DEEP PURPLE

DEEP PURPLE
WHO DO WE THINK WE ARE (1973)
REMASTER
320 KBPS

The band was in a state of turmoil at the time of this 1973 release - in fact, this would be the last album with the Mark II lineup (lead vocalist Ian Gillan and bassist Roger Glover left). The tensions within the band seemed to compromise the group dynamic, and for some fans, Who Do We Think We Are was not up to the high standard of albums like In Rock (1970), Fireball (1971) and Machine head (1972). As far as I am concerned however, I think that this is a fine album of hard rock, although admittedly, the inspiration seems to flag here and there.
The lineup on this album included Ian Gillan (lead vocals); Roger Glover (Rickenbacker bass); Ian Paice (drums); Jon Lord (Hammond organ, acoustic piano); and Ritchie Blackmore (electric guitars). The performances by all of the band members are great. I especially like Roger Glover's playing and the trebly, full tone of his Rickenbacker really makes the album work for me. Ian Paice also turns in a great performance and is very tightly locked in with Roger on this album - Ian is a criminally underappreciated drummer.
The seven tracks on the album range in length from 2'54" to 6'29" and mix elements of blistering hard rock/blues along with a smattering of progressive rock and a tiny bit of psychedelic rock. Although I like all of the tracks, highlights of the album (for me) include the opening classic Woman from Tokyo - I especially appreciate the spacey interlude. Both Smooth Dancer and Rat Bat Blue are scorching, riff heavy tracks that feature great Jon Lord solos. Place in Line is the most heavily blues-influenced track on the album, while Our Lady is somewhat lighter in texture and more melodic than the remaining material.
Once again, Rhino did a great remastering job and the package features great sound quality along with a 23 page book loaded with very detailed liner notes and publicity photos of the band. The bonus tracks include different versions of Woman from Tokyo, Our Lady, and Rat Bat Blue, along with several outtakes including Painted Horse (5'19") and an 11'31" instrumental track entitled First Day Jam. Overall, they are nice additions and should be of interest to most fans of the band.

1. Woman From Tokyo
2. Mary Long
3. Super Trouper
4. Smooth Dancer
5. Rat Bat Blue
6. Place In Line
7. Our Lady
Bonus tracks
8. Woman From Tokyo ('99 Remix)
9. Woman From Tokyo (Alt. Bridge)
10. Painted Horse (Studio Outtake)
11. Our Lady ('99 Remix)
12. Rat Bat Blue (Writing Session)
13. Rat Bat Blue ('99 Remix)
14. First Day Jam (Instrumental)