Deep Purple – Singles & E.P. Anthology '68–'80 (Compilation, 2010)
The essential single-serving history of Deep Purple’s formative and classic years
Released in 2010, Singles & E.P. Anthology '68–'80 is a career-spanning compilation that focuses exclusively on Deep Purple’s singles and EP releases from their earliest recordings to the end of the Mk III/Mk IV eras. Unlike standard “greatest hits” collections, this anthology highlights original single edits, non-album tracks, and rare B-sides, making it a treasure trove for collectors and completists.
By concentrating on singles, the album provides insight into how Deep Purple’s sound evolved in bite-sized, radio-ready formats, contrasting the extended jams of their studio and live albums.
🎧 Mini Album Review
Singles & E.P. Anthology '68–'80 is a concise, focused, and revealing compilation.
Key characteristics:
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Chronological scope: Covers Mk I through Mk IV lineups, illustrating the band’s evolution.
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Single edits: Shorter, punchier versions of songs like Hush and Black Night, designed for radio play.
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Rare tracks: Includes B-sides and European single variations not widely available elsewhere.
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Transition through lineups: Highlights the stylistic shift from psychedelic pop (Mk I) to hard rock dominance (Mk II) and then funk-influenced experimentation (Mk III/Mk IV).
Verdict:
A must-have for fans who want all the essential Deep Purple singles in one package, especially those interested in the differences between single edits and album versions.
🎶 Tracklist – Representative Highlights
While the compilation varies slightly by edition, typical tracks include:
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Hush (Mk I)
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Help!
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Mandrake Root (Single edit)
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Black Night
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Speed King (Single edit)
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Child in Time (Single edit)
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Strange Kind of Woman
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Fireball (Single edit)
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No No No
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Woman from Tokyo
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Smoke on the Water (Single edit)
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Burn
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Stormbringer
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You Keep on Moving
The compilation emphasizes shortened, radio-friendly versions, some of which differ subtly or significantly from their album counterparts.
📊 Commercial Performance
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Released primarily for catalog markets and collectors
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Targeted fans in Europe, Japan, and North America
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Did not chart significantly but remains a popular collector’s release
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Appreciated for historical completeness and packaging
This anthology solidified Deep Purple’s reputation as a band with both album and single excellence, rather than relying solely on full-length studio works.
👥 Personnel (Lineups Covered)
Mk I (1968–1969)
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Rod Evans – Vocals
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Ritchie Blackmore – Guitar
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Jon Lord – Keyboards
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Nick Simper – Bass
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Ian Paice – Drums
Mk II (1969–1973)
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Ian Gillan – Vocals
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Ritchie Blackmore – Guitar
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Jon Lord – Keyboards
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Roger Glover – Bass
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Ian Paice – Drums
Mk III (1973–1975)
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David Coverdale – Vocals
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Ritchie Blackmore – Guitar
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Jon Lord – Keyboards
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Glenn Hughes – Bass/Vocals
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Ian Paice – Drums
Mk IV (1975–1976)
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David Coverdale – Vocals
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Tommy Bolin – Guitar
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Jon Lord – Keyboards
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Glenn Hughes – Bass/Vocals
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Ian Paice – Drums
The anthology covers the major stylistic and personnel shifts of the first 12 years of Deep Purple’s career.
🎼 Musical Highlights
🎹 Psychedelic pop and organ-driven beginnings – Early singles like Hush and Help! show the band’s psychedelic and melodic roots.
🔥 Hard rock explosion – Mk II singles (Black Night, Strange Kind of Woman) showcase the classic hard rock formula that defined the band’s international fame.
🌊 Progressive and funk experimentation – Mk III/Mk IV tracks like Burn and You Keep on Moving highlight fusion of soul, funk, and melodic sophistication.
🎸 Fun Facts & Trivia
📀 Single edits often differ – Many tracks on this compilation feature shortened intros, alternate solos, or fade-outs not heard on original albums.
🎤 Vocal variety across lineups – From Rod Evans’ pop-psych vocals to Gillan’s power, then Coverdale/Hughes’ blues-funk approach, the anthology captures distinct vocal identities.
🎹 Jon Lord’s constant evolution – Across all four lineups, Lord’s keyboard approach changes from psychedelic organ swirls to jazz/funk textures, always maintaining prominence.
📦 Collector appeal – Many of the tracks were previously hard to find on CD, particularly European single B-sides.
🤔 Did You Know?
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Black Night was Deep Purple’s first UK top 10 single.
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Hush became the band’s first international hit, especially in the U.S., and predates their hard rock signature.
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Several tracks on this anthology were edited specifically for radio play, giving them a different energy than the album versions.
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Ian Paice appears on every track, making him the band’s only ever-present member.
🎼 Album Credits
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Released: 2010
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Label: EMI / Purple Records
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Producer: Various (original single producers)
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Format: 2CD set, digital
🧠 Legacy & Final Thoughts
Singles & E.P. Anthology '68–'80 provides a unique lens on Deep Purple’s early and classic years. It emphasizes short, potent, and often overlooked single versions that tell a different story than the studio albums.
For casual fans, it’s a concise “career overview in bite-sized doses”. For collectors and historians, it’s a vital document of rare edits, non-album B-sides, and historical context.
Ultimately, the anthology reminds listeners that Deep Purple’s legacy isn’t just about albums and stadiums — it’s also about crafting songs that could hit radios, charts, and hearts in the moment.
