Whitesnake vs Rainbow

I love both bands, though only to a certain point in their career (i.e. before they became commercial, radio-friendly acts). However, I'd have to go for Rainbow, due to the presence of the God of Guitar himself, Ritchie Blackmore.

even only considering the first five albums, Rainbow

bhikkhu wrote:     Is this a serious question? If I even thought about saying Whitesnake, someone would have to have me committed.

I wouldn't, HT... I used to be a major WS fan in the early '80s, before they became hair-metal with "1987". At that time they were a fantastic hard rock/blues act, which put out an excellent live album in "Live...In the Heart of the City", as well as some excellent studio albums.

Ghost Rider wrote: bhikkhu wrote:     Is this a serious question? If I even thought about saying Whitesnake, someone would have to have me committed. I wouldn't, HT... I used to be a major WS fan in the early '80s, before they became hair-metal with "1987". At that time they were a fantastic hard rock/blues act, which put out an excellent live album in "Live...In the Heart of the City", as well as some excellent studio albums.

Rainbow hands down 

Cristi wrote: [QUOTE=Ghost Rider]     You've got me confused. I don't consider Whitesnake "hair-metal". How can one compare Whitesnake to bands belonging to this genre: Poison, Bon Jovi, Motley Crue and other immitators of these bands. Nevermind...     Do you consider Whitesnake 1987 and Slip of the Tongue as BAD albums?

Sorry for bringing up the 'hair metal' thing - of course I don't think WS belong to the same category as those awful bands you just mentioned, although they're often lumped together with them. As to those two albums, I rather like '1987', while I find 'Slip of the Tongue' somewhat repetitive and boring, with Steve Vai standing out like a sore thumb.

Having been re-listening to early Whitesnake ( Moody-Marsden era), they  have dated, but not as much as  Rainbow studio albums- but in terms of live albums, Rainbow  fight back with "On Stage" , still  in my collection....but overall, for sheer entertainment, and having witnessed them over 5 times from late 70,s  thru to mid  80's, I think the  'snake get's my vote
However, both band leaders lost the plot  in the 90's and onwards- coverdale did his best Robert P_lant impression before coming to his senses, whilst Mr Blackmore seems to have undergone some form of brainwipe - witness "Blackmore's Night" ,tights and all- with no evidence of a tongue any where  near his cheek.                                    To open the debate- where do Gillan fit in this equation? my favorite DP offshoot!!

I enjoy both, but prefer Rainbow.

daz2112 wrote: I love both but early Whitesnake wins it for me!

 

The only Dio Rainbow album I really think is great is Rising. The first Rainbow is dull and Long Live Rock & Roll has its moments of inspired and uninspired in my opinion. I did like the Grham Bonnet cd and I think Joe Lynn Turner was allright. I liked Whitesnake in 1987 and a few of their previous works. Good solid rock.