- 1971 USA Release on EMI Harvest Records
This is the European import/export version (American Pressing) which includes"Demon's Eye" in place of "Strange Kind of Woman"
insert with complete lyrics of all songs by Deep Purple
The year is 1971. The Vietnam War rages on, Nixon is in the White House, and a musical revolution is underway. In the heart of this turbulent era, Deep Purple, the British hard rock titans, unleash their fourth studio album, "Fireball." This isn't just another record; it's a raw, unpolished testament to a band pushing the boundaries of their sound and exploring new sonic territories.
"Fireball" isn't your typical Deep Purple album. It's not as heavy or as blues-driven as its predecessor, "In Rock." Instead, it's a curious blend of styles, a kaleidoscope of experimentation that sees the band venturing into progressive rock, funk, and even a touch of psychedelia. The result is a record that's both exhilarating and frustrating, a wild ride that leaves you breathless and wanting more.
The album opens with the title track, "Fireball," a blistering hard rock anthem that sets the tone for the rest of the record. It's a relentless assault of Ritchie Blackmore's scorching guitar riffs, Jon Lord's swirling Hammond organ, and Ian Gillan's signature banshee wail. It's a song that grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go, and its iconic opening "whoosh" sound has been a subject of much debate among fans, with some even attributing it to the studio's heating system.
From there, the album takes a detour into the funky, psychedelic realm with "Strange Kind of Woman," a track that's as groovy as it is weird. It's a testament to the band's willingness to experiment, to take risks and push the boundaries of their sound. This track, originally a non-album single, became a major hit and further fueled anticipation for the album's release.
The experimentation continues with "The Mule," an instrumental jam that showcases the band's virtuosity and improvisational skills. It's a showcase for each member to shine, from Blackmore's lightning-fast guitar runs to Ian Paice's thunderous drumming. Fans often highlight this track as a prime example of the band's musical chemistry and ability to create extended jams that never feel indulgent.
But it's not all experimentation. The album also features some classic Deep Purple moments, like the hard-driving "Demon's Eye," a song that's become a staple of their live shows, and the epic "Fools," a sprawling progressive rock track that showcases the band's ambition and musical prowess. The omission of "Demon's Eye" from the initial US release caused a major uproar among fans, and its eventual reinstatement on later pressings is a testament to the song's enduring popularity.
"Fireball" was recorded at De Lane Lea Studios in London, with the band's long-time producer, Martin Birch, at the helm. Birch, known for his work with Black Sabbath and later Iron Maiden, captured the raw energy and intensity of the band's performances, resulting in a record that sounds as fresh and vital today as it did in 1971.
While "Fireball" may not be Deep Purple's most commercially successful or critically acclaimed album, it holds a unique place in their discography. Its eclectic mix of hard rock, progressive elements, and funk influences makes it a fascinating listen that continues to spark debate and discussion among fans. The album's raw energy, musical diversity, and controversial moments have all contributed to its enduring legacy as a testament to Deep Purple's willingness to take risks and explore new sonic territories.
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Music Genre: English Hard Rock , Early Heavy Metal, Prog Rock |
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Album Production Information: Produced by Deep Purple, An Edwards / Coletta Production Sound engineers: Martin Birch, Lou Austin, Alan O'Duffy Martin Birch's: The man behind the soundboard, shaping iconic rock and metal anthems. His journey from sound engineer to legendary producer is a testament to passion and innovation. Read on his career
Louis Austin Louis Austin, the renowned sound engineer, played a pivotal role in shaping the sonic landscape during a crucial period in the history of music production. Born 1941, in London, Austin's career spanned from the 1960s to the 1980s, aligning with a transformative era in the music industry. During the 1960s, the music scene witnessed a significant shift marked by the rise of iconic bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who. Louis Austin entered the scene as a sound engineer, contributing his expertise to numerous groundbreaking recordings. His technical proficiency and innovative approaches to sound engineering had a profound impact on the quality and depth of music produced during this time. One of Austin's notable contributions was his work with The Beatles during the recording sessions of the legendary album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" in 1967. His meticulous attention to detail and experimentation with studio techniques helped create the album's distinctive sound, earning him recognition for his role in shaping the psychedelic and avant-garde elements present in the tracks. Beyond The Beatles, Louis Austin collaborated with a diverse range of artists, showcasing his versatility as a sound engineer. His work extended to genres such as rock, blues, and folk, leaving an indelible mark on the sonic landscape of the 1970s. As the music industry evolved, so did Austin's approach to sound engineering, adapting to new technologies and pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the studio. In the 1980s, Louis Austin's influence continued to resonate as he embraced emerging digital technologies in the recording process. His ability to seamlessly integrate analog and digital elements showcased his adaptability and forward-thinking mindset.
