Customer Reviews

Final Vinyl (Rainbow)

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Having listened to the studio version of "Difficult To Cure" and then seeing the live version on the long-deleted "Live Between The Eyes" VHS, I was intrigued by the possibility of the version which exists on this release. It is worth the price just for that track alone. Rainbow with an orchestra.....Incredible. But while this is an exceptionally high high-point, it is not the only one. To finally hear "Since You Been Gone" live with Graham Bonnet (sadly the only live track from this short-lived incarnation of the band) was something of a revelation, although I still prefer the studio version. But this compilation covers almost every line-up of the band, presumably ignoring the line-up which recorded "Onstage", for obvious reasons (see that album and the "Live In Europe/Live In Germany" sets. The only sticking point for this was the inclusion of a couple of non-album b-sides, which had already appeared on the "Best Of Rainbow" album in the UK in the early '80s. A couple of other live tracks might have been better. How about more from that Monsters Of Rock show which produced "Since You Been Gone". If you're expecting a 2CD live album, forget it. This is a compilation, and should be treated as such. But maybe the time has come to release some of the older live material in the full glory of the concert recording format. "Live Between The Eyes" was a good show, but on CD you would certainly lose the full impact of the guitar-smashing - although it does SOUND really good!!! Come on Polygram, raid those archives!!

As another mentioned, it would be great to have more from Rainbow, especially more of the era spanning 1980-1984. It was a bit of a catch 22 to see Ritchie Blackmore return to Deep Purple late in 1984, even though it produced the exceptional "Perfect Strangers" album. I once had "Finyl Vinyl" on cassette tape, album, and on CD, all at once! I don't really know how that happened but it is truly a great compilation. "Spotlight Kid", "I Surrender" and "Street of Dreams" are much better live than their respective studio versions. Perhaps, though, the "Japan Tour 84" CD ought to be re-released to do the Blackmore, Turner, Glover, Burgi, and Rosenthal line-up justice. What really catches the listener is just how good Chuck Burgi is on drums. A fast and furious drummer with remarkable precision.

Finyl Vinyl is a collection of live performances from the band Rainbow founded by former Deep Purple guitarists Ritchie Blackmore. There were 3 line-ups with 3 lead vocalists (Ronnie James Dio, Graham Bonnet & Joe Lynn Turner) all represented in this compilation. The album chronicles the songs that were FM staples along with previously unreleased b-sides. Rainbow managed to blend virtuoso musicianship with pop radio friendly polished production without losing its integrity thanks to guitarists Ritchie Blackmore. The highpoint of this album is a live version of "Difficult to Cure" the instrumental homage to Beethoven's 9th with orchestra accompaniment. Difficult to cure wasn't a radio song when released but it does showcase the bands musicianship as it breaks the mold from the track listing that mainly consists of live performances of all their hits "Stone Cold" "All night Long" Street of dreams"...etc. This piece itself is worthy of purchasing this album. Ritchie's technical and soulful mix of guitar bombast is underated although he has penned many hits. To hear more of the extended live improvised Rainbow, purchase "On Stage" with Ronnie Dio on vocals. The songs on Finyl vinyl the band merely plays the songs as they are presented from the studio versions.

Released in 1986,two years after Ritchie folded Rainbow,this is a compilation worthy of this legendary band,featuring different versions of Rainbow material and concentrating on the Turner era because,let's face it,Rainbow did not end with Ronnie's departure in 1978.

The first time I heard this record was about 12 years ago and it was a classical already for me. This is a live album with the best song from Rainbow with Dio,Graham Bonnet and Joe Lynn Turner and of course Blackmore's guitar solo are superb.It's a collector's edition.

Cool compilation! If you love Deep purple , you will like this one too.

I LOVE IT! Compilation of RAINBOW GAME! Blackmore, Powell, DIO, Lyn Turner, Bonnet have been appeared in this album. A must for Heavy fans!