Showdown: Deep Purple Vs. Whitesnake

I've decided to introduce a new feature that I may or may not use more often. In a few of my reviews, I've compared the albums I'm discussing to albums from decades before or artists I'm reviewing to their obvious influences. Rather than write a review of a new album if it's just going to be me talking about how it's better or worse than another band's efforts, I reckon I might as well just do a blog post running through the tracks on a new album & weigh in on whether I think they can go toe-to-toe with something else.
In this post, I'll be talking about the new Whitesnake covers album, called The Purple Album:

Basically, it's the modern incarnation of Whitesnake tackling a bunch of well & lesser known tracks from the Coverdale era of Deep Purple. Namely songs from Burn, Stormbringer & Come Taste The Band.

So now the fighters have been introduced, time to ring the bell & get this match started!

ROUND ONE: Burn
Deep Purple - OK, this was always gonna be a tough one for Whitesnake to win in my eyes. I'll categorically go on record & say that this song is literally my all-time favourite song. I love everything about it & will always stop to listen to it if it's playing on the radio or my iPod shuffles its way onto it. Everything about this song is epic from the apocalyptic organwork of Jon Lord to Ritchie Blackmore's instantly badass riff.
Whitesnake - I had high expectations for this as Whitesnake have previously blown this song out of the water when played live. There are some improvements, e.g. David Coverdale no longer doing that "AH-AH-AH" screaming before the solos, but there are also a couple of downgrades, e.g. the extended bridge during the guitar solo, as it bloats an already perfected song.
VERDICT - If you like more technical guitar and an overall heavier sound, I'd probably recommend the Whitesnake cover if you haven't heard either of them. However, if I had to say which I think is the superior recording then hands down, it's Deep Purple.

ROUND TWO: You Fool No One (interpolating "Itchy Fingers")
Deep Purple - Definitely not sold on this track. There's something about Ian Paice's drumming and the vocal harmonies that give it a Caribbean cruise ship vibe, in a very bad way. However, once Blackmore's let loose on his fretboard and the rest of the band take a step back, it twists from Cabana Club to Santana. Not enough to make me love it but easily enough to make me not hate it.
Whitesnake - Every issue I had with the Deep Purple original has been sorted out. Tommy Aldridge's drumming is more powerful and the verse vocals feel less like they're part of a variety act & more like they belong to a Hard Rock outfit. The obvious complaint would be the harmonica intro, as about 99% of harmonica playing in Rock is completely unnecessary.
VERDICT - Both tracks are kinda flat compared to more iconic DP tunes but I'm awarding this win to Whitesnake, as they turned a mediocre number into a Hard Rock song as it should be.

ROUND THREE: Love Child
Deep Purple - Whilst it pains me to speak of the great Jon Lord's work in a critical tone, there's some very questionable synth about midway through this song. Otherwise, it's a bit of a slow rocker with Tommy Bolin taking the six-stringed helm instead of Blackmore. Admittedly, he does an acceptable job but aside from a few cool riffs, he doesn't show off much talent here.
Whitesnake - The guitar tone has definitely improved thanks to Reb Beach & Joel Hoekstra (not sure who took lead on this track) & the overall sound is a lot heavier, but I get the feeling that'll be the case with most of these songs. The song has been fleshed out a bit more with some rapid soloing so if that's your kinda thing, you'll probably prefer this version.
VERDICT - Again, I wasn't particularly impressed either track and feel that both bands handled this one in their own way. However, I also kinda feel like Blackmore may have done a slightly better job so I'm giving this one to Whitesnake.

