1659 - Deep Purple Knocking at your Back Door 1984

The celebrated Mark II lineup of Deep Purple had long refused to get back together simply to cash checks on a reunion tour. Instead, they said there had to be something more to it, something approximating the spark that had once inspired this edition of the group to create moments like “Highway Star” and “Woman From Tokyo.” By 1984, it appeared they’d found it. Still, the arrival of the reunion project Perfect Strangers on Sept. 16 that year came nine years after Deep Purple’s last release and more than a decade since the Mark II configuration had worked together on 1973’s Who Do We Think We Are. The dissatisfaction with that album, ultimately led to the departure of lead vocalist Ian Gillan and bassist/producer Roger Glover. Glover was replaced by bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes, and the group briefly debated continuing as a four-piece band, with Hughes also acting as lead vocalist. However, guitarist Ritchie Blackmore discovered the (then) unknown David Coverdale and liked his blues-tinged voice. This new (“Mark III”) lineup recorded two albums and embarked on a very successful tour in 1974, with the album Burn becoming only the second Top 10 album by the band. However, Blackmore was growing dissatisfied with the new funky and soul elements, and decided to leave in mid 1975. Still, the two original members, keyboardist John Lord and drummer Ian Paice decided to carry on and replaced Blackmore with Tommy Bolin (“Mark IV” lineup) for the studio album Come Taste the Band, which was released mere months before Deep Purple officially announced their break-up in 1976. Bolin tragically died of a drug overdose later that year. A great, pulsating rhythm during the dramatic intro to “Knocking at your Back Door" opens the album, it was quite the breath of fresh, classic rock air during the mid 1980s rock scene, and made an immediate impact with its classic yet modern sound. Contrasting with the picturesque lyrics, the performance, rudiments, are all excellent as is the long guitar lead by Blackmore to finish things up.