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‘The Mark 2 Purple Singles’ by Deep Purple is a collector’s gem, showcasing the iconic Mark II lineup of Ian Gillan, Ritchie Blackmore, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice. Released in 1979, this compilation features live and studio tracks, including classics like ‘Smoke on the Water’ and ‘Child in Time.’ Pressed on purple vinyl, it captures the band’s raw energy and timeless rock legacy.
How does the album back cover be different from other versions
Second volume of the Deep Purple singles-on-album series: a sensible, coherent collection of the hotch potch selection of 45s the band released over the years, both before and after their break up in ’76; a selection that’ll allow fans to preserve your old battered original copies for last night memories.
And that’s the only reason that this album merits the “Mk II” tag: it also constitutes the final gathering together of all the singles made by the Mk II version of Deep Purple, that is to say the band that contained the all-time classic quartet of Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord and Ian Paice, and which is recognised, quite rightly, as Purple’s, in fact, in the highest echelons of Heavy Metal.
Drawing on material issued as far back as ’71 and as late as ’77, this album is divided into a live side and a studio side. Numbers performed from their “Live And Rare Volume One” make up the “live” side - these blues hurled from the stage as part of Purple’s no-nonsense quest for an irresistible no-prisoners attitude and audience power!
So, Smoke On The Water opens the proceedings, with Blackmore choosing to play his guitar riff straight, minus the clever “clever” snippets of the intro - and more the (legally) available studio version of this number - performed live at the 1973 Japan album.
Smoke On The Water is a graphic tale of the fire that took place during the recording of the Machine Head LP in Switzerland, an event that occurred because of some stupid Frank Zappa concert at the Montreux TV Festival, and saw the DPs found themselves without a place to record.
Ousted from their second choice of the Pavilion by one of the local residents complained about the excessive noise, the band ended up at the sleazy, empty, cold and damp Grand Hotel, and with “a few red lights, a few dolé beds and the Rolling truck Stones thing they proceeded to lay down perhaps the greatest of all their albums.
A breakneck paced Black Night follows (first released as a studio cut on a single in May 1970 - backed by Speed King - this here live rendition originally appeared on ’77s New Live And Rare Volume One EP) and Child In Time concludes the side, a little shorter but basically the same as the version that appeared on the 1972 Made In Japan album.
Woman From Tokyo, surely one of the most underrated of Purple songs, kicks off the studio side of the album and is quickly followed by Never Before and When A Blind Man Cries, respectively the A and B sides of a PUR 102 single as released in April 1972. PUR 102 is one of Purple’s most successful singles, Never Before nonetheless spent six weeks in the charts and reached a highest position of 35. A few years on, When A Blind Man Cries appeared on the New Live And Rare Volume One EP. Ian Gillan’s lyrical preoccupation with blind men - see Child In Time - is most intriguing … but this is no time for philosophical treatise) together with the final Painted Horse track.
Painted Horse made its first vinyl appearance on the Rare disc and country-flavoured song with lots of harmonica work, reportedly recorded around the time of the Fireball album.
So overall, irrefutable Purple-hued evidence that high energy is and never was the exclusive province of frustrated teenagers. Enjoy it.
GEORF BARTON
The album: "DEEP PURPLE - The Mark 2 Purple Singles" was produced by: Deep Purple
Album cover design: David Dragon
Album cover photography: Peter Vernon, Fin Costello
Fin Costello: Discover the man behind the lens who immortalized rock's golden age. Explore Fin Costello's journey through the vibrant 70s music scene and his iconic photographs that defined an era.
Hard Rock
Purple Records – 1A 062-61695, Purple Records – 5C 062-61695
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1979 Holland / Netherlands
Experience the sonic power of Ian Gillan! From Deep Purple's legendary screams to solo adventures and a stint with Black Sabbath, his voice shaped rock history.
Ritchie Blackmore: Shred through rock history with Ritchie Blackmore! From Deep Purple's legendary riffs to Rainbow's anthems and Blackmore's Night's medieval melodies, his guitar redefined genres. Read all about him
Roger Glover! Dive into the rhythmic depths of hard rock with from Deep Purple's legendary bass lines to Rainbow's anthems, learn how his musical journey shaped a genre.
