Deep Purple’s “Machine Head” Super Deluxe Edition: A Journey Through Time and Sound
Please watch the video for a very detailed review and analysis
As a lifelong Deep Purple fan, the arrival of the “Machine Head” Super Deluxe Edition is an event that stirs both nostalgia and excitement within me. Deep Purple, a band that has significantly shaped my musical journey, has once again invited us to delve deeper into their magnum opus, “Machine Head,” I have multiple copies of this album and it is not the first time it has been the subject of a box set or indeed a new remastered version. There is no doubting the since its release in 1972, has become a cornerstone of rock music.
The “Machine Head” Super Deluxe Edition is a multi format box set which includes Vinyl, CDs and a BluRay.
Inside the box treasure trove are five discs, including a gatefold LP, three CDs, and a Blu-ray, all celebrating the album’s legacy. The purple smoke vinyl includes new remix by Dweezil Zappa, and a 2024 remaster from the original analog master. There is also an unreleased live CD from Montreux 1971-1972 and a Blu-ray audio featuring a new Atmos Remix by Dweezil Zappa, alongside historical essays and photographs.
The design of the box set follows a familiar yet effective format, reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac’s deluxe sets. While some may argue about missed opportunities or the desire for more, such as a hardback book or additional insights from Deep Purple insiders, it’s essential to appreciate the balance struck here. This set offers a comprehensive package without duplicating content available in previous reissues. The softback booklet, filled with new essays and unseen photographs, provides fresh context to “Machine Head,” enriching our understanding and appreciation of this iconic album.
The heart of this Super Deluxe Edition lies in its sound. The new remix by Dweezil Zappa is a revelation although I would advise approaching this version as if you had never heard the album before (it is that different in places).
The remix presents “Machine Head” in a new light, offering a clarity and depth that is both respectful of the original and daring in its execution. From the powerful opening of “Highway Star” to the intricate layers of “Pictures of Home” and the soulful “When a Blind Man Cries,” Zappa’s remix invites us to experience “Machine Head” as if for the first time. The Blu-ray’s Dolby Atmos mix further elevates this experience, enveloping the listener in the unmistakable sound of Deep Purple at their peak.
What Dweezil Zappa has achieved with this remix is not merely a technical feat; it’s a labor of love that honors the essence of Deep Purple. By expanding the sonic landscape, Zappa allows each band member’s contribution to shine, revealing the intricate dynamics and sheer power of their musicianship. This remix does not replace the original, or indeed Roger Glovers’ excellent remixes but instead, it complements it, offering fans a new way to appreciate the genius of “Machine Head.”
The “Machine Head” Super Deluxe Edition is a testament to Deep Purple’s enduring legacy and their continued relevance in the world of rock music. As I listened to this remix, I was reminded of why I fell in love with Deep Purple in the first place. Their music, timeless and groundbreaking, continues to inspire and captivate. This edition is a must-have for fans old and new, serving as a reminder of the band’s unparalleled contribution to music history.
I am grateful for the opportunity to revisit “Machine Head” with fresh ears and a renewed sense of admiration. Deep Purple has once again proven that their music is not just a memory of our past but a vibrant, living force that continues to resonate with fans across generations.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
..”Machine Head..”..?? ..HOLEE HELL !! Absolutely one o’ thee most Utterly Bangin Albums EVER !!! ..And, “Factually” Speaking, THEE Definitive, “Must-Have” D.P. Album..The Boys were ALL, at their Respective, and, Collective, & Creative, & Technical Peaks, for THIS One, Baby..!!!’