LIVE IN MUNICH 1977

I am not really a sucker for live albums. There are a few I really like but for the most part I say go for the studio albums instead and leave the live ones 'til you've absorbed those first. Too often I find live renditions to be less interesting, too long and sometimes pointless. But then tere are those few live albums that really kicks you in the head with the ferociuos live energy of a steam train. This one is such an example.

I have always found, being a fan of Rainbow since my pre-teens, that On stage was a bit too polished. Though nice enough and all that, it lacked somewhat in energy. Then came Live in Germany 1976 and while "Do you close your eyes" ends in a cacophony and utter destruction (in the most glorious way) it showed little more than On stage, as regards the infamous energy of Rainbow. So, when I got my hands on Live in Munich 1977 I was very pleased. Thrilled, even. Here was an amazing recording of one of my favorite bands in a fullfledged live setting. It did not disappoint.

The set list is more or less identical with all official Rainbow live releases of the Ronnie Dio-era. That is slightly disapponting, since I wanted to hear some of the other great works of the band. Apart from that, a point made regarding the mass of live albums rather than Live in Munich as such, this is fabolous.

Kicking off with "Kill the king". This is spectacular hard rock in all it's glory. Biting, raucous and kicking like a mule on steroids it punches it's way through the speakers. What a way to start! "Mistreated" seems to be a favorite of Blackmore's and is give the usual live treatment. I like it a lot. It fits in well after the speed of "Kill the king".

For me "Catch the rainbow" has always been one of the most atmospheric and epic of live songs. Stretching over 17 minutes you might think that ones attenition and patience is tried to the limit but I find not. It is actually held together well and provides several solos from the band. It is a beautiful song. An epic ballad of the old school which really is a jewel in the crown, of sorts. It also provides the listener with a well needed break from all the noise and commotion.

Live in Munich is a very noisy, hard rocking, ferocious album. The sound is very messy but that's is, as far as I am concerned, a good thing. It actually helps giving me as a listener a chance to come as close as I ever will to a real Rainbow experience. No one will ever be given the treat of seeing this line-up perform live again, since RJD sadly passed away. Not that it was going to happen anyway but now every inch of hope is gone.

This live album ranks among my Top 5 and is a wonderful way of experiencing not only hard rock in all it's live glory but Rainbow in particular. They were a force to be reckoned with and I think neither Blackmore nor Dio made this kind of noise in any band or setting, not before and not after. Top stuff it is but as with any live album I find it hard giving it five stars. Not because it lacks songs I'd wished to be on there but simply because it cannot surpass the quality of the live albums. And besides, a live album can't be essential in my book. Really, it can't, but I do think it can be an excellent addition to any collection or collector of progressive hard rock.