The best known track, then and now, was a cover of the Joe South song, “Hush.” Released as a single, it would reach number four on the Billboard Magazine Pop Singles Chart in the United States and was the song that launched their career. They would never have a single chart higher in the United States. It was psychedelic music at its best with a memorable beat.
“Mandrake Root” was written by Blackmore, Lord, and Paice, and had an improvisational/jam like feel to it. It was the type of hard rock that the band would become famous for in the future.
The cover songs ranged from the ordinary to very good. “I’m So Glad,” associated with Cream, was presented in the same format. “Hey Joe” does not measure up to Jimi Hendrix’s rendition. The Beatles song, “Help,” was a very creative cover. They slowed the tempo down to an almost plodding pace until it was far removed from The Beatles original intent for the song.
Shades Of Deep Purple was a creative and very good debut album from a band that would go on to a legendary career. The music may be different from classic Deep Purple, but it stands the test of time well and is well worth a listen to anyone interested in the band or the era.
Article comments
1 - Mark Bensette Aux Bois
Great article thx!! Also thx for the info on the beginnings of Deep, never heard that befor........ Mark