When
Deep Purple launched their supporting tour of
Burn in 1974 -- with new members
David Coverdale and
Glenn Hughes in tow -- the group played to some of the largest U.S. audiences of its entire career. And despite the lineup shift, the group remained quite a powerful live act, as exemplified by several live recordings from this era that have been issued over the years, including 2007's
Live in San Diego 1974. Included is one of
Purple's all-time great rockers, "Burn," as well as the organ-heavy "Might Just Take Your Life" and an extended reading of "Smoke on the Water." But since the release is a mere six tracks long -- one of which is an organ solo (the ultimate example of pre-punk indulgence?) from
Jon Lord -- hardcore fanatics who need every bloody release with the
Deep Purple name on it will probably be the only buyers of
Live in San Diego 1974. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide