Shades of Deep Purple

From the opening riff of “And the Address,” it’s clear that Deep Purple are helping write the rules for what would become heavy metal. Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore has a dark tone and bassist Nick Simper and drummer Ian Paice together form a tight and powerful rhythm section. But it’s really keyboardist Jon Lord who gives the band an extra-heavy texture. Joe South’s “Hush” was the undeniable hit while the rendition of “Hey Joe” begins as a gymnastic workout before settling into a version of the tune clearly inspired by Jimi Hendrix. Recorded in three days of sessions in 1968, Shades of Deep Purple is the sound of a band nailing it down quickly and definitively. Skip James’ “I’m So Glad” is merged with their own creative instrumental. The Beatles’ “Help” is thoroughly gutted and turned into a stunning lament. Deep Purple remain one of the most underrated groups of the hard-rock era and this debut is an essential piece of the puzzle. The bonus tracks include an alternate take of “Help!,” a live BBC version of “Hey Joe” and a psychedelic pop outtake called “Shadows.”