The Book Of Taliesyn – DEEP PURPLE***

Listen Learn Read On/Hard Road (Wring That Neck)/Kentucky Woman/Exposition-We Can Work It Out/The Shield/Anthem/River Deep Mountain High

The Book Of Taliesyn was a quick follow up album from up and coming British heavy rock group Deep Purple, released to coincide with their American tour. It is considered to be their most psychedelic. (US:54)

“Anthem and the other original compositions are the standouts, but the covers are notable also, especially the incredible arrangement on River Deep Mountain High. Book Of Taliesyn is simply a must have for all followers of prog rock, but not so much for fans of later Deep Purple. Hard rock buffs may have a little problem getting into the refined vocals and much more thoughtful and complex compositions.”

“As with other albums in the Mark I period, keyboards and guitar are much more balanced than in later years, with Lord's excellent keyboard playing to the fore.”

“A killer album by any standard. You can look at it as a great psychedelic album, well-composed and amazingly well performed - this was a cut above the psychedelic music from other bands of the day. Or you can look at it as a proto-progressive album which nails down the early progressive style better.”

“This is Deep Purple's most psychedelic album ever, with spoken word interludes, lots of echo and sound effects. There are also some classical influences coming to the fore. Some of this material also tends to sound a little MOR, due to the crooner type voice of Rod Evans. Cool album, but not one they would be remembered by.”

"This album is probably DPs best Mk I release, and though it doesn't surpass any of the classic era albums, it's well worth getting a hold of as it remains one of their most interesting works. The band is not yet as proficient at firing out memorable riffs yet, but even at this stage they were capable of rockin' out with the best of them.”

“Continuing in their proto-progressive style, but this time with more pop oriented material; overall not as heavy, and somewhat off the pace of their debut. Again, featuring a number of covers, and again, with mixed results.”

“This is more progressive, with a more bluesy touch to the sound and obviously this album lacks Gillan. But overall, just like their debut, this record is brilliant.”