : you MUST listen to it.

The version of "Black Night" was taken during their famous tour in Japan : it took me a while to identify it since they played "Black Night" during each concert (total of three) and they are quite similar; but it is the one from the Osaka concert (August 15th). In the meantime it has also been released on several expanded version of this legendary live album.

As you can see, there is no real reason to get this album as such (all tracks are available on other live albums or compilation). This album has been released on CD (average price : 25 ?). There is even a special CD edition with a mini sleeve available for about 125 US $ ! My recommendation is to get hold of the remastered versions of "In Rock" and "Fireball" (they really sell for cheap) as well as the two CD set from their Concerto concert.

Die-hard fans will definitely be interested. Three stars.