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Deep Purple: Perfect Strangers

 A l b u m   D e t a i l s


Label: Mercury Records
Released: 1984
Time:
 54:56
Category: Pop/Rock
Producer(s): See Artists ...
Rating: *......... (1/10)
Media type: CD
Web address: www.deep-purple.com
Appears with: Ritchie Blackmore
Purchase date: 2008.04.04
Price in €: 4,99



 S o n g s ,   T r a c k s


[1] Knocking at Your Back Door (R.Blackmore/I.Gillan/R.Glover) - 7:04
[2] Under the Gun (R.Blackmore/I.Gillan/R.Glover) - 4:38
[3] Nobody's Home (R.Blackmore/I.Gillan/R.Glover/J.Lord/I.Paice) - 3:59
[4] Mean Streak (R.Blackmore/I.Gillan/R.Glover) - 4:21
[5] Perfect Strangers (R.Blackmore/I.Gillan/R.Glover) - 5:28
[6] A Gypsy's Kiss (R.Blackmore/I.Gillan/R.Glover/J.Lord/I.Paice) - 5:12
[7] Wasted Sunsets (R.Blackmore/I.Gillan/R.Glover) - 3:55
[8] Hungry Daze (R.Blackmore/I.Gillan/R.Glover) - 4:58
[9] Not Responsible (R.Blackmore/I.Gillan/R.Glover) - 4:57
[10] Son of Alerik (R.Blackmore) - 10:07   

 A r t i s t s ,   P e r s o n n e l


Ritchie Blackmore - Guitar, Producer
Roger Glover - Synthesizer, Bass, Producer
Ian Gillan - Voclas, Harmonica, Congas, Producer
Ian Paice - Drums, Producer
Jon Lord - Keyboards, Producer

Nick Blagona - Engineer
Cliff Bonnell - Assistant Engineer
Ronnie David - Assistant Engineer
Drafi Deutscher - Assistant Engineer
Werner Walendowski - Assistant Engineer
Suha Gur - Remixing
Greg Calbi - Mastering
George Bodnar - Photography
Mickey Gregory - Photography
George Corsillo - Design, Cover Design
Bill Levy - Art Direction
Craig Sprovach - Design, Logo Concept
 

 C o m m e n t s ,   N o t e s

1984 LP Mercury 16
1984 CS Mercury 824003-4
1990 LP Mercury  824003
1999 CD Mercury 546045
2007 CD Universal 9164


Recorded at Horizons, Stowe, Vermont.

Digitally remastered by Suha Ger (Universal Music Group Studios).

In the early '80s, many of the top metal acts of the past had either disbanded or soldiered on despite the loss of founding members. Deep Purple had officially disbanded in 1976, with only two original members present in the final lineup, but by 1984, the classic lineup of vocalist Ian Gillan, guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, bassist Roger Glover, drummer Ian Paice, and keyboardist Jon Lord had reunited. Responsible for such classics as MACHINE HEAD and MADE IN JAPAN, the group was considered amongst metal's elite, and judging from its first comeback album, 1984's PERFECT STRANGERS, DEEP PURPLE hadn't lost its magic touch in the slightest. The album was a major worldwide hit, going platinum in the U.S., and spawning several rock radio hits. Despite the changes that occurred in the musical landscape during the band's absence, the group did not change its sound much for the reunion, sticking to the ingredients that made them so exceptional in the first place--Gillan's wailing vocals, Blackmore's shredding guitar, and the rock-steady three-part rhythm section. The title track recalls Led Zeppelin's sprawling epics ("Kashmir," etc.), while the melodic rockers "Knocking At Your Back Door" and "Nobody's Home" prove to be standouts as well.



"...proved an engagingly effective comeback, its regal title track echoing past glories while 'Knocking At Your Back Door' saw screamer Ian Gillan cracking schoolboyish jokes about cunning linguists..."

