MADE IN JAPAN

This is arguably the live prog album, but agreeably the proto-prog album. Many bands' live works are just the studio version with cheering. This album goes so much further: The usual 10 minute Child In Time is now 12, the 5 minute Smoke of the Water is now 7, the 5 minute Mule is now 9 (with one of the greatest drum solos of all time), the 7 minute Lazy is 11, and (the big one), the 4 minute Space Truckin' is now a whopping 19:53! That means that the performances go far beyond the studio version. This performance of Strange Kind Of Woman is my personal favourite Purple song, what with its catchy, funky, groove and guitar/vocal battle. It's very energetic, creative, psychedelic, and plain fun. Child In Time is very beautiful, with fantastic lyrics, amazing musicianship and a huge amount of energy. Highway star has one of the best guitar solos to have graced my ears. If you look at Paice's set, and you know anything about drumming, you'll be amazed at what he can do with such a tiny set.

This is may be greatest live album I've ever heard, and I commend Purple for their creative and energetic performance. For a lack of polish, and a few artistic elements missing, I round downward. Good stuff!