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Rainbow - On Stage CD (album) cover

ON STAGE

Rainbow

 

Prog Related

3.85 | 156 ratings

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Prog Leviathan
Prog Reviewer
3 stars The pendulum of quality swings very far both ways in this uneven live album by vintage hard- rock band Rainbow. On one hand, we're given oustanding, heavy, driving rock tunes showcasing a winning combination of musicianship and energy. The excellent opener, "Kill the King" starts things off with a bang, as does the classic "Man on the Silver Mountain" and "Greensleeves". These songs kick the listener's ass, thanks to strong performances by Dio, Blackmoore and the rhythm section. Every song on this album has at least one section of masterful rockin'... it's the other parts that drag the rest down.

"On Stage" positively smacks of indulgence on the part of Blackmoor, who fills what must be half the album with solo noddling-- especially during the quite dynamics of songs-- which is neither exciting, interesting, nor effective. Combine this with the sad pairing and exchanges he often makes with the amateurish keyboards of Tony Carey, and I found myself wanting to skip tracks very often. The fact that many of these songs are extended versions of their studio counterparts is great, but they should have something more than one-handed keyboard work and empty space with mewling guitar effects.

It's too bad, because when "On Stage" is good-- it's very good, and a lot of fun. It's production is first-rate, despite the obvious incohesion of its setlist (and even between song sections). Honestly, this live album is nearly for fans only, but Dio single-handedly adds another star because of his boisterous vocals and enthusiasm. R(ock) I.P Dio!

Setlist 3 Instrumental Performances 2 Stage Energy 3 Live Experience 4

Prog Leviathan | 3/5 |

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