Track Listing

1. Long Live Rock 'N' Roll
2. Lady of the Lake
3. L.A. Connection
4. Gates of Babylon
5. Kill the King
6. Shed (Subtle)
7. Sensitive to Light
8. Rainbow Eyes

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #702276 in Music
• Released on: 1990-10-17

Album Description
Japanese-only SHM-CD (Super High Material CD) paper sleeve pressing of this classic album from the British Hard Rockers led by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, originally released in 1978. SHM-CDs can be played on any audio player and delivers unbelievably high-quality sound. You won't believe it's the same CD! Universal. 2008.

Customer Reviews

Blackmore provides the lightning, Dio the thunder
This easily ranks up there with the best of Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin (not to mention Deep Purple) as a "hard rock" classic. The problem is, it came about five years too late, or five years too early. Although commercial success eluded this work (perhaps due to timing), the Blackmore/Dio coupling was never more magic. The anthemic title track "Long Live Rock 'n' Roll" is the work's philosophy statement, and the band proceeds to shred the metal-thunder terrain. Standout tracks include (the vaguely Middle-Eastern sounding) "Gates of Babylon" and speed metal thrasher "Kill the King." There is not a weak track on this CD. END

"Rainbow Eyes" and all the rest a pleasure to our ears
"Long Live Rock 'n' Roll" from 1978 was the third studio album from Blackmore & company and the first following the live "On Stage" release.

Over the years critics have taken the greatest pleasure in their often biased descriptions of "Heavy Metal" music. Unfortunately either from the critics lack of knowledge or a mind too closed for thought the consumer is often left to sought out the good from the obnoxious.

There are certain bands that produce metal sounding music if you like the term, but it is imperative that the word "Intelligent" is placed before the word heavy. The Black Sabbath records with Ozzy, the first 5 Blue Oyster Cult, the one and only Armageddon with Keith Relf, the Deep Purple records during Blackmore's tenure, and the Rainbow with Dio at the vocal helm. There are more obviously but this was simply to make a point.

While the first two studio Rainbow went more for the mystical sound, "Long Live Rock `n' Roll has enough metal around the edges to produce carnage if anything enters its path. The opening track (The title) is not only perfect for its placement as the first notes the listener experiences but is relentless in the pure energy and brilliance. Many a Blackmore fan wouldn't let the turntable go to the second cut before they were inundated with the sonic explosions from the first song a myriad of times. "Lady Of The Lake" mixes nicely the pure rock and roll with the Dio mystical vocal. He made it a calling card and reminds us he is the man. "L.A. Connection" is straight ahead in your face and perfectly crafted for the five minute range. "Gates Of Babylon" should have a footnote in Blackmore's musical history. It isn't only the brilliance of the composition but many rock fans that never gave him a fair shake (Not so bright on their part) were impressed with this specific tune for his approach to the six string. "Kill The King" and the opening number are equally impressive for the sheer aggression of the music but also lyrics that are intelligent and a perfect compliment to Blackmore, Powell, Daisley, and Stone. "The Shed (Subtle)" lets Richie do his thing but notice how the songs don't expand to overkill. The longest track clocks in at seven and one-half minutes (Last one). "Sensitive To Light" is a terrific rock and roll number with Dio giving a perfect vocal. Speaking of perfect. The final track "Rainbow Eyes" allows Dio to shine and was a fitting end for his studio time with the band. If only the Blackmore/Dio combination continued there would have been many more special Rainbows.

Enjoy the music and be well,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"

The Very Best of Rainbow
Long Live Rock'n'Roll is surely the best Rainbow's album and pehaps one of the best that I ever heard. If you'd liked the Dio's Rainbow era, you'll really love it!