- Italian Release with Gatefold Album Cover
Machine Head is the sixth studio album released by English rock band "Deep Purple". It was recorded through December 1971 in Montreux, Switzerland, and released in March 1972. Machine Head is often cited as influential in the development of the heavy metal music genre. It is Deep Purple's most successful recording, topping the charts in several countries following its release. The album reached #1 in the UK, where it stayed for 20 weeks in the top-40. It also reached #7 in the US, remaining on the Billboard 200 for 118 weeks.
Deep Purple's 1972 album "Machine Head" stands as a towering monument in the evolution of hard rock and heavy metal. Recorded amidst a tumultuous period for the band, the album unleashed a torrent of raw energy and musical virtuosity that redefined the sonic landscape of the era.
A Moment of Musical Brilliance
"Machine Head" showcases Deep Purple at their creative peak. Tracks like the frenetic "Highway Star," the anthemic "Smoke on the Water", and the soulful "Lazy" demonstrate the band's exceptional songwriting and instrumental prowess.
"Highway Star": A Speed Demon Unleashed
"Highway Star" explodes as the album's opener, a relentless burst of speed and precision. Inspired by a question from a journalist, the song evolved from an impromptu jam during a bus ride. Ritchie Blackmore's blistering guitar riffs and Jon Lord's swirling organ create a breakneck sonic duel. Ian Gillan's vocals convey raw power and the exhilaration of high-velocity driving. "Highway Star" is considered a seminal track in the development of both hard rock and heavy metal, inspiring generations of musicians with its intensity and virtuosity.
"Smoke on the Water": An Iconic Riff, A Timeless Story
Perhaps Deep Purple's most recognizable hit, "Smoke on the Water" was born from a real-life incident—the burning of the Montreux Casino in Switzerland during Frank Zappa's concert. The iconic opening riff, one of the most famous in rock history, is instantly memorable. The song's simple but effective structure and its vivid storytelling further solidify its place as a classic rock anthem.
Commercial Dominance
Upon its release, "Machine Head" catapulted Deep Purple to international stardom. The album topped the charts in several countries, including the UK, and stayed on the Billboard 200 in the US for an astonishing 118 weeks. Its commercial success cemented Deep Purple's status as one of rock music's premier acts.
The Italian Gatefold Edition
The Italian release of "Machine Head" boasts a unique distinction – the Gatefold 12" Vinyl LP format. This deluxe presentation enhances the album's aura, offering a more immersive and tactile experience for fans. Its distinctive artwork and larger format transformed the album into both a musical and a visual statement.
"Smoke on the Water" is undeniably one of the most recognizable and iconic rock songs of all time. It was released as a track on Deep Purple's album "Machine Head" in 1972 and has since become an enduring anthem that transcends generations.
The genesis of "Smoke on the Water" lies in a real-life event that took place on 4 December 1971, at the Montreux Casino in Montreux, Switzerland. Deep Purple was set to record their album at the casino's theater but faced an unexpected setback. During a Frank Zappa concert, a fire broke out due to an audience member shooting a flare gun into the venue's rattan-covered ceiling. The entire casino complex was engulfed in flames, and the band watched the disaster unfold from their hotel, known as the Grand Hotel.
As they witnessed the inferno, the members of Deep Purple, like many other spectators, found themselves in awe of the spectacle before them. The sight of Lake Geneva ablaze with smoke rising into the night sky left a lasting impression on the band. The image of the smoke on the water became the inspiration for the song's title and its unforgettable guitar riff.
Ritchie Blackmore, the band's guitarist, composed the legendary riff that serves as the backbone of the song. The riff consists of four power chords played in a distinctive pattern: G, F, C, and D. This simple yet incredibly catchy guitar motif became instantly recognizable and helped propel the song to global fame.
Ian Gillan, Deep Purple's vocalist at the time, penned the lyrics for "Smoke on the Water." The song recounts the events of that fateful night in Montreux, capturing the chaos and excitement surrounding the fire. Gillan's narrative style of storytelling allows listeners to vividly picture the scene, evoking a sense of drama and anticipation.
"Smoke on the Water" became an immediate hit, achieving chart success around the world. Its impact extended far beyond the initial release, as the song's popularity continued to grow over the years. It remains a staple in rock music and has been covered by countless artists, further solidifying its status as a timeless classic.
