Forget windmills and tulips, kids! The real Dutch treat came in 1970, courtesy of Deep Purple's "In Rock," not just any pressing, but the FAME Records 12" vinyl. This wasn't just some import curiosity; it was a sonic battering ram, a declaration that the old guard of rock was getting a boot in the ass.
Now, historically speaking, 1970 was a weird time. We had the hangover of Woodstock's peace and love, but also Hendrix's tragic exit, Vietnam raging... the world was a powder keg, and music was reflecting that tension. Enter Deep Purple, not some peace-preaching hippies, but a band ready to channel that unrest into pure, unadulterated noise.
Genre-wise, they weren't reinventing the wheel. Hard rock, blues roots, a touch of classical bombast courtesy of Jon Lord's organ... but it was the *way* they did it that mattered. "In Rock" wasn't about virtuosity for show, it was about power. The FAME pressing, with its slightly grittier sound, only amplifies this. It's like the band's in your living room, amps cranked to 11.
Speaking of amps, let's talk about that lineup. This ain't your daddy's Deep Purple; this is Mk. II, the classic one. Ian Gillan's vocals aren't pretty, they're a freakin' primal scream, especially on tracks like "Child in Time," where his wail could shatter your eardrums and pierce your soul. Ritchie Blackmore's guitar solos aren't noodling, they're aural assault, and his riff on "Speed King" is the stuff of legends. And let's not forget the instrumental madness of "Into the Fire" and the epic organ showcase on "Child in Time," solidifying Lord's status as a keyboard god.
The rhythm section, Glover and Paice, are the engine driving this beast, relentless and tight. Paice's drumming on "Flight of the Rat" is a masterclass in controlled chaos, while Glover's basslines on "Hard Lovin' Man" are the backbone of the groove.
Production-wise, don't expect over-polished studio trickery. This was the band themselves, along with Martin Birch, capturing the raw energy. Abbey Road studios might sound fancy, but the vibe is pure sweat and grit. This ain't no concept album, it's a gut punch, each track hitting you right in the solar plexus.
Now, controversy? Oh yeah, it had that too. Some squares back then clutched their pearls at the lyrics, calling them violent, rebellious... but that's missing the point. "In Rock" was the sound of a generation saying, "Screw your rules, we're pissed off!" It wasn't about pretty words, it was about catharsis through noise. "Living Wreck" and "Bloodsucker" weren't exactly radio-friendly, but they resonated with those who felt the burn of societal discontent.
So, if you're lucky enough to get your hands on this FAME pressing, don't just admire it, play it LOUD. Feel the needle hit the groove and let that raw energy wash over you. This is a piece of rock history, a testament to a time when music wasn't afraid to get its hands dirty. Deep Purple didn't just make an album, they made a statement, and the FAME pressing makes sure you don't forget it.