Q (10/99, p.147) - 3 stars out of 5



Deep Purple's definitive Mark II lineup finally caved in to the temptation of the almighty dollar, "made up," and reunited for 1984's Perfect Strangers. Luckily, it is one of the better examples of a reunion album, although the band's uneasy camaraderie only lasted a few more years. "Knocking at Your Back Door" opens the album with a roar. Ian Gillan's lyrics don't make much sense, but Ritchie Blackmore's guitar riffs and Ian Paice's thunderous drumming carry this song as well as the rest of the album. The robotic rhythm of the title cut relies on Jon Lord's organ work. The 1999 remastered reissue features the bonus track "Son of Alerik." This fascinating, mid-tempo, ten-minute instrumental was the B-side of the "Perfect Strangers" 12" single in the U.K.

Bret Adams - All Music Guide



What did you expect? When it comes to producing excellence in hard rock, you don't mess with the guys who invented it. Although Perfect Strangers combines the bluesy-Purple style with a touch of vintage Rainbow, it is not in the least dated. Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore is at his prime, adding his distinctive, classically influenced leads over John Lord's haunting array of keyboards. The incredible title track is the killer choice with "Knocking At Your Back Door" and "Hungry Daze" close seconds but everyone is bound to. If there were more so-called "dinosaur" bands like this, the species wouldn't be extinct.

Gail Flug - Nov 10, 2000
CMJ.com



The title track comes blasting out of nowhere, like an I'm-alive-and-well message from an old friend you'd given up for dead. With its steamy vocal and genuine, if uncharacteristic, touches of wit throbbing above Deep Purple's heavy signature sound, "Perfect Strangers" sets the tone for this venerable band's reunion album. Lead singer Ian Gillan – who's never been in finer, and deeper, throat – sinuously glides into lyrics that suggest these veterans have something to say about where they've been in the last few years ("Can you remember, remember my name ... I am the echo of your past") and have lots more to offer in the future. For a moment, you almost wonder why Purple ever faded away in the first place. Until, that is, you hear the rest of the album.

Excepting the title cut and the rambunctious but less effective "Knocking at Your Back Door," the material consists of hastily knocked-off jams that allow guitar demigod Ritchie Blackmore to whip out his finger exercises in public. The band spent about six to eight weeks recording this comeback. (The current lineup is actually neither the original nor the final Deep Purple but the most successful – of "Smoke on the Water" fame.) It doesn't sound as if they spent much more time thinking about it, either.

Blackmore's Strat has such a great roar that you're willing to just let it reverberate in your eardrums for a bit. And it's nice to hear Jon Lord's unsynthesized organ squalls, Ian Paice's meaty pounding, Gillan's howls and whispers and Roger Glover's solid bass lines once again. Eventually, though, it's "enough of the sound check already – where are the songs?" Instead of Glover, an outside producer might have forced the band to tighten up its licks and arrangements. Then again, did Deep Purple ever have more than one or two really good, concise numbers on an album? Maybe they're just making the kind of record they always did, the only kind they know how to make.

So why are they doing this? To cash in on the current heavy-metal craze, in which dozens of young upstarts are making fortunes playing Purple riffs? Following a recent meet-the-press shebang promoting the album and impending world tour, the band members (minus the temperamental Blackmore, who, true to his "enigmage," didn't show) insisted they don't need the dough. Perhaps the answer lies in "Wasted Sunsets," a portrait of an aging rock star who's got "gold and silver for the blues" but nothing to do except drink the nights away. It's nice that Perfect Strangers got the Purples out of their respective mansions; too bad they didn't venture farther from home.

