The
Deep Purple entry in the Sony BMG
Collections series does not feature the best-known versions of the group's classics -- let alone a single track from the group's
David Coverdale/
Glenn Hughes era (while including tracks from
Purple's best-forgotten
Joe Lynn Turner era). So this 11-track release -- which does not feature original versions of such classics as "Smoke on the Water," "Highway Star," and "Woman from Tokyo" -- should absolutely not be considered a greatest-hits collection, despite appearances (at first glance) to the contrary. No sir. These modern-day live renditions aren't horrible; they're just not anything like
Purple at the band's peak, circa 1972. And the studio tracks that are included are from the group's spotty post-
Perfect Strangers era -- "King of Dreams," "The Battle Rages On," etc. No,
Collections isn't horrible, but look elsewhere if you are seeking a true
Deep Purple greatest-hits comp.