The Deep Purple mk 1 line up recorded this album in 1968 so what you can expect is heavy rock in a psychedelic and jazzy style that frankly just cannot be compared to any other psych band of the time. The sound is muddy but all the better for it really.
This line-up had (in true Purple tradition) a different singer and bassist in the shape of Rod Evans and Nick Simper respectively who contribute well to the overall sound, especially Simper, a busy bassist with a heavy sound. Evans is more restrained than the later Ian Gillan.
Lord, Blackmore and Paice weave their magic of course, but some of the songs would really benefit from some rhythm guitar, something that Blackmore didn't like. What was wrong with that guy? Paicey gets his jazz boots on in some of the songs and Lord even rips off excerpts from Sheherezade by Rimsky-Korsakov and Spanish excerpts from Manuel de Falla. No matter. It was the '60s.
One thing I particularly like is the extra song "Shadows", a lovely, psychedelic melody that wouldn't be out of place on a Nuggets compilation. The live cut of "Hush" on Playboy, however, sounds like it was recorded straight of the tv with not enough depth or presence. No matter. Its an interesting document.
All in all, I was surprised by this album. Its heavy, rocky, colourful, interesting, overlooked and, above all, just great!
Shades Of Deep Purple shares a sense of adventure and humor with Hendrix' Are You Experienced? Both feature a cover of "Hey Joe" and are based in the Blues. The most outstanding and unique feature of this album is Jon Lord's organ playing. The percussive noises he squeezes out of his Hammond on "Hush" are found on no other Deep Purple recording.
The originals ("And The Address", "One More Rainy Day", "Mandrake Root", etc.) are augmented by excellent cover versions of The Beatles, Joe South and Elmore James.
Later recordings would feature more of Ritchie Blackmore but Shades is all about Jon Lord.
You must have this CD in your collection.
[DW]
Ritchie Blackmore (or his mates) chose to subdue the guitar on this debut album. Regardless, this is a fine album and EMI did a first-rate remastering job.
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