DEBORAH FROST - Feb 28, 1985
Rolling Stones (RS 442)
 

 L y r i c s


Knocking at Your Back Door

Sweet Lucy was a dancer
But none of us would chance her
Because she was a Samurai
She made electric shadows
Beyond our fingertips
And none of us could reach that high

She came on like a teaser
I had to touch and please her
Enjoy a little paradise
The log was in my pocket
When Lucy met the Rockett
And she never knew the reason why

I can't deny it
With that smile on her face
Oh It's not the kill
It's the thrill of the chase

Feel it coming
It's knocking at the door
You know it's no good running
It's not against the law
The point of no return
And now you know the score
And now you're learning
What's knockin' at your back door

Sweet Nancy was so fancy
To get into her pants
We had to be the aristocracy
The members that she toyed with
At her city club
Were something in diplomacy
So we put her on the hit list
Of a common cunning linguist
A master of many tongues
And now she eases gently
From her Austin to her Bentley
Suddenly she feels so young

I can't deny it
With that smile on her face
Oh it's not the kill
It's the thrill of the chase

Feel it coming
It's knocking at the door
You know it's no good running
No it's not against the law
The point of no return
Now you know the score
And now you're learning
What's knockin' at your back door

Sweet Lucy was a dancer
But none of us would chance her
Because she was a Samurai
She made electric shadows
Beyond our fingertips
And one of us could reach that high

I can't deny it
With that smile on my face
Oh It's not the kill
It's the thrill of the chase

Feel it coming
It's knocking at the door
You know it's no good running
Now It's knockin' at your door

Knockin' at your back door...


Under the Gun

Infidel can you hear
Would be strange delight
I need you to give your sympathy tonight
When you hear what I say
Deeds I've done
Realise I've never lost and never won

I've got a feeling that it's never right
There was a reason but it's out of sight
It's going down somewhere tonight
Under the gun

Put death in my hand
Learn to fight
Who could care if it's wrong or if it's right
We got no choice
Under command
We're ordered to die or take this land

Stupid bastards and religious freaks
So safe in their castle keeps
They turn away as a mother weeps
Under the gun

When brave men fall
Under crimson skies
There's a sadness reflected in a soldier's
eyes
Tears will dry
For those I kill
Remember no more their names but
someone will

The only way to be victorious
Screw the fools who think it's glorious
Who gives a toss about the likes of us
Under the gun


Nobody's Home

Nothing I can do about it
Maybe I won't even try
Your will is determined to kill any
Reason of mine

I see you coming
With that look in your eye
You act like a king but you ain't got a
thing
In your mind

And now there's nobody home
My belly is aching
Your image is blown
Your lights are burning bright
But Nobody's Home

You talk about love and affection
If only you could
You're full of pride but there's nothing
inside
And you think you're so good

You know you got it coming to ya
All things return
You need me
It's not gonna be my concern

And now there's nobody home
Your message is changing
The children have grown
Your lights are burning bright
But nobody's home

I hear you crying
What can I say
You get what you give so
Forgive me as I turn away

Nobody's home
A legend is dying
The seeds have been sown
Your lights are burning bright
But Nobody's Home


Mean Streak

She came home last night
rockin' rolling drunk
She talk no sense but she sound good
so she thunk
So I reached over and said Hello
There some planet you'd care to go
And she said Venus on the rocks

I said she got a mean streak
Black Mamba no compete
She got a mean streak
Temptation bitter sweet

She drive me crazy gets inside my brain
She spun my money down the drain, oh...
So I roll over for my reward
How much can I afford
And she says,
Just a little more

You know, she got a mean streak
Black Mamba no compete
She got a mean streak
Temptation bitter sweet

She got a mean streak
Black Mamba no compete
She got a mean streak
Temptation bitter sweet


I can't take this no more
I tried so hard but I can't get through the door
Because one smile from those eyes
And I stand there paralysed
And she says
You better beg for more
Get down sucka you know what I like
Whooh! Hang on

Black mamba don't compete
She got a mean streak
Temptation bitter sweet

She got a mean streak
Black mamba don't compete
She got a mean streak
Temptation bitter sweet

Mean...streak

Mean streak...
She got a mean..streak

She got a mean..streak

Mean...streak


Perfect Strangers

Can you remember remember my name
As I flow through your life
A thousand oceans I have flown
And cold spirits of ice
All my life
I am the echo of your past

