From the opening riff of “And the Address”, it’s clear that Deep Purple are helping write the rules for what would become heavy metal. Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore has a dark tone and bassist Nick Simper and drummer Ian Paice together form a tight and powerful rhythm section. But it’s really keyboardist Jon Lord who gives the band an extra-heavy texture. Joe South’s “Hush” was the undeniable hit while the rendition of “Hey Joe” begins as a gymnastic workout before settling into a version of the tune clearly inspired by Jimi Hendrix. Recorded in three days of sessions in 1968, Shades of Deep Purple is the sound of a band nailing it down quickly and definitively. Skip James’ “I’m So Glad” is merged with their own creative instrumental. The Beatles’ “Help” is thoroughly gutted and turned into a stunning lament. Deep Purple remain one of the most underrated groups of the hard-rock era and this debut is an essential piece of the puzzle. The bonus tracks include an alternate take of “Help”, a live BBC version of “Hey Joe” and a psychedelic pop outtake called “Shadows”.