Album of the Day

Deep Purple made their live debut in Tastrup, Denmark on this day in 1968, though it would take a couple more years and a lineup change (the first of many) before the band would find their signature hard rock sound. Gone were the classical and progressive pretensions when the U.K. quintet entered the studio to cut DEEP PURPLE IN ROCK; newly arrived were singer Ian Gillan and bassist Roger Glover. Opener “Speed King” sets the tone, with guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and organist Jon Lord riffing like there's no tomorrow, and the blistering attack never lets up through six more solid originals, including the epic “Child in Time.” Deep Purple's breakthrough album IN ROCK remains a milestone of heavy metal.