Deepest Purple
In the '70s, Deep Purple carved their niche in hard rock royalty with a heavy guitar-driven sound. The monstrous riff that opened "Smoke on the Water" became the first thing many aspiring guitarists learned to play.  Songs like "Woman from Tokyo" and "Highway Star" epitomized the screaming rock vocalist of the '70s, and many of Deep Purple's finest tracks were graced by Ian Gillan's voice (who also lent his wail to theJesus Christ Superstaralbum.) David Coverdale, who later sang in Whitesnake, also provided front man duties for a while. Both "Space Truckin'" and "Highway Star" were party favorites, the latter's breakneck speed and ripping guitar leads making it a testosterone-charged force to be reckoned with. In addition to its classic appeal, "Deepest Purple" is a veritable shrine to the guitar work of Ritchie Blackmore. --Steve Gdula