Please watch the video above for the full review
Deep Purple Made In Japan (Part One)
Deep Purple’s Made in Japan: A Personal Journey with a Classic Live Album
This album holds a special place in my heart, and I’ve been both eager and hesitant to talk about it because it’s one of those records that’s almost too close to me, one that feels like it deserves a definitive review. So, let’s embark on this journey together.
Discovering Deep Purple and Made in Japan
My introduction to Deep Purple came in the winter of 1972. I was just beginning to explore rock music beyond the likes of T. Rex and Slade. One day, while recording songs off the radio onto my trusty cassette deck, I stumbled upon a track called “Never Before.” It didn’t make much of a dent in the charts, but it caught my attention. A friend of mine, who was more experienced in the world of rock, suggested I dive deeper into Deep Purple’s music.
He lent me a few cassettes, including Machine Head. That was the game changer. The first three tracks on that tape—“Highway Star,” “Smoke on the Water,” and “Space Truckin’”—were enough to hook me for life. I was captivated by the sheer power and energy of the band. I soon went on a quest to find more of their music, which led me to discover In Rock, another monumental album in their catalog.
But it wasn’t until 1973 that I encountered the album that would become one of the cornerstones of my musical life: Made in Japan.
The Magic of Made in Japan
Made in Japan is not just an album; it’s an experience. Released as a double LP, the album captures Deep Purple at their peak during a series of performances in Osaka and Tokyo in August 1972. What struck me immediately about the album was its presentation. The original vinyl release had a shiny gold laminate cover, which made it look special—almost like a treasure. The gatefold sleeve featured iconic photographs of the band, with Richie Blackmore’s image being one of my all-time favorites. The entire package screamed “classic” even before the needle hit the grooves.
For a young fan like me, the tracklist was intriguing. A double album with only seven tracks? That was unheard of! Most albums at the time packed in as many songs as possible, but here was a record that dared to give each song room to breathe and expand. The anticipation of hearing “Space Truckin’” stretched out over an entire side of vinyl was almost too much to bear.
When I finally got my hands on Made in Japan, it was a life-changing moment. I vividly remember saving up my pocket money and purchasing the album from Woolworth’s for £3.25—every penny well spent. From the moment I placed the record on my dad’s turntable, I was transported into a world of sonic brilliance that I’ve never left.
The Tracks: A Sonic Adventure
The album kicks off with “Highway Star,” and it’s an explosive start. The way the band builds up the song, with Ian Gillan’s understated “Okay, here we go” leading into Jon Lord’s iconic keyboard intro, is pure magic. The track evolves into a cacophony of sound, with Richie Blackmore’s guitar solo standing out as a definitive moment in rock history. What’s so thrilling about Blackmore’s playing on this album is its unpredictability—there’s a sense of risk and danger in every note, making the performance feel raw and alive.
“Child in Time” follows, with Gillan delivering one of the most powerful vocal performances ever recorded. His screams are nothing short of legendary, and Blackmore’s guitar solo takes the song to another level entirely. This live version distills the song down to its essence, removing the keyboard solo from earlier renditions and allowing the guitar to take center stage.
Side two brings us the quintessential version of “Smoke on the Water.” Interestingly, this track had to be selected from the August 16th performance because Blackmore made errors during the other nights, showing just how human and fallible these rock gods were. Despite this, the version that made it to the album is nothing short of perfect.
“The Mule” offers a glimpse into Ian Paice’s drumming genius. Drum solos may have fallen out of favor in modern times, but Paice’s performance here is a masterclass in musicality and rhythm. His jazz influences shine through, making it a solo that’s as listenable as it is technically impressive.
Side three kicks off with “Strange Kind of Woman,” an extended version that far surpasses the original single. The interplay between Gillan and Blackmore is electric, particularly during the call-and-response section where Blackmore matches Gillan’s vocal lines note for note.
Finally, we arrive at “Space Truckin’.” This is the track that blew my mind as a teenager. Spanning an entire side of vinyl, it’s an epic journey through the cosmos of rock. The band goes all out, with Blackmore’s guitar wizardry, Lord’s thundering organ, and Paice’s relentless drumming all combining to create a wall of sound that’s both chaotic and controlled.
A Timeless Classic
In my personal holy trinity of Deep Purple albums, Made in Japan sits alongside In Rock and Burn. It’s an album that has never lost its power or appeal, even after decades of listening. It’s a snapshot of a band at the height of their powers, captured in the most authentic way possible.
Made in Japan was a massive success, reaching No. 16 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 6 on the US Billboard 200. It’s often hailed as one of the greatest live albums of all time, and for good reason. The energy, the musicianship, and the sheer unpredictability of the performances make it a record that stands the test of time.
Even today, listening to Made in Japan is an exhilarating experience. It doesn’t sound dated or stuck in its era; it feels as fresh and vital as ever. This album is a testament to the power of live music and the magic that happens when a band is truly in sync with one another.
Conclusion
If you’ve never experienced Made in Japan, I urge you to do so. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Deep Purple, this album is a must-have in any collection. It’s not just a live album—it’s a piece of rock history that captures one of the greatest bands of all time at their absolute best.
In my next post, I’ll be diving into the various versions of Made in Japan that have been released over the years, including the super deluxe box set, the 3-CD edition, and the 2014 vinyl reissue. Each version offers something unique, and I’ll be sharing my recommendations on which one you should add to your collection.
In part two I will go through the Super Deluxe Edition and also look at the different remasters, CDs, Vinyl and which version I recommend.
Phil Aston |Now Spinning Magazine
