Torture Tunes
Whitesnake
The Purple Album
David Coverdale remakes the songs he wrote with his former Deep Purple band mates; Richie Blackmore, Glenn Hughes, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice for The Purple Album. It pays tribute to Deep Purple’s Mark IV years and respect to the boys that gave him his start.
Like Deep Purple, Whitesnake has an ever-changing lineup. Tommy Aldridge, who rejoined the band during the 2013 tour, and Joel Hoekstra, (Night Ranger, TSO) who joined as guitarist in 2014, continues into the new era. Derek Hilland (1997 Restless Heart tour and Coverdale’s solo album Into the Light) plays keys on The Purple Album, but its Italian vocalist/keyboardist, Michele Luppi, on tour. They join bassist Michael Devin, who’s been with the band since the 2011 Forevermore album, and Whitesnake guitarist since 2002, Reb Beach.
It was good to hear the old songs brought to new life with the fresh tones of David’s crew. “Burn” was fantastic in all the right places and is the perfect opener for this record. The mix throughout is well done, clear, and doesn’t bury anyone in the sound. The guitar players and bassist capture the classic sound of Deep Purple, and also give off the vibe from where Coverdale was inspired to create Whitesnake.
Heavy and bluesy tunes like “Love Child” and “The Gypsy” put you in the mood to groove, whether in the car or kicking back around the house. There are a few serious ballads that will be sure to sooth the savage beast. “Sail Away” has a nice 12 string acoustic guitar with some tasty strumming, and “Holy Man” has a folksy vibe, like a heavy Don McLean song. Adding to the storytelling, the mellow tune “Soldier Of Fortune” tells about life on the road.
Whitesnake
The Purple Album
(Frontiers Music Srl)
Written by: Tim Duran
9 out of 10
Classic hard rocking tunes like, “Might Just Take Your Life,” “Coming Home,” and “Lay Down Stay Down” split your ears with a sound that later became the staple rhythm progression for Whitesnake. Each song is filled with memories for us old folks, and a fresh new take for the younger listeners on their journey for the search for true rock n’ roll.
Downside is that there are three records that David Coverdale did with Deep Purple. I would like to hear all those done with the supergroup he put together. Upside is the chemistry between all the players. Joel and Reb play the solos flawlessly, while adding their own style and flair. Michael’s bass tone is punchy and Tommy just slams altogether. Then there’s the man himself, David Coverdale, whose voice seems to never age. This is the perfect record for anyone interested in getting down to the roots of heavy metal, or deeper into the history of Coverdale and Whitesnake. The Purple Album gets a huge 9.
Tim Duran, HMS
Back to Torture Tunes menu