Search - Deep Purple :: Live in California Long Beach Arena 1976

Maybe Purple's best live album

B. E Jackson | Pennsylvania | 08/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"At first I was surprised that nobody has written a review for this wonderful live Deep Purple album. Then I looked at the price people are selling it for and well, I can see why! Most people haven't heard this album. I will try to fill you in on what you can expect.



This is a solid collection of many of Deep Purple's most well-known songs from the later period of their classic career (from Machine Head all the way to Come Taste the Band). It was recorded in February of 1976. I thought Deep Purple had stopped touring and releasing music by this point, but I guess not. Of course Ian Gillan and Ritchie Blackmore are absent. Never fear- Tommy Bolin steps in and does a wonderful job with the guitar work.



"Burn" is pretty faithful to the original studio version. It contains some pretty nice drumming during the verse melody (just like in the original) and a really good way to open the album. "Lady Luck" isn't quite as good as the version on Come Taste the Band. I'm not entirely sure why, but it may be because this version is even MORE to the point compared to the Come Taste the Band version. In fact, the band played a lot of material from the Come Taste the Band album for this recording.



"Gettin' Tighter" positively rules. It's MUCH different from the studio version. The band decided to turn this version into a lengthy extended jam. It really is good, too. I love the original, and this version is probably better. "Love Child" is pretty close to the original as well.



An excellent version of "Smoke on the Water", though it doesn't contain the same fiery guitar riff that the Machine Head version does. That's okay- every live Deep Purple album needs this song on the playlist, and I think the band knew that. "Lazy" is quite lengthy as well. More focus on extended guitar work and drum solos than any kind of vocal melody. I prefer the song the way it was recorded here, personally. Deep Purple's talent to let loose at live concerts and just jam away is, believe it or not, STILL pretty underrated. I have to respect the band for that every time I hear them do it.



"This Time Around" sounds quite similar to the studio version, until it eventually extends into more fantastic guitar jamming. A really good version of "Stormbringer" too. I've always been fascinated with that guitar riff, and it's safe to say it has remained the same for this concert.



I was REALLY surprised to hear the band do "Georgia on my Mind". I belive that's a Ray Charles classic. I had no idea Deep Purple could make that song sound so good (though it's really short) and closing out the album is "Highway Star". I know what you're thinking "No Ian Gillan, how good can it be?" How good can that song be without him? Well, pretty darn good. There's plenty of speedy guitar soloing to make up for the absence of Ian Gillan anyway. Still, the Made in Japan version of "Highway Star" is the best one you'll probably ever hear. I won't pretend like this version can stand alongside other versions, but for what it is, it's pretty solid.



Overall, I know this is one really expensive album, but if you ever get a chance to hear it, take advantage of the opportunity. Oh, and I forgot to mention this up above, but this is a 90-minute album."