curbach@sbcglobal.net | Dallas, TX United States | 08/30/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"While the sound quality of this release is not quite as good as the remastered version of On Stage, the additional content makes this the better buy.There are only two additional songs, but they may be the highlights of the album: "Stargazer" contains some of the most mesmerizing soloing I've ever heard from Blackmore, and "Do You Close Your Eyes" is performed with such manic intensity its like a completely different song from the studio version--a good thing since I don't particularly care for the studio version.The other songs are just as good as the versions from On Stage, but different. Comparing the two releases you get a nice feel for the band's ability to improvise. Some tracks I like better on On Stage and some better here, but they're all geat. This Rainbow line up was just awesome live."
This is an excellent album.
curbach@sbcglobal.net | 06/11/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I never really got into Rainbow until I heard Ronnie James Dio. I must say that his voice sounds even better on this recording than it does in his Dio days. Plus Ritchie Blackmore is a brilliant guitar player. Live the band is incredible with Dio displaying his huge vocal range and Blackmore soloing into the stratosphere. I highly recommend this album to anyone who likes Dio's voice and awesome guitar playing."
Don't You Buy this thing!!!!!
Erick Bertin | Santo Domingo, Heredia Costa Rica | 09/11/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Once again, the quality of the music has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with this. This is a matter of finances: this double CD contains the EXACT same song lineup as "Live in Germany '76", only six bucks more expensive!!! Not only that: after having listened to it briefly (but without having the opportunity to examine the CD's booklet for confirmation...), I'm willing to bet that these are THE EXACT SAME SHOWS!!! Like I said, I don't have the definitive proof of this, but unless Ronnie James Dio repeated night after night the EXACT SAME speech, verbatim, word by word, I'm still convinced that the shows from which those 2 releases were culled are the same. Sound quality? I can't really comment on it, I just heard half the record, but I didn't really notice anything too dramatic...and yes, some people have said that "Live in Germany '76" suffers from low sound quality. Again, I don'y agree with that, but...I guess if you're willing to gamble, you might give these CD's a try...but being a MAJOR Rainbow fan myself, I know I wouldn't...Your choice..."
Definitly an oldie but a goody
Erick Bertin | 11/19/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For those who want to get away from the highly polished studio sound and hear what the band can really do, this twenty year old live recording puts the band right into your living room. It should be played extremely loud and one should be prepared for quite a listening experience."
Unbelievably Emotional Release
Andrew DiGelsomina | Creation Croatia | 07/29/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a performance that beats out the "other Rainbow live album", On Stage, in a specific way: provocations of emotion. The vocal performances of Ronnie James Dio on "Mistreated" and "Catch the Rainbow" features the some of the best ever in Rock and/or Metal music.
Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore combines with Dio and drummer Cozy Powell to make "Catch the Rainbow" a tour de force of sad, yet exquisitelty beautiful sound-magic. I've never heard such a heart wrenching performance by Blackmore or Dio...or anyone else in Rock/Metal history. Any fan of the aforementioned genres would be missing the experience of a lifetime if choosing to skip this release. Get this, as well as all the other Dio/Raibow albums and the Graham Bonnet-fronted "Down to earth". Today. Don't cheat yourself.
Many have complained that the song "Stargazer" isn't a standout here, but it's hard to replicate that song without the benefit of the full orchestra, as it appeared on the Rising cd.
If you love music that makes you FEEL, you must get this. It is an experience you could never possibly forget."