RAINBOW - LONG LIVE ROCK N ROLL Price: €9.99 Format: Compact Disc Availability: Immediate Dispatch

Released in 1978, LONG LIVE was the final Ronnie James Dio-fronted release by Rainbow. Dio would go on to front Black Sabbath, while guitarist Richie Blackmore would reunite with Deep Purple. The album caps off a string of tremendous releases from one of the strongest branches on the heavy-metal family tree.
The title track is a fan favourite and one of the strongest tunes from this era--a heavy rock tune written for arenas. "Lady of the Lake" is a solid number featuring haunting background vocals. "L.A. Connection" features the piano tinglings of keyboardist David Stone. "Gates of Babylon" is a mammoth track featuring the Bavarian String Ensemble, as synthesizer and strings combine for a symphonic big-rock sound. Another standout is "Kill the King", a speedy, full force tune with Mr. Blackmore doing what he does best. Blackmore opens the thunderous "The Shed (Subtle)" with a fluid, effects-laden bluesy solo. "Rainbow Eyes" is a seven-minute epic that features a string quartet, flute, and Dio's euphonic balladry. LONG LIVE, while not the masterwork that is RAINBOW RISING, is a strong album that ends the Dio era on a high note.