Feel the thunderous beat of rock history! From Deep Purple's iconic riffs to collaborations with legends, Ian Paice's drumming mastery shaped generations and fueled anthems. Read his mini-biography
Journey through the electrifying fusion of rock and classical music with Jon Lord, the iconic keyboardist of Deep Purple! Witness his evolution from "Smoke on the Water" to symphonic masterpieces. Learn about his career
The album cover of Deep Purple’s “The Mark 2 Purple Singles”, which is marketed as a collector’s item and notably pressed on purple vinyl. The design features a bold and dynamic layout:
Primary Imagery:
The center showcases a vivid, live performance shot of the band, giving a raw and energetic vibe, emblematic of Deep Purple’s iconic live presence. The stage lighting bathes the scene in a fiery orange hue, with the band’s instruments and silhouettes prominently displayed.
Typography:
The “Deep Purple” logo is presented at the top in bold purple text, consistent with the band’s branding.
Below, the text “The Mark 2 Purple Singles” is stylized in cursive, with “Mark 2” and “Purple” highlighted in contrasting fonts to emphasize the collection’s exclusivity.
Additional Elements:
The cover includes a side profile of a woman wearing futuristic goggles, with her head tilted back, evoking a sense of intensity or awe.
A blowtorch in her hand is a striking element, with the blue flame adding a touch of industrial, rebellious imagery, further complementing the band’s hard rock aesthetic.
Color Palette:
The overall color scheme balances metallic grey tones with the purple branding and the warm orange glow from the live image.
This cover captures the essence of Deep Purple’s Mark II era while reflecting the power and allure of their rock legacy.
Purple 1C 038-1576031 , 1975 , Germany
Released on Deep Purple's own record label, '24 Carat' marked Deep Purple's debut compilation album, representing a pivotal period in their hard rock journey. This 12" LP encapsulates the band's evolution, featuring iconic tracks that defined their sound.
24 Carat Purple 12" Vinyl LP
EMI 152 Y 79 6130 , 1991 , EEC
Deep Purple's 'Anthology' is a musical treasure trove spanning 150 minutes, carefully curated across three LPs. This vinyl masterpiece not only delivers the band's iconic sound but also includes the original 4-page 12" booklet, offering fans a nostalgic journey through the band's history.
Anthology 12" Vinyl 3LP
Purple Records 3C 064-94837 , 1974 , Italy
Deep Purple's 'Burn' marked a pivotal transition with new members David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes, forming the 'Mark III' lineup. This Italian release of the album is distinguishable by the S.I.A.E 'Rights Society' imprint at 9 o'clock on the record label.
Burn (Italian Release) 12" Vinyl LP
Deep Purple's "Come Taste the Band" is a pivotal album in their discography, marking a shift with Tommy Bolin on guitar. The 1975 European LP releases captured this new era, featuring iconic tracks like "Gettin' Tighter" and "Comin' Home".
- Come Taste the Band (English Release) - Come Taste the Band (French Release) - Come Taste the Band (German Release) - Come Taste the Band (Netherlands Release)
"Deepest Purple: The Very Best of Deep Purple" is the compilation album by the British hard rock band Deep Purple, released in 1980. It features the original hits of Deep Purple before their 1984 reunion.
- Deepest Purple (Gt Britain Release) - Deepest Purple (French Release)
Deep Purple's 'Deep Purple III' (1976, Netherlands) marks a pivotal moment in the band's history. Originally released in 1969 on Harvest Records in the UK, it stands as the third studio album and the final one with the original lineup.
- 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)
Deep Purple's 'The House of Blue Light' in its German 12" vinyl LP release represents a significant chapter in the band's history. This album captures the reunion of the re-formed Mark II lineup and showcases meticulous production and sound engineering, resulting in an auditory masterpiece.
- 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
Deep Purple's "In Rock" (1970), a landmark in hard rock, shook the European music scene with its raw energy. Original European LP pressings are sought after by collectors for their powerful sound and iconic gatefold cover. Tracks like "Speed King" and "Child in Time" showcase the Mark II lineup's prowess
- 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
This album by DEEP PURPLE released in March 1977. It records the last Japanese concert of the Mark IV-lineup with Tommy Bolin. This album was recorded on December 15, 1975 at the Tokyo Budokan,
Last Concert in Japan 12" Vinyl LP
"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.
