You Can’t Do It Right

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is spinning the funky vibes of "You Can’t Do It Right (With the One You Love)" by Deep Purple from their 1974 album Stormbringer. This track is a standout for its bluesy-funk groove, a departure from the band’s harder rock roots, and it’s got some wild stories behind it. According to bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes, the song’s funky vibe was inspired by a chance encounter in Chicago during the Stormbringer recording period. Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore met a street busker—described as a “coloured guy” in a 1974 interview—who was snapping his fingers and singing a tune about money. Blackmore was so impressed that he invited the busker onto Deep Purple’s private plane, The Starship, where the band paid him for his performance and reworked his idea into the song’s infectious rhythm. Hughes has praised Blackmore’s playing on this track, noting, “That little son of a bitch, he plays funky on it!” despite Blackmore’s public dislike for funk and R&B. This clash of influences highlights the creative tensions in the band, as Blackmore was already drifting toward forming Rainbow due to his frustration with Deep Purple’s evolving sound.

Another cool tidbit comes from the song’s rediscovery. In the early 2000s, two studio techs at Abbey Road stumbled upon a box of unlabeled tapes. When they played them, they initially thought it was Earth, Wind & Fire because of the funky basslines. Turns out, they’d found the lost master tapes for Stormbringer, including “You Can’t Do It Right.” This track, with its prominent bass by Hughes and soulful harmonies between him and vocalist David Coverdale, showcases the Mark III lineup’s attempt to blend hard rock with funk and soul, which didn’t sit well with all fans but has since been celebrated as a bold experiment. The song’s medium-paced rock groove and catchy chorus made it a precursor to the sound Coverdale would later explore with Whitesnake.

Now, let’s dive into how Deep Purple got their start. Formed in Hertford, England, in 1968, the band emerged during the late ’60s rock explosion, blending psychedelic, progressive, and early heavy metal elements. Originally called Roundabout, they were founded by drummer Ian Paice, organist Jon Lord, and guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, with initial vocalist Rod Evans and bassist Nick Simper. Their early sound was shaped by Lord’s classical influences and Blackmore’s virtuosic guitar, drawing from bands like Vanilla Fudge. Their 1968 debut, Shades of Deep Purple, included a hit cover of “Hush,” which broke them into the U.S. charts. By 1969, the classic Mark II lineup—featuring vocalist Ian Gillan and bassist Roger Glover—solidified with albums like In Rock and Machine Head, the latter spawning the iconic “Smoke on the Water.” Deep Purple’s relentless touring and raw energy earned them a Guinness World Record as the “globe’s loudest band” in the early ’70s. Over the decades, lineup changes (like Coverdale and Hughes joining for Stormbringer) kept their sound evolving, cementing their legacy as pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal.

Want to keep up with Deep Purple? Check out their official website for tour dates and news. They’re active on social media, so follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, throwback photos, and fan interactions. For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with fellow fans, there are awesome communities online. The Deep Purple Fans Facebook group is a lively spot to share memories and discuss the band’s discography. Fan-run sites like The Highway Star offer deep dives into the band’s history, setlists, and news. Another great resource is The Deep Purple Podcast, which breaks down every album and era with passion and insight. So, crank up “You Can’t Do It Right” and keep rockin’ with the Purple legacy!