Deep Purple
Infinite

It affects me. It's not easy for me, after exactly thirty years, to listen to and criticize an album by a legendary band that has been fundamental to my love for Rock. Along with Led Zeppelin, they opened my soul and made me understand the sound I wanted and needed to listen to. On one hand, I am happy to see these older guys still having fun after fifty years of career, but on the other, I can't just ignore it. I am "selfish," I wish that Deep Purple had stopped making records after "Perfect Stranger"; until that moment the least beautiful was still a great album and the others (at least 4 plus the "Live") were absolute masterpieces. Yet they persist in playing and recording albums.

I struggle to endure Gillan's voice (?!?), to reconcile with the fact that Blackmore and Lord are no longer in the band. That's how I am, damn it, I can't even enjoy how, even at seventy, these fabulous guys get up in the morning with a desire to go on tour or into the rehearsal room. Let's be clear, live they are still "fearsome!" Many thirty-year-olds could take lessons in heart, soul, the desire to excite and be excited, as well as in musical technique of course. Because the technique is not lacking even in the records, even in this one; they are always flawless sometimes even too much, I would like something dirtier, rawer, some "mistake". But Paice and Glover don't miss a beat even after a stroke (Ian), Morse is skillful even with one hand "screwed up" and Airey does not make you miss Lord (yes, you read that right!). Gillan does what he can, the voice is what most feels the passing of decades, but this guy has an incredible heart and doesn't give up an inch.

My problem is that since "House Of The Blue Light" (1987) I will remember three or four songs out of nine albums! But I have a lousy memory so it's my fault... however, wait, until "Perfect Stranger" I remember (almost) everything, including the first 3 albums of the vastly underrated Mark 1, which had the only fault (but couldn't it be a virtue?!) of not having a well-defined sound. I know I'm wrong, I wish every album would thrill me, I'm not content with a good album; if they were a young and "normal" band it would be fine... but they are Deep Purple and I just can't do it damn it! In the end, there is even an impeccable cover of "Roadhouse Blues", with a nice harmonica "riff"... the only one I remember, in fact.

Anyway, as said, it's a good record, impeccable in sound and style, but without thrills... so it's not a good record, like the last eight before this one. Now, and rightly, many of you who know how to listen better than me and understand technically, will point out which have been great albums and also the merits of this "Infinite". I can't, unless I have strong emotions... sorry to you and Them!

In June they have three stops in Italy: Rome, Bologna, and Milan. And here, I assure you, absolute delight!