THE EARLY YEARS

I find rather strange to issue a compilation of Mark I in ... 2004. As such, it is not an uninteresting effort should it have been released, let's say in 1973 (just after MIJ) when the band was at its peak. I really have no clue who could be interested to discover their earliest catalogue some thirty six years after the release of their first album "Shades". OK some tracks are remixed (not too bad actually) but that's not a big deal, really.

What I'm missing here is "Help" from "Shades" and "River Deep, Mountain High" from "The book".

The progiest number of the Purple (and there were very few, believe me) was undoubtfully "April" from their third album (it is their longest studio track ever as well - over twelve minutes) is not available here which is quiete a P.I.T.A. The cover version of "Lalena" which was another highlight of this album is represented by an instrumental version for it. Maybe not the best idea.

The remixes (mostly from "Shades") are really superior to the original recordings. An alternate take form "The Book" like "Kentucky Woman" as well as a BBC studio / live version of "Wring". All the numbers from "Deep Purple" are as they were released initially.

I am a die-hard fan of the band. They were one of the band which turned me into a rock music addicted kid in 1970. I am interested in this work just a bit, so I guess that the usual listener will find this compilation completely useless.

For super die-hard fan. Two stars.