At the beginning of June 1971, an alternative version of the album was made to be released in July only in Japan, but it was finally shelved and the version released on July 9, 1971 in the United States and Canada was chosen, leaving it forgotten until now.
I think it was a mistake because for my taste it is the best version of all and if not check it but before a quick look at its story.
The first sessions for the album was rehearsed in Welcombe Manor, Devonshire in December 1970. The band cancelled several live performances in order to put together material that could serve as a follow-up to In Rock.
The A-side began with the song: "Strange Kind of Woman", originally called "Prostitute", It was originally released as a follow-up single after "Black Night" on February 12, 1971 with "I'm alone" on B-side. Both recorded in September 1970. Although they were not part of the “Fireball recording sessions”.
"Strange Kind of Woman" was included on the original US, Canadian and Japanese editions in place of "Demon's Eye", It was tThe last song to be recorded in June. It was included only on the UK. edition. In this unknow version, it was chosen to open the album, sending "Fireball" as the closing theme. This other track recrorded in may and released as the band's second single in September 25 1971 with "Demon's Eye" (UK) bit.ly/39nKETd on B-side by Harvest and "I'm Alone" (US) by Warner. Reached No. 15 in the UK. This alternate version replaced the sound of the air conditioning turning on, recorded by assistant engineer Mike Thorne, with a small piano introduction reversed made for the end of "No One Came".
On side B we can find "The Mule" which was part of a long piece or medley that included three songs more: "Slow train/Fools/No one came" which was cut in all versions due to space issues. It is believed that these four tracks were the side C or D of a lost double album. Here is an edited and remixed 11-minute version that began with the opening notes of the song "I'm alone.", which makes you think that this song could be part of it too.
We will have to investigate it further and if we find anything, we will do a reconstruction of the lost double album in the future. Remains pending. Be that as it may, for now, enjoy this alternative version while the double LP version arrives.
Side A:
1- Strange Kind of Woman. 2 - No,No,No. 3. Demon's Eye. 4.Freedom.
Side B:
1.The Mule. 2.Slow train/Fools. 3.Fireball.
Fireball was the fifth album by Deep Purple released in the US on July 9,1971 and in the UK on September 1.The original vinyl release was in a gatefold sleeve, with a generic Harvest LP-bag and a lyric-insert.Fireball reached the No. 1 position on the UK albums chart, while also hitting No. 1 in several other European countries like Germany, Austria or Sweden. In North America, it outperformed its predecessor, In Rock, reaching No. 32 in the US and No. 24 in Canada.
Ok Guys, see you soon with more and better.