Tony Burrett - Photography |
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Record Label & Catalognr: EMI Harvest SHVL 793 |
Album Packaging: Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design. This album includes the original 12" insert with complete lyrics of all songs by Deep Purple |
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Media Format: 12" 140 grams Vinyl LP Gramophone RecordAlbum weight: 270 gram |
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Year & Country: 1971 Made in USA |
Band Members and Musicians on: Deep Purple Fireball USA |
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Complete Track Listing of: Deep Purple Fireball USA |
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| Photo of Album's Inner Cover |
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| Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ) |
Purple 1C 038-1576031 , 1975 , Germany
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24 Carat Purple 12" Vinyl LP
EMI 152 Y 79 6130 , 1991 , EEC
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Anthology 12" Vinyl 3LP
Purple Records 3C 064-94837 , 1974 , Italy
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Burn (Italian Release) 12" Vinyl LP
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- Come Taste the Band (English Release) - Come Taste the Band (French Release) - Come Taste the Band (German Release) - Come Taste the Band (Netherlands Release)
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- Deepest Purple (Gt Britain Release) - Deepest Purple (French Release)
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- DEEP PURPLE III (Netherlands Release) - DEEP PURPLE III (Dutch Release, with Label Code) - DEEP PURPLE III (German Release)
Harvest 1C 062-92 726 , 1971 , Germany
Deep Purple's 'Fireball' album, in its original European release, boasts a unique addition - 'Demon's Eye' replacing 'Strange Kind of Woman.' This gatefold 12" vinyl LP provides an authentic experience
- Fireball (German Release) - Fireball (German Release, Fame Records) - Fireball (Netherlands Release) - Fireball (USA Release)
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- The House Of Blue Light (Germany) - The House of Blue Light (Hungary)
Harvest 1A 138-64158 , 1980 , Holland
Deep Purple's 'In Concert Unreleased BBC Tapes,' in a gatefold cover 12" vinyl LP album, offers a captivating glimpse into the band's live prowess. Recorded in 1970 and 1972 for the BBC's 'In Concert' series, these unreleased performances are a treasure trove for fans.
In Concert Unreleased BBC-Tapes 12" Vinyl LP
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- In Rock 1st Pressing (France) - In Rock 1st Pressing (Gt Britain) - In Rock (Holland, Fame Records) - In Rock (Italy) - In Rock (Netherlands)
Purple Records 1C 064-60 900 , 1977 , Germany
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Last Concert in Japan 12" Vinyl LP
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- Machine Head (Italy) - Machine Head (Italy Francis-Day) - Machine Head Black Border/Frame (Gt Britain) - Made in Europe (French Release)
PR 2995,Warner Records 1976, Made in USA
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Made in Europe 12" Vinyl LP
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- Made in Japan (European Release) - Made in Japan (French Release) - Made in Japan (German Release) - Made in Japan (Gt Britain Release) - Made in Japan (Italian Release) - Made in Japan (Netherlands Release)
Purple Records 1C 188-94 865 , 1973 , Germany
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Mark I and II 12" Vinyl 2LP
Purple Records – 1A 062-61695, Purple Records – 5C 062-61695 , 1979 , Holland
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The Mark 2 Purple Singles 12" Vinyl LP
Polydor 835 898 , 1988 , West-Germany
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Nobody's Perfect 12" Vinyl LP.jpg)
Polydor 823 777 (823777) / Digital Master Mix , 1984 , West-Germqany
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- Perfect Strangers (Germany) - Perfect Strangers Club Edition (Germany)
Purple Records 1C 064-60 072 , 1977 , Germany
"Powerhouse" (1977, Germany) is a compilation album by Deep Purple, featuring a collection of previously unreleased live and studio tracks from the band's prime era. This album offers a nostalgic journey back to the halcyon days of Deep Purple, capturing their electrifying performances and musical prowess.
Powerhouse 12" Vinyl LP
EMI Music For Pleasure 4M032-52169 , , Belgium
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Rock Story 12" Vinyl LP
Harvest 1C 038-157592 1 DMM , 1977 , Germany/Netherlands
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- In Live Concert At The Royal Albert Hall (European Release) - In Live Concert At The Royal Albert Hall (France) - In Live Concert At The Royal Albert Hall (Germany) - In Live Concert At The Royal Albert Hall (Gt Britain) - In Live Concert At The Royal Albert Hall (Italy) - In Live Concert At The Royal Albert Hall (USA)
Harvest – 5C 038-04175 , 1977 , Netherlands
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Shades of Deep Purple 12" Vinyl LP
EMI Harvest FA 3212 SHSM 2026A , 1978 , Gt Britain
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The Deep Purple Singles A's & B's 12" Vinyl LP
RCA PL90535 , 1990 , Germany
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Slaves and Masters 12" Vinyl LP
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Stormbringer (Germany) Stormbringer (Italy)
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