Deep Purple – Made in Japan (Steven Wilson remix) – (Rhino/Warner)

Iconic live album gets a fresh coat of paint, on vinyl for the first time

Made in Japan is often cited as one of the greatest live albums of all time.  Yet, it almost didn’t get released.  Purple were big in Japan and were encouraged to document their current shows there for a possible live record, but only in that country. Even after the concerts were completed, the group members were indifferent to the recordings.  Yet, once Warner Brothers decided to issue the album globally, things really took off, with eventually the double album going Platinum.  Curiously, the label decided to issue a highly-truncated version of “Smoke on the Water” with the studio take on one side, and the more recent live one as the b-side as promotion.  It worked – with the 45 peaking at #4 on the Billboard singles chart.

For this new Steven Wilson remix, things are noticeably different right away – on “Highway Star,” Roger Glover’s bass is more present, while Ian Gillan’s vocals have more clarity, Ian Paice’s kick drum has more meat.  At the end of the original album version, Gillan back sells the song, but it fades out, mid-sentence.  That has been removed, and the track segues right into “Child in Time,” which starts gently.  What you notice is these incredible bass runs that were buried before.  When Gillan screams about 2:20, it cuts to the bone, and when Blackmore solos there’s a crispness that lights up the sky

For the ubiquitous “Smoke on the Water,”  some of the rough edges on Blackmore’s guitar seem to have been smoothed over, while Paice’s high hat is louder, the vocals more upfront, and Jon Lord’s once-distorted organ is more clear and deeper.  “The Mule” is a showcase for Paice and the brighter mix gives you greater appreciation for his underrated skills as a drummer.

Gillan had complained that some of his vocals on the album were buried in the original version.  You can hear a big improvement on “Strange Kind of Woman.”   And, the Gillan/Blackmore vocal/guitar duel in the middle is pretty amazing.  The extended Lord keyboard squawks are an acquired taste on “Lazy,” but they sound great, and interplay between the guitar and organ is another highlight.

They saved the best for last.  Taking up all of side four, “Space Truckin’” clocks in at almost 20 minutes.  Yet, it always sounded a little flat on the original LP.  Here, everything jumps out of the speakers, helping to keep your interest through this extended jam. 

Wilson is known for trying to stay true to the original feel of the albums he works with.  This new version of Made in Japan sounds fantastic.  —Tony Peters