Made in Japan

Yikes.

Browsing some music sites the other day I saw that Dream Theater recently played Deep Purple's "Made in Japan" in its entirety in Tokyo and Osaka.

Now, I recognize Dream Theater's talent. There's no questioning the fact these guys can play (I thank my brother-in-law Doug for introducing them to me), but I can't imagine tackling such a classic album.

"Made in Japan" may just be the best live album ever recorded. Lead guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, singer Ian Gillan, drummer Ian Paice, bassist Roger Glover and keyboardist Jon Lord were at the peak of their careers during the recording of this record in 1972, and the Japan shows used on the album were incredibly innovative, groundbreaking and nearly flawless.

If you're into drums, you'd be hard-pressed to find someone with more energy than Paice during the course of these sets.  Listen closely and you'll be drawn in with the frantic pace of Paice's drumming, even during the softer transitions in "Child in Time" and "Space Truckin'."

"Made in Japan" is a tour de force, Deep Purple's landmark statement.

I just can't imagine someone trying to cover this.

Comments

[Scott Burnett]

I agree with your take, Dan: DP-MIJ is material evidence that something was happening in Rock in the Seventies that hasn't happened since. They were inventing it as they were playing it.

But besides the question of why would anyone (even Dream Theater) want to take on the challenge of recreating MIJ, is the question of why you would want to attempt time travel! That record was created during a unique window of time, which was arguably the only moment when it could have occurred.

I like nostalgia as much as the next guy, but some things should just be left in the past.

[Dan]

I agree. The odds of hearing "Made in Japan" at a '00s mainstream party or event would be a million to one.