I am returning the echo of a point in time
Distant faces shine
A thousand warriors I have known
And laughing as the spirits appear
All your life
Shadows of another day

And if you hear me talking on the wind
You've got to understand
We must remain
Perfect Strangers

I know I must remain inside this silent
well of sorrow

A strand of silver hanging through the
sky
Touching more than you see
The voice of ages in your mind
Is aching with the dead of the night
Precious life (your tears are lost in
falling rain)

And if you hear me talking on the wind
You've got to understand
We must remain
Perfect Strangers


A Gypsy's Kiss

John San what you can
La la Janette dance in sand
What's the mystery my son
Gypsy Dan Caravan
Won Tun Wan with your Chinese fan
It's part of history my son

Murder and rape with your power
The 10th revolution in far away days
It's come to this
A gypsy's kiss
All your power's gonna fade in the haze

Ya who' Jumme gae bile ya heed
The Senorita said
I'll drag yer lungs out through yer nose
Space truckers free and high
Teamsters get ya by and by
That should keep you on your toes

They got a gun at your head
But you ain't necessarily playing their
game
They can't resist
A Gypsy's Kiss
All that's needed to drive them insane

John Wayne The Alamo
Crazy Horse Geronimo
I'll smoke a piece with you
Mind Body Heart and Soul
We got Rock and Roll
And there's nothing they can do

Hear the small voice of truth
Above the shouting despair of the crowd
What do you wish
A Gypsy's Kiss
Gets you strong for crying out loud


Wasted Sunsets

The day is gone
when the angels come to stay
And all the silent whispers
will be blown away
And lying in the corner
a pair of high heel shoes
Hanging on the wall
gold and silver for the blues

One too many wasted sunsets
One too many for the road
And after dark the door is always open
Hoping someone else will show

Someone is waiting behind
an unlocked door
Grey circles overhead empties
on the floor
The cracks in the walls have
grown too long
The slow hand is dragging on
afraid to meet the dawn

One too many wasted sunsets
One too many for the road
And after dark the door is always open
Hoping someone else will show


Hungry Daze

In a dark and sweaty room in '69
tables turning
Dancing girls, silly girls, all kinds of girls
and it was loud
Tuning up to madness in the back room
candles burning
Present the Stinking Hippy and throw the
naked thunder to the crowd
In the Hungry Daze

The long and lonely highway drags along
it's going nowhere
Sickness and disease and mad
corruption
something's going wrong
The mountain's getting cold and lonely
the trees are bare
We all came out to Montreux
but that's another song
You've heard it all before
In hungry daze

Along the Mountain Road to do some
drinking
and now we're mobile again
Different girls, laughing girls, forever
girls
and it's so loud
The crew have lost again
they are beaten men
The winning team united
living for the crowd
These are the hungry daze


Not Responsible

Found some money in an old black jacket
I'm going out tonight, gonna find me a woman or two
I don't know how long it'll last
But I never regret the past
When I wake up tomorrow, I'll be looking around for you
I got no reason to be down at the station
I got no ticket, but I'm gonna take a fucking ride
Don't care where I go
I never seem to know
I never had a penny, but I never wondered why
Oh no, I never wondered why

If I'm cold I need some heat
If I'm hungry then I eat
I'm not responsible

I woke up this morning and I couldn't find my shoes
It's one long party and I haven't seen the sun for days
I'd take you out tonight, but I'm just a little light
So let's go out anyway, you'll be amazed

I take my woman to the palace dancing
I never coulda made it but the doorman is a friend of mine
So I raise a glass to you, the foot is on the other shoe
You can pay the bill and while you're at it pick up mine
Oh, no no, I don't mind

If it rains I stay inside
If I'm scared I run and hide
I'm not responsible, oh no.
 

 M P 3   S a m p l e s


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