The song's longevity can be attributed to its universally appealing elements. From the instantly recognizable guitar riff to the sing-along chorus, "Smoke on the Water" has an infectious quality that resonates with listeners across generations. Its combination of memorable melodies, powerful guitar work, and relatable lyrics has ensured its enduring presence on rock playlists and radio stations worldwide.
"Smoke on the Water" is more than just a song; it has become a cultural touchstone. Its impact on the world of rock music and popular culture is immeasurable. Whether it's being played at concerts, blasted from car stereos, or performed by aspiring guitarists, the song's influence and popularity endure, making it a true rock anthem that will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.
Music Genre: British Hard Rock |
Album
Production information:
Sound and recording engineers: Martin Birch , Jemery "Bear" Gee Martin Birch Martin Birch was an English music producer and engineer who was active from the late 1960s to the early 2000s. He was born on 26th June 1948 in East Molesey, England, and began his career as a producer and engineer in the late 1960s, working with several notable British bands of the time, including Deep Purple , Iron Maiden , Rainbow and others.
Birch's biggest contributions to music came in the 1970s and 1980s, when he worked as a producer and engineer for several of the most influential and popular heavy metal bands of the era, including Black Sabbath, Rainbow, and most notably, Iron Maiden. He was an important figure in the development of the heavy metal genre, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important producers of heavy metal music. Birch's approach to production was characterized by his use of powerful and dynamic sound, which helped to define the sound of heavy metal in the 1970s and 1980s. He was known for his ability to bring out the best in the musicians he worked with, and for his willingness to experiment and take risks in the studio. He was also known for his commitment to quality and his attention to detail, which helped to ensure that the albums he produced had a timeless quality and still sound great decades after their original release. Birch worked with Iron Maiden for over two decades, producing several of the band's most iconic and enduring albums, including "The Number of the Beast," "Powerslave," and "Somewhere in Time." He was an important part of the band's creative process, and helped to shape the band's sound and style. Martin Birch retired from music production in the early 2000s, but his legacy lives on through the music he produced and the countless musicians he inspired and influenced. He is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of heavy metal music, and his contributions to the genre continue to be celebrated and revered. Martin Birch's production style was known for its clarity, power and dynamic sound. He was an early adopter of using multi-track recording and employed innovative recording techniques, such as creating layered soundscapes by recording and re-recording guitar parts multiple times, to achieve his desired sound. He was also known for his use of echo and reverb to create a sense of depth and space in his recordings. Birch was known for his ability to bring out the best in the musicians he worked with and his hands-on approach to production. He was often involved in the arrangements and would often suggest changes to the songs to enhance their impact. He was also known for his attention to detail, taking the time to get the sound just right, and his dedication to quality, always striving to make each album sound as good as it could. Aside from his work with Iron Maiden, Birch also produced albums for several other influential heavy metal bands, including Judas Priest , Black Sabbath and Rainbow . He was also sought after by other musicians from outside of the heavy metal genre, and worked with artists such as Fleetwood Mac , The Move, and Deep Purple . Birch was awarded with several gold and platinum records for his work, and was recognized for his contributions to the heavy metal genre with induction into the Heavy Metal Hall of Fame in 2006. Although Martin Birch retired from music production in the early 2000s, his legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians and producers today. He is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential figures in the history of heavy metal music, and his work continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans of the genre around the world. Recorded in Montreux Switzerland using the Rollng Stones Mobile Unit John Coletta (1932-2008) - Cover Art |
Record Label Information: Purple 3C 064 93261 |
Packaging: Gatefold (FOC) cover design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 290 gram |
Year & Country: 1972 Made in Italy |
Band Members and Musicians on: Deep Purple Machine Head |
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Track Listing of: Deep Purple Machine Head |
The Song/tracks on "Deep Purple Machine Head" are
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "DEEP PURPLE Machine Head" |
Photo of the album's Back Cover
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Inner Sleeve of "DEEP PURPLE Machine Head" Album |
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Photo of "DEEP PURPLE Machine Head" Album's Inner Sleeve |
Photo of the album's Inner Sleeve
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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 ). |
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