ROUND FOUR: Sail Away
Deep Purple - The funk is strong with this one! We've got a drumbeat you can dance to, more synth-quacking and some eerie guitar soloing towards the end of the track which Blackmore liked so much he ended up repeating almost note for note across the next couple of years. I know Coverdale was probably going for the whole mystical sound with his vocals but sadly, he just sounds bored. Mind you, listening to this song, I can't really blame him.
Whitesnake - Out of the songs I've listened to so far, this track has probably been changed the most. Rather than trying to recreate the Funk Rock sound, Whitesnake have turned this into a far more sombre, soulful tune. Presumably this is because it's been done in tribute to Jon Lord (hence the "Elegy For Jon" addition) but it's good to hear this band actually making the songs their own and, depending on your taste, vastly improving them.
VERDICT - Yeah, no contest. Whitesnake all the way.

ROUND FIVE: The Gypsy
Deep Purple - Unlike the previous track, this song takes influences from Soul music & doesn't make it sound like a disco abortion. Instead, we get a slow but haunting track with some nice guitar layers that manages to feel imposing in size without relying on volume or dynamic bursts from any of the instruments. I like this one!
Whitesnake - One thing I'm noticing with all these covers is that they've been changed to a lower key to accommodate Coverdale's deeper vocals that have changed with age. I think I probably prefer most of the new riffs as a result but with this song, I also like the added power that Aldridge's drumming brings to the table, along with Michele Luppi's keyboard in the background.
VERDICT - It's a tough one. Whilst I think I would listen to the Whitesnake cover for reasons down to personal taste, I'm gonna say Deep Purple on this one as their original is still as good as the cover but for different reasons. They've clearly tried different styles of music across these tracks (some good, some bad) which I feel deserves at least one merit, whereas Whitesnake are arguably over-reliant on a standard modern Hard Rock sound.

ROUND SIX: Lady Double Dealer
Deep Purple - About time we had another song with a fast rhythm! It doesn't last too long & every instrument has its place. The only thing I'd change would be vocals, as they come across a bit weak on this track. I'm not entirely sure if it's Glenn Hughes or David Coverdale steering the ship on this one but it could've done with a better vocal mix. Other than that, great stuff!
Whitesnake - Likewise, vocals are a bit off on this track too. They have the right amount of attention in the mix but Coverdale sounds kind of screechy in this recording. However, it's still a mighty fine track that Whitesnake have faithfully recreated with some wellied up guitar solos.
VERDICT - Both are equally serviceable as a fast-paced rocker destined to be blasted from a car stereo as you're hurtling down roads at 70mph. You'll probably prefer one due to personal taste but since they're both adequate in their own right, I award both Deep Purple and Whitesnake the win for this one so they'll both get a point on the final score. Yes, I can do that, deal with it. Double deal with it (fnar fnar).

ROUND SEVEN: Mistreated
Deep Purple - Personal opinions aside, this bluesy track has some pretty sweet bass from Glenn Hughes (although I still think he's an epic tosser) and gradually builds up to a dynamic guitar solo aided by Ian Paice's drumming. There's not much to say other than it's a very long track with a lot of emotion put into it.
Whitesnake - You know those moments in songs that make you cringe because they've just missed the mark and end up sounding fucking awful? When Coverdale comes in with "I've been mistreated", it just sounds wrong. Combine this with the seven minute slog that is the rest of the song and you've got something that's easily forgettable.
VERDICT - I'm not fond of either song but I have to say Deep Purple played the more tolerable version.

ROUND EIGHT: Holy Man
Deep Purple - Starting off with a soft intro, this tune clearly takes influence from respectable peers of the time whilst still retaining some Deep Purple elements. I'd argue that perhaps Jon Lord's organ could've been a bit more involved but upon reflection, it's nice to hear Deep Purple that isn't overloaded with synth or keyboards for a change.
Whitesnake - Solid intro that seems to have transformed the Led Zeppelin sound into a beefed up Rod Stewart one. Again, it's nice to hear the odd track on an album that doesn't just follow the same formula as all the others and I think this is probably the closest to "different" out of the previous Whitesnake covers.
VERDICT - Once again, I'm in two minds over which version I prefer. They're both great for different reasons so I'll have to give a point to Deep Purple and Whitesnake again, as they both show that sometimes it works to poke a toe out of your musical comfort zone.

