Space Truckin by Deep Purple - My All Time Favorite Live TrackI will repeat this again "Space Truckin" by Deep Purple is my all time favorite song performed live." Not the shortened version of late; I'm talkin about the version from Made in Japan. Heavy metal pioneers Deep Purple, have an extensive song catalogue of music still being played, admired and appreciated today among fans of classic rock. Released off of the group's sixth studio album, "Space Truckin" became an intergalactic anthem and a staple of the bands live shows. Originally released in 1972, the song was the seventh track off of the Machine Head album. Machine Head would go on to be the most successful album of the group's career and is considered one of the greatest hard rock albums ever recorded. The lyrics of "Space Truckin" take listeners on a music odyssey into space travel where they are "space truckin round the stars." The lyrics allow the listener to get a fascinating view of a variety of space images including Venus, Mars, the Milky Way, solar system and moon shot. Even more memorable than the lyrics is the incredible singing voice of lead vocalist Ian Gillan, his piercing screams towards the end of the song are one of its most recognized features. The song also showcases the incredible skills of the bands musicians. Jon Lord's use of an electric organ (Hammond Organ) the stirring drumming of Ian Paice and the powerful guitar skills of Ritchie Blackmore, who would go on to make the Rolling Stones list of the "100 Greatest Guitarist of All Time." According to Ritchie, the main riff for the song was based off of the Batman theme. When originally released the song was somewhat overshadowed by some of the more popular songs on an album full of good hits, including "Smoke on the Water," one of Deep Purples most recognizable tunes. With the inclusion of "Space Truckin" in the Deep Purple live shows, it finally got the attention it deserved and has reigned as a fan favorite. Like I said in my Rockin Rodwell Story "Space Truckin" by Deep Purple brings you up, then mellows , then blows your head off. I don't even think you have to be high to enjoy this song; but I was when I saw them for the first time. This is the perfect song to listen to ripped. My favorite part is after Ritchie's mellow guitar notes with about five minutes left in the song; the audience thinks the song is over. Then five seconds later they blow your head off. I'm listening to this version as I write this; I wish you all could have been with me to see this song peformed LIVE! If I was granted one last wish, it would be to see this version performed again. The song is typically performed as the last song of the main set. The 4 and a half minute long song is pushed to just short of 22 minutes and used to showcase solo performances by the band's musicians. Notably during his solo performances Ritchie would often smash his guitar or throw it up into the air. The extended arrangement of the song prominently appears in some of the groups live albums including the 1973, Made in Japan and 1980s' Deep Purple in Concert. Thank you Deep Purple for giving me my all time favorite live song. You're already in the Rock Hall in my book! ROCK ON !
|
