The Book of Taliesyn
Deep Purple · 1968
65 min · 12 tracks · hard rock · progressive rock · psychedelic rock
A kaleidoscopic blend of hard rock and psychedelic sounds, showcasing virtuosic musicianship and adventurous arrangements.
Why this album works
- Best for
- dynamic emotional journeys long immersive listening sessions wave-like pacing experiences
- Context
- Released on October 1, 1968, 'The Book of Taliesyn' is Deep Purple's second album, following their self-titled debut. At this point, the band was solidifying their signature sound, experimenting with complex arrangements and blending rock with classical influences. This album marked a critical moment in their evolution as they sought to distinguish themselves in the burgeoning progressive rock scene.
- If you like
- hard rock, progressive rock, psychedelic rock
The Book of Taliesyn is an album by Deep Purple, released in 1968. A kaleidoscopic blend of hard rock and psychedelic sounds, showcasing virtuosic musicianship and adventurous arrangements. The album features a diverse range of covers and original compositions that showcase the band's eclectic style. It includes the track 'River Deep, Mountain High,' which has been noted for its ambitious arrangement and vocal performance. While it did not achieve significant commercial success in comparison to later works, it laid the groundwork for Deep Purple's influence in the hard rock genre. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Book of Taliesyn sound like?
A kaleidoscopic blend of hard rock and psychedelic sounds, showcasing virtuosic musicianship and adventurous arrangements. Rooted in hard rock and progressive rock.
What makes The Book of Taliesyn by Deep Purple notable?
The album features a diverse range of covers and original compositions that showcase the band's eclectic style. It includes the track 'River Deep, Mountain High,' which has been noted for its ambitious arrangement and vocal performance. While it did not achieve significant commercial success in comparison to later works, it laid the groundwork for Deep Purple's influence in the hard rock genre. Released on October 1, 1968, 'The Book of Taliesyn' is Deep Purple's second album, following their self-titled debut. At this point, the band was solidifying their signature sound, experimenting with complex arrangements and blending rock with classical influences. This album marked a critical moment in their evolution as they sought to distinguish themselves in the burgeoning progressive rock scene.
Who is The Book of Taliesyn for?
The Book of Taliesyn works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long immersive listening sessions and wave-like pacing experiences.
How many songs are on The Book of Taliesyn?
The Book of Taliesyn has 12 tracks, running approximately 65 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Listen, Learn, Read On Standout 4:04
- 2 Wring That Neck Standout 5:13
- 3 Kentucky Woman 4:44
- 4 Exposition / We Can Work It Out 7:07
- 5 Shield 6:06
- 6 Anthem 6:31
- 7 River Deep, Mountain High Standout 10:12
- 8 Oh No No No (studio outtake) 4:25
- 9 It’s All Over (BBC Top Gear session) 4:14
- 10 Hey Bop a Re Bop (BBC Top Gear session) 3:31
- 11 Wring That Neck (BBC Top Gear session) 4:42
- 12 Playground (remixed instrumental outtake) 4:29
Release Date
October 1, 1968
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Runtime
65 min 24 sec
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