Album of the Day

British band Deep Purple started out as classically influenced progressive rockers before finding their true calling in 1970 with DEEP PURPLE IN ROCK. The cover art gives the quintet the Mount Rushmore treatment, and this set certainly qualifies as a national monument of heavy metal. Newly arrived singer Ian Gillan and bassist Roger Glover were experienced songwriters, inspiring the group to come up with seven originals (including opener “Speed King” and the epic “Child in Time”) to showcase the blazing riffs of guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and organist Jon Lord as never before. The first studio album from the classic “Mark II” lineup of the group, DEEP PURPLE IN ROCK was released 50 years ago today and will still have you pumping your fist from start to finish.