- 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
The USA release of "Deep Purple - Made in Europe" on a 12" vinyl LP album is a live recording capturing the band's performances in Austria, Germany, and France during April 1975. Engineered by Mick McKenna, Tapani, and Martin Birch, and mixed by Ian Paice and Martin Birch,
Made in Europe 12" Vinyl LP
"Deep Purple - Made in Japan Live 2LP" is a monumental double live album by the English rock band. Recorded during their inaugural tour of Japan in August 1972, this album captures the raw energy and musical brilliance of Deep Purple's live performances. Originally released in December 1972
- 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
"Deep Purple - Mark I and II" is a 2LP gatefold 12" vinyl album that offers a comprehensive journey through the band's evolution. The gatefold cover features captivating artwork and photos within its pages. Liner notes by Jens Larsen provide insights in both English and German
Mark I and II 12" Vinyl 2LP
Purple Records – 1A 062-61695, Purple Records – 5C 062-61695 , 1979 , Holland
The Mark 2 Purple Singles" record is a compilation album of tracks previously released as 7" singles of the "Mark II" period of the British Rock band "Deep Purple". Their Mark 2 period was from July 1969 until June 1973.
The Mark 2 Purple Singles 12" Vinyl LP
Polydor 835 898 , 1988 , West-Germany
"Nobody's Perfect" is a live double LP album by the British rock band Deep Purple, released in 1988. This album captures the band's electrifying live performances and showcases their enduring musical prowess. Featuring classic tracks, it stands as a testament to Deep Purple's status as rock legends
Nobody's Perfect 12" Vinyl LP.jpg)
Polydor 823 777 (823777) / Digital Master Mix , 1984 , West-Germqany
"Perfect Strangers" is the eleventh studio album by DEEP PURPLE, released in November 1984. It represents the first album recorded by the reformed (and most successful and popular) 'Mark II' line-up.
- 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
"Rock Story" from Belgium is not a Deep Purple album; rather, it's a compilation album featuring various bands and tracks from the rock genre. While it doesn't exclusively feature Deep Purple, it offers a diverse selection of rock music from different artists.
Rock Story 12" Vinyl LP
Harvest 1C 038-157592 1 DMM , 1977 , Germany/Netherlands
The International releases of "Deep Purple - Live at the Royal Albert Hall" offers fans a spectacular musical experience. This album captures the band's live concert at the Royal Albert Hall, featuring the groundbreaking "Concerto for Group and Orchestra" composed by Jon Lord.
- 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
"Shades of Deep Purple" (1977, Netherlands) marks the debut full-length album from the British rock band Deep Purple. It encapsulates the prevailing psychedelic and progressive rock sound of late 1960s Britain. This album serves as a historical snapshot, showcasing the band's early musical exploratio
Shades of Deep Purple 12" Vinyl LP
EMI Harvest FA 3212 SHSM 2026A , 1978 , Gt Britain
"Deep Purple - Singles A's & B's" on 12" vinyl LP is a compilation album that offers a treasure trove of rare A-sides and B-sides from Deep Purple's singles. This collection provides a unique opportunity for fans and collectors to explore the band's lesser-known tracks and discover hidden gems.
The Deep Purple Singles A's & B's 12" Vinyl LP
RCA PL90535 , 1990 , Germany
"Slaves and Masters" (1990, Germany) is a significant album in Deep Purple's discography. Released in 1990, it represents a unique chapter as the only album featuring singer Joe Lynn Turner, who replaced Ian Gillan in the previous year. This transitional period in the band's history brought a different vocal style
Slaves and Masters 12" Vinyl LP
"Stormbringer" is the ninth studio album by DEEP PURPLE, released in December 1974. On this album, the soul and funk elements that were only hinted are much more prominent. Many fans consider Stormbringer to be a major turning point in the band, and the mark of an era's end.
Stormbringer (Germany) Stormbringer (Italy)
Who Do We Think We Are! is a hard rock album by DEEP PURPLE. Recorded in Rome July 72 and Frankfurt Oct 72 on Rolling Stones Mobile. It was their seventh studio album, and the last one with the classic Mk II lineup of the group until 1984.
- Who Do We Think We Are (Gt Britain) - Who Do We Think We Are (France)Another influential British rock band, featuring Eric Clapton on guitar. Cream explored a wider range of styles than Led Zeppelin, but their blues-rock foundation and improvisational jams share some similarities. Cream
A legendary guitarist known for his innovative playing style and use of effects pedals. While not strictly a band, Hendrix's influence on rock guitar is undeniable, and his music shares some elements of blues and psychedelia with Led Zeppelin. Jimi Hendrix
Pioneered hard rock and heavy metal, with influences from blues and psychedelia. Known for their powerful vocals, driving riffs, and complex instrumentals Led Zeppelin
Pioneered power pop and mod rock, known for their energetic live performances and Pete Townshend's distinctive guitar work. The Who's music is often heavier and more aggressive than Led Zeppelin's, but both bands share a love for extended jams and powerful vocals. The Who