Re-Machined: A Tribute To Deep Purple’s Machine Head
Artists/Bands: Various
Label: Eagle Rock Records
Released: September 25, 2012
Reviewed: September 23, 2012
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the release of this landmark album and in recognition of the influence of the band, and of Machine Head in particular, some of rock music’s biggest names have each contributed a version of their favorite track on the album to create Re-Machined – A Tribute To Deep Purple’s Machine Head.
Re-Machined features specially recorded tracks from Jimmy Barnes & Joe Bonamassa, Black Label Society, Chickenfoot, former Deep Purple Mk III member Glenn Hughes with Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Iron Maiden, the “supergroup” Kings Of Chaos (featuring Joe Elliott, Steve Stevens, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum), Metallica, Carlos Santana & Jacoby Shaddix and Steve Vai.
There are two wildly differing versions of the album’s most famous track Smoke On The Water, one from guitar hero Carlos Santana with vocals by Jacoby Shaddix and one from alternative rockers Flaming Lips, and Metallica have contributed their own special take on When A Blind Man Cries, a track recorded at the Machine Head sessions but originally released as the B-side to Never Before.
Iron Maiden’s Space Truckin’ cover was actually recorded back in 2006. Lead singer Bruce Dickinson explains, “Initially we didn’t think we’d be able to contribute anything due to our touring commitments. Then we remembered Space Truckin which we’d recorded as a single B-side during our A Matter Of Life And Death album session, but never used. However now, thanks to Kevin Shirley’s remixing skills, we’re able to include it on Re-Machined”.
Initially released as a limited edition Classic Rock “fanpack” on September 3, this is a truly unique release that will appeal to rock fans everywhere.
Written by Randy Patterson
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