Deep Purple
Machine Head

THE REVIEW

In 1971, after producing the "experimental" FIREBALL, Deep Purple moved to Switzerland, specifically to the CASINO in Montreux, where they encountered major problems that were later immortalized in SMOKE ON THE WATER... This album, along with the subsequent MADE IN JAPAN and the somewhat "lesser" WHO DO WE THINK WE ARE, consecrated the Mark II lineup (Gillan, Glover, Lord, Paice, and Blackmore, the legend) in the realm of the greats...
The album opens with HIGHWAY STAR, one of the Purple's most famous songs. The song is about a car and starts with a guitar intro followed by an organ introduction that leads into Gillan's rasping screams, delivering what in my opinion is a great performance. The song immediately stands out with its terrifying energy, featuring solos by Lord first and then by Blackmore, almost as if they were challenging each other, with Blackmore's being the fastest of its time... Let's skip MAYBE I'M A LEO with its unusual rhythm, the epic PICTURES OF HOME, and NEVER BEFORE, which were rarely performed live. Now, let's move on to undoubtedly the most famous Deep Purple song... SMOKE ON THE WATER... The song opens with one of the most famous riffs and a memorable guitar solo. The song immortalizes the difficulties the Purple encountered during the recording of the album: fans of Frank Zappa and the Mothers set off a flare inside the CASINO in Montreux during their performance, forcing Deep Purple to go to the GRAND HOTEL to record under terrible conditions, practically running back and forth to the ROLLING STONES MOBILE STUDIO every moment... Next comes LAZY, a song that can be described as quite rhythm 'n' blues, starting with a dark and ominous Hammond intro before transitioning into an engaging rhythm produced by the solid rhythmic foundation of Paice and Glover... and the "duels" between Blackmore and Lord. The song, even though largely instrumental, leaves space for Gillan's voice, who also engages in a "solo" of harmonica. The ALBUM closes with SPACE TRUCKIN', which begins with Glover's bass and Lord's Hammond in unison, introduced by Paice's drums, featuring a good solo and an excellent drum piece... Finally, there's the single WHEN A BLIND MAN CRIES, which is essentially a soft song or rather a ballad...