It is virtually impossible to have devoured and loved the major classics albums that Deep Purple released in the 1970’s, and then go back to listen to what they released in the 1960’s and both accept and enjoy it. It was a different era, generally a different sound, and for the most part a different band with a different agenda. Such is The Book of Taliesyn.
In an era where cover versions of songs already recorded was popular, this album contains three of them – “Kentucky Woman”, “We Can Work It Out” and “River Deep, Mountain High” – all of which are pretty dreadful. Sure, it’s difficult when you release your first three albums in a little over 12 months to be able to write a lot of your own material, but there had to be a better way, surely.
Of the original material, “Wring That Neck” showed the potential of what was to come. Perhaps the leaders of the band knew it too. Vocalist Rod Evans is unfortunately not inspiring, though the material he had to work with here was not the best either. His singing never reaches any great heights, and is unable to help drag the album out of the mire.
As an early chapter in the history of one of the metal scene’s great bands, it is worth a listen. Anything beyond that would be wasting your time.
Rating: A dinosaur. 2/5.
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