Straight from the frames of This Is Spinal Tap by way of LA and the UK comes Rainbow, one of the earliest, rockingest, and unintentionally funniest metal bands in my top 100. The comedy is mostly thanks to prima donna founder Richie Blackmore, who has gone through almost as many wives as he has sidemen in his illustrious career. To be fair, the rock is mostly thanks to him too, although in their first incarnation, legendary vocalist Ronnie James Dio deserves at least as much credit. Hint: you will hear more from the late, great Ronnie James Dio in future posts.
Rainbow started in late 1974, when Blackmore left Deep Purple, apparently disgusted with his fellow musicians and recruited pretty much their entire opening act at the time, Elf to support him on a solo album. Over the years, Rainbow continued as more or less a solo effort, as no one could please or put up with Richie long enough to stick with the band for more than an album or two. Dio was the exception, hanging with Rainbow for a full three before splitting to remain true to his inner sorcerer. Those three albums, especially the middle one, Rising, are classics of the genre and still stand up today, 40 years later as gems in the repertoire.
Stargazer was the first song on the second side of the brilliant Rising album, and my favorite on it as well, although the album is enjoyable and impressive throughout. Stargazer's a majestic piece of music, thanks to Cozy Powell and Jimmy Bain's confident and commanding feel, Ronnie's masterful vocals, Richie's progressive riffing and soloing and the contribution of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra. Enjoy a metal classic.
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