Customer Reviews

Live in Germany

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As expected, this is an excellent live album. Blackmore blazes on guitar, so much so that even his ten-minute-long solos keep the listener's attention (at least this listener's attention, anyway). Dio is also great as always, again proving himself one of the most talented singers of all time. Unfortunately, this album is rather ancillary if one already owns "On Stage" - for those songs that the albums share, the performances are nearly identical (this version featuring some slightly extended renditions). While this proves Rainbow was a very tight and consistent live band, it also robs this release of some originality. While "Live in Germany" perhaps could be considered a tad more intense than "On Stage," the difference is minute (I probably only mention it because it says so in the liner notes). Also, the production of "On Stage" is a bit better. The major selling points of this album are "Stargazer" and "Do You Close Your Eyes," which aren't included with "On Stage." While the latter song is presented well, "Stargazer" just isn't up to par with the studio version - unless my ears deceive me, there is no orchestral support and thus the song is reduced. Despite this, it's still worth a listen. Also, "Man on the Silver Mountain" is presented alone, as opposed to in a medley. Overall, this is a very good live album, but recommended only if you don't own a live Rainbow release already.

How many times has this 2-CD/100 minute title been reissued?Does anybody know?I can see as to WHY it's been repeatedly released time after time.It's nothing short of top notch '70's hard rock performed by the classic Rainbow line-up of Blackmore/Dio/Bain/Carey/and Powell.I believe I used to have this on 8 track years ago.I cannot honestly remember the last time I heard the killer cuts like "Kill The King","Sixteenth Century Greensleeves" and "Stargazer"(I know I've heard Dio play that while out on tour before).Thoroughly enjoyed the extended guitar and keyboard noodling during "Man On The Silver Mountain".Great audio document of a tour that'll NEVER take place again,as it did here.So be sure to check it out when you get the chance.Will certainly remain in my current rotation stack.

It is a perfect example of how a Rainbow concert would have sounded like in 1976, with the best lineup they ever assembled. I don't own On Stage, in fact, I didn't buy it because this record offered a better and longer selection. As explained in the booklet, these recordings weren't originally intended for release and that explains the poor sound quality, reason why it doesn't get the five stars. However, the songs, solos and interludes (100 minutes in 8 songs says it all) are worth it. Pity no one made video footage of this era.

When I came across this in the early 90s I was astonished at how much better it was than on the officially released "Live on Stage" which I thought was a bit of a mixed bag. By contrast, this recording has Blackmore at his best with scintillating guitar playing - it just shows you how performances can range from concert to concert. But, this is the definitive Rainbow live album and of their best line up.

This is a great live recording of Rainbow, 1976, with all the major ingredients of a wonderful hardrock performance. I still prefer On Stage, but this is a nice addition, with some other songs (Do you close your eyes, with smashing guitar!), and proof that in the 70s you could improvise if only you knew how to play. And these guys knew/know how to play!!!

Why can't these groups last? The inimitable combo of Dio and Blackmore is captured beautifully with this live recording. Standouts include KILL THE KING, MAN ON THE SILVER MOUNTAIN, and the crowning jewel, STARGAZER. A highly recommended recording which begs the question, "Is there more we haven't heard?" Do live recordings of, say TAROT WOMAN, or GATES OF BABYLON exist somewhere in the Blackmore archives? As a companion piece I also recommend LIVE IN MUNICH, which has a slightly different set list. Further, any hard rock enthusiast should possess the first three fabulous studio recordings from RAINBOW: the eponymous debut, RISING, and LONG LIVE ROCK AND ROLL. I was lucky enough to see RAINBOW open for BLUE OYSTER CULT in late '83... sadly enough, the DIO era had passed, but Mr. Blackmore was majestic, charismatic, and so amazingly skilled with that Stratocaster in hand.
Enjoy!!!
Balthazar "Air Cool" Platini, III

even though there were only 3 studio albums recorder with that line up. The recordings and songs hold up well over time and this Live from 1976 is a great collection. It is interesting to hear Blackmore's guitar playing, the way he changes and improvises parts differently in live situations. Dio is one of the best hard rock singers ever, even though his stage demeanor between songs is very odd. Recommended.

"On Stage" was put together from more than one show (German as well as Japanese), has overdubs, and has an abbreviated set list. "Live in Germany 1976" has unedited tracks from documented concerts and represents a complete Rainbow concert.

Listeners wanting a complete single concert are welcome to get the individual concerts (now available) from which "Live in Germany 1976" was compiled. Each of these 2CD sets is superior to "On Stage" as well.

I don't care for Martin Birch's production in general, whether it's Black Sabbath, Rainbow, Iron Maiden, or whoever else because he makes everything sound very clean and thin. This is as true of "On Stage" as it is of "Heaven and Hell." The German live CDs are preferable in my opinion from a production standpoint alone.

One caveat: my favorite version of 'Catch the Rainbow' (Blackmore's rewrite of 'Little Wing') is from "On Stage," so that album for me is still well worth having.

This dual CD album has all the highest rated Rainbow songs in extra versions with fabulous solos and plays. Mandatory for all Dio/Blackmore/Rainbow collectors.

All right fellas, let me get this out of the way immediately: I'm a MAJOR Dio-era Rainbow fan, so I was very excited about getting this record. And I was right to be excited! This is a great release, showcasing Rainbow during their German tour of 1976 supporting "Rising". The band is on fire here, following Ritchie's lead all the way to the end of that Rainbow.

This is a superior choice from "On Stage", simply because it features a full performance of the band, as opposed to a greatly edited one. While these CD's are culled from a few of those german shows, they retain the sense consistency that you get from an actual show. The show starts with an early version of "Kill the King", a song destined to become a live staple for subsequent tours and to be included on the band's next record. While I do believe that the song had yet to develop to its full scale, I find this version to be amazing! Next comes Deep Purple's classic "Mistreated", which I must admit is a rather odd choice: I mean, Ritchie left Purple cos he didn't like the direction they were headed, and yet he chose to "steal" one of the songs that showcased that direction more blatantly! I would have thought he would pick "Burn", or something like that, but...I guess that's Ritchie...I love the guy's music, but he DEFINITELY has issues...

Rainbow's take on this song is great, but I do prefer the Purple version...I miss Ian Paice's looser playing (which is here replaced with Cozy Powell's heavy drumming...I love it too, but it's very different) and I don't think that the "guitar solo" is particularly inspired...

The next two songs redeem the affair, with "Sixteenth Century Greensleeves" and "Catch the Rainbow" being absolutely awesome, especially the latter, where Ritchie indulges in all sorts of ways. Disc 2 starts with a powerful rendition of "Man on the Silver Mountain" and continues with "Stargazer". Now, I have to be honest: I didn't originally like this song when I got "Rising". I thought it was too long and complicated. But hearing it live totally changed it for me, taking it to the next level. I can't understand how was it that it wasn't included in "On Stage"!!! A shame, nothing less...

The last two songs are a bit of a surprise: two extended versions, first of the Yardbird's "Still I'm Sad", and "Do you close your Eyes", which, in their original studio format, were short tunes, the former being an instrumental take. But here, the band stretches them beyond recognition, turning them into 2 true classics. Ritchie is clearly enjoying his newfound freedom, and it shows in his playing; Dio is in top form, belting all the way into the stratosphere, Cozy is the heaviest drummer on earth since Bonzo Bonham, and while Tony Carey and Jimmy Bain play more discrete parts, they sure know how to make the best with what they are given.

All in all, this is a great record of a great band at the peak of their performing powers! Be warned, though: if you don't like extended versions, stick to the studio albums. Otherwise, GET IT!