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Thumbs up!
One of our contributors has sent in his review of Turning to Crime.
First off, let me get this out of the way. Was I excited up front to find this album did turn out to be a covers album as the rumors suggested? NO! On the contrary. Nobody was (Especially me). Who would look forward to that? The only positive take I had at all was that at least we were getting something, and I hoped it would at least be listenable. While waiting for its release and delivery, I did manage to read and listen to many of the interviews from the band members describing how and why they came to the decision to do it. Their approach was a common sense and noble concept. They couldn’t tour or all get together in the studio due to Covid and other restrictions but wanted to do something. They only come up with original album material during jam sessions together in the studio. Nothing is pre-made. That is how they do it but couldn’t. So, they agreed to each submit some cover songs that meant something or influenced each of them which were already written that just needed their personal touch or expression. Rather than do the typical easy thing and cover a bunch of easily recognized common songs that fall into the Purple Wheelhouse that the fans would probably approve of, they chose tunes that influenced themselves in some way from their past and present. Most of which are obscure to us Purple fans or most Rock fans in general (except for maybe a couple). The songs ran from Old Country/Blue Grass to Motown to Swing to Classic Rock to Blues to Big Band, etc. Most of which unfamiliar to most of us which gives the album a newness. Great, unfamiliar songs that ring a bell and are played incredibly well, with vigor. “BRILLIANT”.
Well, I finally got my copy and gave it two listens about 2 hours apart so as to digest the first listen before hearing it again. So, why “BRILLIANT”? Because it sounds fresh and original, and for the songs they did that are familiar, they put the Purple Stamp on them as they did with the rest. They each stand out due to the extreme diversity. Kind of reminds me of “Fireball” in that there are many different facets to it and it’s all over the place. Each band member stands out due to the influence the songs had on them, and each song stands out due to the influence each band member had on the song. From beginning to end, there is some really good playing and FUN on this album. Remember FUN when taking your first listen. Go into it with their frame of mind and the situation which lead to its creation. Forget song selection and center on their effort. They are all on FIRE! Gillan sounds better than ever. Really stretching out. Paicey has picked up the pace. Steve stronger than has been. Don really shines. Roger is rock solid and SINGS! Plus, the production and mix is incredible. Bob Ezrin really came through on this. Honestly, I am actually satisfied if this is their last. I am glad they put this out in leu of an original album. It stands alone and is honest and refreshing. I believe it was smart and broke the cycle. I also believe that if there is another original Purple album on the horizon, putting this album out will lead to a refocused approach to a better album. They got to play and record some different stuff, breaking the monotony of pushing the creative juices. Now they will have an all-new freshness when heading back into the studio if we are blessed and that comes to pass.
I ripped the CD and burnt a copy adding the Bonus track, putting it between White Room and Caught in the Act medley. Fits well there. A couple of these songs would be great to hear played live when they tour. For me, “7&7 Is”, “Oh Well”, “Lucifer” and “Shape of Things” would be fantastic. Still looking forward to hearing some tunes from “Woosh”. In closing, there is some really good stuff here and it may be a covers album but comes off as a Purple Album. Crank it and HAVE FUN!!!!!
hydeman heyder
Unauthorized copying, while sometimes necessary, is never as good as the real thing
Good music and good musicians always stands out.
December 6th, 2021 at 21:55It’s a very simple formula.
Couple this with an amazing producer then you have a truly great album.
Peace
Agreed HH. Spot on. Smiley face icon.
December 6th, 2021 at 22:16That’s right! It’s wonderfully enjoyable.
December 7th, 2021 at 12:08Our men are unfailing.
100% my opinion! Good comparison to Fireball- love that album. The decision for the covers album was totally right. So much fun!
December 7th, 2021 at 13:58Nice review.
December 7th, 2021 at 16:58Turning To Crime also reminded me of ‘Accidentally On Purpose’ too, with the same vibe of just having fun vibe Gillan & Glover had (and which, to me, felt missing from House of Blue Light around the same time).
Its a good album. Don’s keyboards shine once again. The song Oh Well really works for me, I just wish they didn’t fade it out at the end. I’ve been a Steve Morse fan since he was with the Dregs. The Dregs covered Shapes of Things on their final studio album, Full Circle.
December 7th, 2021 at 20:25Nice review, hydeman heyder!
December 7th, 2021 at 23:28I downloaded the album through Amazon Prime. It didn’t come with the bonus track. I have been listening to it in the car on my way to the office, but I only go in 2-3 times a week and the drive is about 20-25 minutes each way. Even though I haven’t yet had a chance to listen to it start-to-finish, I am enjoying it immensely.
When the album was hinted/announced, I was pleasantly surprised at the idea, despite it being all covers, and waited for it with an open mind. I felt like DP, after decades of great music, had nothing else to prove musically, as far as was concerned. Now that I have listened to the album, I am glad I kept an open mind.I love TTC.
I am thankful that there is a new DP album out, and a really good one at that. The rationale behind the effort makes total sense, and it is clearly evident that the guys had loads of fun in the process.
The vast and diverse musical landscape they’ve covered, the upbeat tempo and the positive vibe that comes through overall make this a really fun album to play as we approach the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
Well done, DP!
@ 6 – indeed the Dregs covered Shape of Things as did Gary Moore with Ian Paice on drums if my memory serves me well. The song needs vocals to my ears, the Dregs version doesn’t work that well, a decent version for an instrumental though. Regarding Ian Paice, I think he is also on Moore’s version of Free’s Wishing Well. Gary Moore did good cover versions of a few classics from that era, The Easybeats Friday On My Mind was another. Also another oldie in Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood. Cheers.
December 8th, 2021 at 03:24@8 I didn’t realize Gary Moore and Ian Paice covered it as well, that’s interesting, thanks I’ll check it out.
December 8th, 2021 at 21:41Your review really captures my experience from the announcement to listening to the full album a couple of times. 7&7, Oh Well, Luxifer, & Shapes would also be my choices live, but I’ve always enjoyed their classic rock medley & Green Oions in past tours since Steve joined and would welcome some of that as well.
As I listen more and more the jazz, skittle, folk, country, 50s RnR, etc., are starting to grow on me. I swear that I’ve woken up the last few morning with the sound of Battle of New Orleans in my head.
December 9th, 2021 at 06:14The album has some good moments, usually when the band play with the arrangements. When they play it pretty straight, like the original, certain songs become somewhat dull and predictable (White Room and Shapes Of Shapes are two that spring to mind. The latter was never a great song, only being memorable for Gary Moore’s excellent soloing in his live rendition).
Turning To Crime is a bit of fun, but not enough to make me want to buy it (I have listened to a mate’s copy).
December 26th, 2021 at 12:58