“Recently, a young journalist asked me how many songs I had written in my life. I replied that the last time my assistant counted, twenty years ago, it was over 500. I felt quite accomplished until she pointed out Dolly Parton’s 5,000 songs, calling me a lazy sod.” – Ian Gillan

DEEP PURPLE – “Lazy Sod” (2024 Ear Music)

Since Deep Purple’s =1 album was my #1 album of 2024, it should be no surprise that I love the single “Lazy Sod”.  It exemplifies what Simon McBride brings to Deep Purple on this new album.  His smooth playing is loaded with feel and perhaps he adds just a tad more hooky riffiness into the band.  “Lazy Sod” is a fantastic track, a shorty at 3:40, even loaded with solos by Simon and Don Airey.  No fat, just like those old Deep Purple Machine Head firecrackers from the early 70s.

Back when we reviewed the =1 box set, we speculated why a live version of “Highway Star” with Simon McBride wasn’t included.  Same with “Lazy”.  Here they are.  “Highway Star” (Milan, October 17 2022) is pretty damn energetic and features the Simon stuff that we were waiting for.  His sound might be likened as somewhere between Steve Morse and Ritchie Blackmore, but what he brings to the table fits perfectly, without copying either.

“Lazy” (Sofia, May 23 2022) is the lengthy one, at 8:33.  Don Airey opens it with some meandering organ soloing, before playing some more familiar notes.  Then it’s Simon’s turn, sending out a delightfully original solo for “Lazy”.  He throws it back to Don like a game of ball, and Don slays it some more.  “Fun” doesn’t begin to sum it up.  There are old Deep Purple versions of “Lazy” where it does not sound like they are having fun.  This does, for Don and Simon in particular.  The rest of the band have to be able to feed off that.  Ian Gillan doesn’t enter the picture for over five minutes.  He turns in a performance more like a lounge singer, but with some screams towards the end.

Another great single from the Purples.  Thanks for keeping the format alive.  It’s limited to 2000 copies but hopefully that’s enough for the collectors who want it.

4/5 stars