Deep Purple – Mark I & II (Compilation) (1973): A Definitive Look at Two Eras of the Band
Released in 1973, Mark I & II is a comprehensive compilation album that brings together highlights from both the early psychedelic Mark I lineup and the iconic hard rock Mark II lineup of Deep Purple. Serving as both a historical document and a fan-friendly collection, the album spans the band’s evolution from their experimental beginnings to their status as hard rock pioneers.
By combining the contrasting sounds of Mark I’s psychedelic and progressive experiments with Mark II’s aggressive, riff-driven hard rock, this compilation provides an essential overview of Deep Purple’s musical journey up to the early 1970s.
Album Overview
Album Title: Mark I & II
Release Date: 1973
Label: Warner Bros. Records / Purple Records
Producer: Derek Lawrence, Deep Purple
Genre: Psychedelic rock, hard rock, progressive rock, blues rock
Length: Approximately 74 minutes (double LP)
Format: Vinyl, cassette, later CD reissues
The album was released to capitalize on the success of Machine Head and Who Do We Think We Are, offering new fans a way to explore Deep Purple’s earlier work.
Tracklist (Selected Highlights)
Mark I Tracks (1968–1969)
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Hush
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And the Address
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Mandrake Root
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Kentucky Woman
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Bird Has Flown
Mark II Tracks (1969–1972)
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Speed King
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Child in Time
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Black Night
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Strange Kind of Woman
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Fireball
The compilation juxtaposes two very different approaches: the melodic, organ-driven psychedelia of Mark I versus the powerful, riff-centric hard rock of Mark II.
Band Members Featured
Mark I Lineup
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Rod Evans – Lead vocals
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Ritchie Blackmore – Guitar
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Jon Lord – Hammond organ, keyboards
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Nick Simper – Bass guitar
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Ian Paice – Drums
Mark II Lineup
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Ian Gillan – Lead vocals
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Ritchie Blackmore – Guitar
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Jon Lord – Hammond organ, keyboards
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Roger Glover – Bass guitar
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Ian Paice – Drums
The album highlights the continuity of Blackmore, Lord, and Paice across both lineups, showing how their musicianship anchored the band through stylistic transitions.
Musical Style and Evolution
Mark I & II emphasizes the dramatic evolution of Deep Purple over just a few years. Mark I tracks feature psychedelic arrangements, classical influences, and extended instrumental passages, often led by Jon Lord’s swirling organ and Ritchie Blackmore’s melodic guitar.
Mark II tracks are heavier, tighter, and more aggressive, with prominent riffs, virtuosic solos, and dynamic vocals from Ian Gillan. The compilation demonstrates how Deep Purple pioneered both progressive and hard rock, bridging experimental and mainstream appeal.
Key Track Highlights
Hush – The first major hit for Deep Purple, showcasing organ-driven psychedelia and catchy vocals.
Mandrake Root – A lengthy jam highlighting improvisation and the interplay between guitar and organ.
Speed King – An explosive Mark II track that exemplifies the band’s new hard rock direction.
Child in Time – The epic centerpiece of Mark II, with dramatic vocal crescendos and anti-war themes.
Black Night – A concise, riff-heavy rock anthem demonstrating the commercial and artistic success of the Mark II lineup.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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The compilation was released during the height of Deep Purple’s Mark II popularity to introduce new fans to the earlier material.
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Mark I tracks were often re-recorded or remixed to match the audio quality of Mark II recordings.
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Child in Time and Hush were rarely performed together in live shows.
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The album became a reference point for fans exploring the band’s complete history.
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It was one of the first Deep Purple releases to highlight both lineups on a single album.
Did You Know?
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The compilation helped cement Deep Purple’s reputation as both experimental and commercially successful.
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Mark I tracks were recorded with limited technology, making them sound raw compared to Mark II songs.
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The album introduced Mark II’s heavier sound to fans who had only heard the psychedelic Mark I era.
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Some European pressings featured alternate takes of Mark I songs.
Goofs & Oddities
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Track timings varied between pressings.
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Some liner notes mistakenly attributed Mark I songs to the Mark II lineup.
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Audio mastering inconsistencies made transitions between lineups noticeable.
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Early US pressings had slightly different cover art than UK releases.
Place in Deep Purple’s Discography
Mark I & II sits chronologically after Who Do We Think We Are (1973) and serves as a retrospective of the band’s first five years. It bridges the psychedelic and hard rock eras, allowing listeners to trace Deep Purple’s evolution from experimental origins to global heavy rock dominance.
Legacy and Reception
Though compilations rarely achieve the legendary status of studio albums, Mark I & II remains a critical resource for fans and collectors. It emphasizes the remarkable transformation from a band experimenting with organ-driven psychedelia to a hard-hitting, riff-oriented rock powerhouse.
The album influenced later compilation releases and helped solidify Deep Purple’s legacy by demonstrating the band’s versatility and creativity across different eras.
Conclusion
Mark I & II (1973) is an essential compilation for anyone wanting a panoramic view of Deep Purple’s formative years. By presenting the psychedelic, progressive Mark I alongside the hard rock, high-voltage Mark II, it highlights the band’s evolution, innovation, and enduring influence on rock music. Whether discovering the haunting organ lines of Hush or the shredding guitar riffs of Speed King, listeners gain a full appreciation of why Deep Purple remains one of rock’s most influential and revered bands.