ROUND NINE: Might Just Take Your Life
Deep Purple - Another great driving song, although not one for tearing down the motorway. Blackmore's guitar is complimented by Lord's organ, or vice versa depending on whom you prefer, and the vocal harmonies work very nicely indeed. I'm surprised this song isn't played more on Rock radio, if I'm honest!
Whitesnake - I'm liking that slide guitar intro! That's one advantage to this cover although sadly, the drums in the verse are a bit of a let down. Technically, they're fine, but something about them just makes it sound like the steady rhythm is being interrupted. I'm aware Ian Paice does the same thing in the original but the heavier sound in Whitesnake's cover just makes the rhythmic disruption sound more obvious. Other than that though, great cover!
VERDICT - If not for the drumming, Whitesnake would've taken this one. However, I'm gonna go with Deep Purple this time. However, I also recommend Whitesnake's for the intro alone.

ROUND TEN: You Keep On Moving
Deep Purple - A simple but effective bass refrain introduces us to a song also sung by Mr Hughes. Admittedly, it's not bad. Not amazing but also not terrible, which also serves as a very complimentary description of Glenn Hughes in general too. I probably should've mentioned something along these lines during "Holy Man" but it was way better musically than it was vocally.
Whitesnake - The bass is still clear and deep thanks to Michael Devin so at least they got the most important part right. Coverdale's vocals are easily as strong as the original version's and the rest of the band are able to work as a cohesive unit.
VERDICT - Neither version stands out as being a clear winner but I think I'll give the point to Whitesnake as their recording has the benefit of sounding heavier through modern recording technology.

ROUND ELEVEN: Soldier Of Fortune
Deep Purple - More soulful vocals from Coverdale & another Soft Rock ballad for the collection. This one is a bit of a fan favourite and is easily a departure from their typical material. Personally, I can't listen to it without hearing "We are sailing" during Blackmore's guitar riffs (you know the ones) but this track sets the bar very high if Whitesnake wanted to cover it without losing some of the soul.
Whitesnake - Fortunately, the band can easily reach that bar. The synth isn't overpowering and the vocals are still well delivered. The track has definitely been polished but rather than trying to outdo or copy exactly what Deep Purple did, Whitesnake have added little elements like an acoustic guitar instead of the electric one for the "We are sailing" bit.
VERDICT - Fans will obviously prefer the Deep Purple original for several reasons but my point goes to Whitesnake for the change in guitar. It sounds more appropriate for the song overall, but maybe that's just me. On a side note, with the number of slow ballads I've been listening to, I'm not surprised that few of these tracks are considered iconic Deep Purple songs.

ROUND TWELVE: Lay Down, Stay Down
Deep Purple - OK, time for a small confession. This is one of the few songs I'd listened to before The Purple Album was announced. However, that doesn't affect my opinion of the song. It's got a great riff, a footstomping beat and Jon Lord on piano instead of organ. It adds less of a Prog Rock feel which is perfect for fans of Deep Purple's harder material.
Whitesnake - The short piano intro from the original has been replaced by Beach or Hoekstra shredding it before the song starts properly. Nothing much has changed apart from the more technical solos and heavier sound though.
VERDICT - As I said, both songs are great and the differences mostly come down to the date they were released. If you prefer the sound of modern Hard Rock, go with Whitesnake. If you prefer the sound of 70's Classic Rock, go with Deep Purple. I'm gonna give the win to Deep Purple on the principle that sometimes simpler is better. Songs can lose some of their touch if they go overboard on the hollow shredding and I think the Whitesnake cover pushed it just a little bit too far.

ROUND THIRTEEN: Stormbringer
Deep Purple - The first time I heard this song, it was played live during Whitesnake's aforementioned cover of "Burn". They only played up to the first chorus but they completely crushed it, so I decided to check this song out. Once the initial shock of more dodgy synth passed, the rest of the song was alright. Solid riff, meh solo that would be improved and worked into Rainbow's "Stargazer" a couple of years later and some decent vocals too. Unless you're fully sold on the main riff, it's a pretty average track.
Whitesnake - This was the first cover they released from the album and my God, did they choose wisely! First up, dodgy synth intro has gone. Next, some echo has been added to the vocals to make the song sound raw and fierce. Combine this with the lowered key on guitar and you've got a massively improved sound that suits the title "Stormbringer" far more than the original. Only complaint is maybe they could've shaved a couple of seconds off the end so I don't have to listen to five seconds of silence before the track officially ends, and that goes for every artist too!
VERDICT - What's interesting to note is that both Blackmore and Beach/Hoekstra have held back on the soloing. It would've been easy for both artists to just wail on the guitar but there's actually a bit of restraint from Deep Purple and Whitesnake here. However, if you couldn't tell from my write-up, it's easily a win for Whitesnake.

ROUND FOURTEEN: Lady Luck (Bonus Track)
Deep Purple - If you're only interested in the standard package, you can probably skip down to the score at the bottom. However, since there are only two extra songs, I figure I may as well include them. I can see why this was picked as a bonus track, as it's pretty unremarkable. A short but sort-of-sweet filler song that's been played quite well but without anything that stands out.
Whitesnake - Definitely not one of the stronger covers but if it's anything, it's faithful. One for fans of the original but unlikely to win anyone over if you weren't struck down by Deep Purple's version.
VERDICT - As I've said before, neither version is particularly fantastic or rubbish but I'm going with Deep Purple for this one, purely because their version is slightly shorter so you don't have to listen to it as long as you would with Whitesnake.

ROUND FIFTEEN: Comin' Home (Bonus Track)
Deep Purple - A great album opener in the same fast-paced vein as "Highway Star" and "Burn", although less heavy than either. I can't say I'm in love with Coverdale's performance on this as I feel like it's a song Ian Gillan would've mastered but the rest of the band are on top form, especially Tommy Bolin who had the difficult task of assuming the mantle from Blackmore after he departed. This song is a great way to introduce him to the fans concerned over whether DP could last without Mr Smooth Dancer.
Whitesnake - I expected more of an explosive intro but expectations aside, Coverdale disappoints in the vocal department again by going all screechy. However, the rest of the band deliver a great closing track (if you bought the deluxe edition) and I'm glad I stuck around to listen to them if only to introduce myself to this tune.
VERDICT - Both have the same strengths and the same weaknesses so I'm torn once more. You know what? Deep Purple and Whitesnake take this one together. There's not enough to place one song above the other so I recommend them both to respective Hard Rock fans.

FINAL SCORES:
Deep Purple - 7 (9 including Bonus Tracks)
Whitesnake - 8 (9 including Bonus Tracks)

Well, there you have it! It's both a win for Whitesnake and a draw!
With scores that close, Whitesnake's victory over Deep Purple could arguably be down to the refined sound that they achieved through upgraded recording technology. Their music sounds a lot heavier and clearer at the same time, giving them the edge on this one. However, in regards to contextual advantages, Deep Purple can also claim some triumph.
The original albums were recorded over the course of about two years, allowing the band time to experiment with different styles and inspirations, whereas Whitesnake's covers were all recorded for the same album so their efforts have less musical variety. As a result, most of the tracks contain the same modern Hard Rock sound, which may be a downside if you like an album to take you all over the place as opposed to just one or two locations.

If you like 80's Hard Rock that's been revamped with a modern touch whilst still staying true to the classic sound, definitely pick up "The Purple Album". I wouldn't recommend the deluxe edition, as you can buy the two songs online for a lot less if you really want them.
If you're a fan of the original Deep Purple tracks, they'll always have something that these Whitesnake covers won't be able to recreate. However, if you're able to give covers of your favourite songs a try, I think you'll be in for a treat. There are more good songs than bad ones so I reckon it'd translate into a 7/10 if I reviewed it properly.
Stay tuned for more posts throughout the month!