The Deep Purple classic rock-metal album Machine Head (1972) is another one of those “must have” titles regardless of how many copies or versions you have now (I have the re-mastered 2CD anniversary edition from Rhino). If you do not have this recording in your collection, you have no right to call yourself a rocker. Why do I say that? Well if you listen to it and look back on what a landmark release this was, all seven vital tracks, it does not take long to realize that albums like this come along rarely and this one happens to be a template for blues influenced (listen to “Lazy”) rock and metal.
The classic lineup that included Ritchie Blackmore(guitar), Jon Lord (keyboards), Ian Gillian(vocals), Roger Glover (bass) and Ian Paice (drums) are at their very best here and don’t forget the rock staple that came out of this session “Smoke On The Water”, those that enjoy rock music know that song and it does not matter what age you are.
Deep Purple is one of my favorite bands of all time and Audio Fidelity seems to like them as well, thank god. This 24-karat gold version is not only an excellent representation of one of the heaviest albums in the history of recorded music, the label’s special processing brings out the very best and the pure raw energy of the Deep Purple sound just as if the band stepped out of the studio yesterday. A good example of that perfected re-mastering sound is on “Space Truckin’”, about three quarters of the way through were Ritchie Blackmore and Ian Paice take center stage; it sounded like they were standing right behind me wailing away - amazing. There are many moments like that on the album that I never noticed so distinctly before.
Think back to another time when people went down the street to pick up their favorite singles or vinyl LPs at a favorite record store then multiply that time period sound and clarity by 10 and that is what you will hear on this astounding version of Machine Head. There is no over re-mastering here to water down the sound; it comes directly from the source tapes of the original album with all the artwork and the classic Audio Fidelity windowpane slipcover.
This one is a no brainer you just gotta have it!
Key Tracks: Highway Star, Space Truckin’, Smoke On The Water
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
March 13, 2010
