Purple People

Various Artists – Purple People

Originally released in 1973 on Purple Records, Purple People is a fascinating snapshot of the wider musical world surrounding Deep Purple during the early 1970s. More than a straightforward hard rock compilation, this 12-track collection brings together established names, emerging acts and adventurous artists associated with the label, revealing the breadth of its catalogue beyond Deep Purple's celebrated heavy sound.

The obvious attraction is “Smoke On The Water,” Deep Purple's landmark hard rock anthem, but the album offers another essential moment for fans with “When A Blind Man Cries,” a much-loved song that originally appeared as the B-side to the band's “Never Before” single. Together, these tracks provide a compelling reason to explore the compilation, while the surrounding selections offer a broader perspective on the label's early-1970s output.

Tony Ashton contributes “Celebration,” bringing a bluesy, roots-oriented character to the collection, while Hard Stuff's “Libel” represents the heavier end of Purple Records' roster. Rupert Hine's “Hamburgers” is a particularly intriguing inclusion: Hine would later become known for his work as a recording artist and producer, and the track adds an unexpected dimension to a compilation otherwise strongly associated with rock.

Yvonne Elliman appears twice, with “Hawaii” and a spirited interpretation of The Who's “I Can't Explain.” These selections hint at the diversity of her early recording career before her later international success. Elsewhere, Tucky Buzzard's “Gold Medallions” and Silverhead's “Rolling With My Baby” contribute further examples of the British rock sound developing around the label at the time.

The second side broadens the picture with “Clouds In My Hair” by Maldoon, “Vermouth Rondo” by Buddy Bohn and “Look Out Cleveland” by Carol Hunter. The variety of artists and approaches makes Purple People an interesting document of Purple Records as a label in its own right, rather than simply an extension of Deep Purple's discography.

For collectors of 1970s rock vinyl, Deep Purple enthusiasts and listeners interested in the musical connections between hard rock, blues, singer-songwriter music and the wider British progressive scene, this compilation offers an engaging way to discover lesser-known names alongside familiar favourites.

With its mixture of headline tracks and less familiar material, Purple People captures a distinctive moment in the history of Purple Records and provides a rewarding glimpse into the label's eclectic early catalogue.

Tracklist

Side A
A1. Deep Purple – Smoke On The Water
A2. Tony Ashton – Celebration
A3. Hard Stuff – Libel
A4. Rupert Hine – Hamburgers
A5. Yvonne Elliman – Hawaii
A6. Tucky Buzzard – Gold Medallions

Side B
B1. Silverhead – Rolling With My Baby
B2. Deep Purple – When A Blind Man Cries
B3. Yvonne Elliman – I Can't Explain
B4. Maldoon – Clouds In My Hair
B5. Buddy Bohn – Vermouth Rondo
B6. Carol Hunter – Look Out Cleveland