THE BOOK OF TALIESYN

I do believe this is better then their debut but not much better.The improvements they have made are in their own songs like "Wring That Neck", "Shield" and "Anthem" which are all good tunes.This record still feels restrained like the first one and there are covers songs here too, just not as many this time.

"Listen, Learn, Read On" is a psychedelic sounding tune with some prominant drumming throughout, and check out Blackmore's solo 2 minutes in. "Wring That Neck" is an instrumental and Lord's organ solo is followed up immediately by a Blackmore solo. "Kentucky Woman" is a Neil Diamond song that they cover very well. I like the way Blackmore lets loose 2 minutes in. "Exposition" builds beautifully and the drum and organ play is outstanding. The B side of the song is a BEATLES song "We Can Work It Out", and they do it justice unlike their cover of "Help" on "Shades Of Purple". This is a great version and the guitar playing has a blues style to it.

"Shield" features some good percussion and a lazy guitar solo 3 minutes in. Nice. "Anthem" is a ballad-like tune with good harmonies.This is the first time that Lord would use mellotron and I like the way the guitar comes into the strings section later in the song. "River Deep,Mountain High" is a cover that actually works quite well, and sounds really interesting to listen to. Lots of guitar and organ as well as harmonies. Good song.

I think if your a fan of the band you need to check this out.