Ian Gillan fans are spoilt for choice at the moment with a number of releases hitting the shelves. Firstly, we had the comprehensive double DVD set 'Highway Star' (reviewed here) that documented Ian's entire career, which has been quickly followed by re-masters of seven Gillan / Ian Gillan Band albums and now this deluxe re-release of 'Gillan's Inn'. This also coincides with Deep Purple touring the UK in a couple of weeks time when (as well as bringing along special guests Styx and Thin Lizzy) they will be playing all of 'Machine Head', and I would be the first to admit I am looking forward to that show a great deal. 

As with the DVD set there are a multitude of special guests including Joe Satriani, Janick Gers, Michael Lee, Tony Iommi, Jeff Healy and Ronnie James Dio, as well as the current members of Deep Purple. What the track listing essentially offers is new recordings of original songs and delves into all era's. This includes a number of fairly obvious selections, such as 'Smoke On The Water' (again), 'Speed King', 'Demon's Eye', in addition to some less celebrated moments, 'Bluesy Blue Sea', 'No Laughing In Heaven' and 'When A Blind Man Cries'. The latter track is one I will never grow tired of; one of Deep Purple's (and Ian Gillan's) shining moments it is hard to believe it was only ever used as a B-side. With the various guests making the most of their cameos there is something of a party atmosphere throughout, and this is even more evident on the additional live tracks, 'Have Love Will Travel' and 'Wasted Sunsets'.  

The DVD disc is more dispensable, something you will watch all the way through once and once only. The 'Choose Your Own Guitarist' version of 'Smoke..' is fun, although I'll take Ritchie's version over that of Healy, Iommi, Morse etc any day of the week. There is also some audience shot footage of Satriani with Purple back in 1994 that would be kind to describe as 'bootleg'; unwatchable would be nearer the mark. A host of other extras round out the package, more than enough to satisfy the most avid Gillan fan. 

Overall, 'Gillan's Inn' offers excellent value and, as long as you don't compare it too much to the originals, is certainly an enjoyable listen.

Let us know your views on 'Gillan's Inn'

Track Listing

Unchain Your Brain
Bluesy Blue Sea
A Day Late N A Dollar Short
Hang Me Out To Dry
Men Of War
When A Blind Man Cries
Sugar Plum
Trashed
No Worries
Smoke On The Water
No Laughing In Heaven
Speed King
Loving On Borrowed Time
Demon's Eye
Have Love Will Travel
Wasted Sunsets