Search - Deep Purple :: Deep Purple Live at Olympia '96/2 Cds

At least equal to 'Made In Japan'

Robert Dumas | Pawling, NY USA | 11/15/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Deep Purple set the standard for "live" rock `n' roll albums when it released Made In Japan in '72. Until then, live albums were considered gimmicks, mere souvenirs for fans of the artists. But Made In Japan paved the way for others as radio stations began playing the live versions instead of the studio versions of the same songs as sales of Made In Japan went through the roof. It proved to record company execs that live albums were viable, marketable forums for rock music.With 1996's Live at the Olympia, Deep Purple has raised the bar for live recordings yet again. The addition of Steve Morse on guitar has revitalized a great band that was in dire danger of becoming stale and caricatures of what they once were.This 2-CD set is an unedited account of the band's show at the Olympia in Paris. Gone are the interminable drum and organ solos and bombastic "LOOK AT ME!" guitar workouts. Instead, we have a crisp 17-song set that includes six tunes from the wonderfully eclectic Purpendicular album (Morse's first studio effort with the band) and shows the band to be having the time of its life ... and that is gleefully reflected in the performances. With Ritchie Blackmore gone, the band was free to pick and chose material from its vast and impressive catalog of songs. Consequently, while we still have the umpteenth versions of "Smoke on the Water" and "Highway Star" here, gems such as the previously unreleased "When A Blind Man Cries" from the Machine Head sessions, and "Fireball" and "No One Came," from the Fireball album make this a must-have for any Purple fan."Maybe I'm a Leo," and "Pictures of Home," two of my favorite numbers from Machine Head, get a rare inclusion in a live Deep Purple set here. Consequently, this live outing has a feeling of freshness and excitement, rather than that of an old `70s warhorse trying feebly to milk the very last penny from its glory years. The band plays with renewed enthusiasm. Even "Smoke on the Water," gets a fresh treatment thanks to Morse's incendiary playing. On this version, the song gets a beautiful piano coda tacked on to the end that is somewhat reminiscent of the ending of Eric Clapton's "Layla."This CD is truly a live album in that it is an entire show, from beginning to end, including all of Ian Gillan's inane banter between songs. He was dealing with a French audience that didn't understand much English, but his "Your fantastic! Superb! Supreme-o!" after every darn song gets kind of annoying after a while. However, when he's singing, Gillan sounds as good as ever, though age has taken some of his incredible range. (Don't look for "Child In Time," in any of the live sets any time soon though, if you know what I mean.)Morse is unbelievable. A true guitar virtuoso, he also appears to be totally ego-free. His presence has helped Deep Purple make two of the band's best albums, both, ironically, in the `90s. (Purpendicular and Abandon.) The live versions of the Purpendicular songs on this CD put many of the tunes in a whole new light. For example, "Cascades: I'm Not Your Lover," was, in my opinion, one of the weaker songs from Purpendicular. However, here, the breathtaking 10-minute workout it's given pushes it to classic status. "Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming," with its soaring signature guitar riff, sounds absolutely majestic here. However, "Ted the Mechanic," one of the most popular tracks from Purpendicular, is given only perfunctory treatment.So, let's review: the band sounds refreshed, renewed and enthusiastic and its reflected in the performances; the set thankfully lacks self-indulgent epic and pointless solos; the song selection is clever and daring. Addtionally, the quality of the recording is dead-on. It's crisp and unmuddled. When I turn it up loud and close my eyes, I swear I am right there in the auditorium pumping my fists with all the other ecstatic Parisians. I can practically smell `em!This is an import CD, not readily available here in the U.S. because people are saving their money to buy the next Dave Matthews Band album. So, buy Live at the Olympia, '96 where and when you can find it. If you are a Deep Purple fan at all, you are going to weep with pleasure at this one!"

Bye-bye Japan, Hello Olympia!

Arye Mirovski | Haifa Israel | 10/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Are you open minded enough to read another opinion? 'Cause "Live in Olympia" is the best live album of Purple, that makes me see "Made of Japan" today, as an old fashioned boring ego trip of Blackmore. I don't have much patient anymore for long guitar solos - if you want to say something - do it shortly! "Made in Japan", like Zeppelin's "Songs remain the same", was the best heavy metal album in the 70's, but does'nt do anymore. Unlike the two, Olympia is a miracle of a great band, that for many years seemed to be dead, but suddenly came alive. Why? In one word - Blackmore. In 3 words - Blackmore and Morse. All other members of the band, as well as the fans, should send flowers to Ritchie, for leaving the band, and congratulate the other members for bringing Steven. Suddenly we can listen to the classics, of "Maybe I'm a leo", "No one came" (my favorite) and others that we could'nt even hope during the Blackmore era. Morse is probably the reason for the good albums that the band released during the late 90's. Anyway, everyone of them sounds as young and fresh like in the golden years of the early 70's, and if you like Deep Purple and want to listen to a great classic of the band - buy it, althogh the price is high."

This one brought me back

Alan Greatorex | Middletown, NJ USA (ex Sydney AUS) | 05/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had pretty much given up on deep Purple after the House of Blue Light and a very quick listen to Purpendicular but something made me check this album out. The opening track is Fireball and I half expected it to be some tired old rockers trotting out a mediocre version. Whoa Nelly! Was I wrong. This track and every other one is blistering! The band absolutely cooks on this album and its so cool having a complete, uninterrupted live show, in the correct order and surprise, surprise a horn section. After this I went out and bought every DP album I'd missed, saw the band at every opportunity, and was first in line for new releases. They have restored my faith and I promise you they do not disappoint, live or on record now. The only explanation I can give is Steve Morse. We owe him not just for his playing but for breathing new life into a band that was in danger of dying out due to internal conflict. Great sound and mix on this record too. So much tighter and better sounding than Nobody's Perfect. You can tell they were having fun. Get it!"