Anthology (2CD)

As the title explains thoroughly the content of this 2-Disc set spans almost the entire career of Rainbow and is a celebration of all that was great and then greater still with the Anglo-American Heavy Rock giant. From their first incarnation with vocalist Ronnie James Dio whose fantasy sword n sorcery lyrics shaped the early image of the band and whose significant presence takes-up the entire first disc, through to the chart scaling heights enjoyed with the Graham Bonnet line-up and the likes of Since You Been Gone and then finally ending with the smooth-throated delivery and U.S. AOR stylings brought by Joe Lynn Turner, all the hits and more are crammed into this attractive package.With a nod also to Blackmores curious sense of humour and the addition of tracks such as, Snowman (the title theme to the cartoon Xmas favourite) and a previously unreleased live rendition of Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow from 1980s Monsters Of Rock Festival, this release stands-out significantly from previous would-be hits collections in both content and execution. With the addition of expert sleeve-notes from Jerry Bloom, editor of More Black Than Purple (the ultimate Ritchie Blackmore magazine) and the Ritchie Blackmore biography, Black Knight, and a 16 page booklet chronicling the career of Rainbow with a complete album discography and comprehensive personnel chart, Anthology 1975 1984 is a must have addition for both the Rainbow collector or for those who might only now be discovering the rich treasure trove that is the musical legacy of Rainbow.