Get the Remaster!
Tim Brough | Springfield, PA United States | 06/18/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"(Rhino has recently reissued this a 30th Anniversary of "Burn" with expanded liner notes and at an affordable price.)
1973: Deep Purple was in shambles. "Machine Head," "Made In Japan" and "Who Do We Think We Are!" had transformed them into superstars and Ritchie Blackmore was now recognized as a guitar god, but egos and strife were splitting the band. In what would usually demolish other bands, Blackmore replaced two key members of the group. David Coverdale, an unknown, and Glenn Hughes of the cult band Trapeze were in, Roger Glover and Ian Gillian were out.
1974: "Burn" was the one last amazing album when Deep Purple had all the parts working together.
The band rose to the challenge. Bolstered by the prospect of using two lead singers, the band created an album that is second only to "Machine Head" is terms of consistency. Roaring forth with the title track, with Jon Lords majestic organ and keyboards plus a killer riff from Blackmore, there was no way to deny that Deep Purple was once again a fireball. The other major contribution seemed to be the spark that Hughes and Coverdale brought to the band's writing. With the exception of "Sail Away" and the instrumental "A-200," everyone of "Burn's" original 8 songs is a DP classic. After the "Stormbringer" album, Blackmore split and the albums afterwards just never measured up.
So just absorb this classic example of what made early 70's rock so fabulous to listen to. There's the rocking blues of "Mistreated." The great split vocals on "Might Just Take Your Life." Blackmore's excellant solo on "Lay Down Stay Down." Then on "You Fool No One," proof that Ian Paice's drumming was as strong a backbone for Purple as any band could wish for.
"
Not Quite Machine Head But Plenty Good
G. J Wiener | Westchester, NY USA | 08/12/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I've been intrigued by the musical history of hard rockers Deep Purple. I found the Mark 1 Version intriguing with its psychedelic touches. However the slam bam tones of the Mark Two era really rocks my world. Ian Gillian was one legendary vocalist.
However band tension led to Gillian(as well as Roger Glover) departing. Nonetheless, Mark 3 Deep Purple was born with the strong vocals of David Coverdale(with Glenn Hughes nicely on the harmonies). Deep Purple varied its sound somewhat on this Burn Release. There are plenty of strong Ritchie Blackmore guitar riffs. However there are some lighter piano touches in addition to the creative organ touches from Jon Lord. Also the drumming is pretty noteworthy particularly on You Fool No One.
The title track, Burn is clearly the best song. Super energy, strong vocals and super solos by both Jon Lord and Ritchie Blackmore. Many of the other songs are quite catchy as well.
Maybe Burn isn't quite on the level of Machine Head, but it comes pretty darn close. Its just a little less heavy but plenty creative."