Is The Book of Taliesyn a good place to start with Deep Purple?

Yes, The Book of Taliesyn is recommended as a starting point for new Deep Purple listeners. A kaleidoscopic blend of hard rock and psychedelic sounds, showcasing virtuosic musicianship and adventurous arrangements. 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.

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.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic emotional journeys
long immersive listening sessions
wave-like pacing experiences
adventurous sonic explorations

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album helped solidify Deep Purple's signature sound and gain wider recognition.
Themes: psychedelic experimentation· orchestral rock fusion· heavy riffs and improvisation
Career 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.
Stylistic neighbors: Led Zeppelin· Black Sabbath· Rainbow
If this clicks, go next to: Concerto for Group and Orchestra — Continues the adventurous spirit with orchestral arrangements, expanding on the sound explored.
Sounds like this from elsewhere: In the Court of the Crimson King by King Crimson — Shares adventurous arrangements and a blend of rock with orchestral and psychedelic elements.

Fragile by Yes — Features intricate musicianship and a mix of progressive rock with lush, layered soundscapes.

Days of Future Passed by The Moody Blues — Combines rock with orchestral elements and explores psychedelic themes through its conceptual flow.

Tracklist

New here? Start with "Listen, Learn, Read On".

1 Listen, Learn, Read On Start here 4:04
2 Wring That Neck 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 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

What to play next

This album is considered a Breakthrough in Deep Purple's catalog. This album helped solidify Deep Purple's signature sound and gain wider recognition.

Listen next

Concerto for Group and Orchestra

1969

Continues the adventurous spirit with orchestral arrangements, expanding on the sound explored.

Go back to

Shades of Deep Purple

1968

Introduces the band's early sound, setting the stage for the experimentation in The Book of Taliesyn.

Full Deep Purple discography Artists like Deep Purple

hard rock progressive rock psychedelic rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata