Yes, it implies that he isn’t just a metal singer, but instead chooses to be a metal singer (and do it at its top). He’s talented enough to sing almost any genre.
I think Gates of Babylon would grab you much the same way Stargazer did. It's an absolute masterpiece, featuring one of the greatest guitar solos of all time. And of course, Dio is phenomenal on it-as he always is. That goes without saying.
Another Blackmore composition with an Arabian or Middle Eastern sound. I love that stuff, especially because it is so rarely used in hard rock or heavy metal. It is heavy and subtle at the same time, particularly when strings are used in the piece.
Me neither, I must have listened to it hundreds of times and it still gives my chills each time. Very few songs do that for me after so many listenings.
@@eddhardy1054 I have never liked Zeppelin but this song is up at the top of my favourites songs and i am a huge Dio fan since the 80´s. I have also heard it almost countless times and can never grow tired of it.
Cozy (RIP) played with The Jeff Beck Group, Rainbow, Michael Schenker Group, Gary Moore, Graham Bonnet, Brian May, Whitesnake, Emerson, Lake & Powell, and Black Sabbath. Yes, he was great, so much talent in Rainbow it was insane.
As a prog fan, this is near blasphemy, but I don't like Carl Palmer's drumming. I am so glad I saw ELP(owell), instead of the original. He was amazing.
I saw Rainbow first in 1976. Never heard of Dio before, but I was blewn away. The second time was in 2009 with Heaven and Hell in Wacken ! Even if the grim reaper had already put his cold hand on his shoulder, he did a great show. With his old mates Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler he sounded near as good as in ‘76. Rock in peace, Ronnie ❤
I saw the _Rainbow, Stargazer_ in the title and immediately knew it had to have been because of your interview Elizabeth. 😁 Such a wonderful interview too!
The thing with that "plodding" rhythm you identifed is that it works so well with the story of the song. The song is from the point of view of a slave, doing monotonous, back-breaking work. The rhythm of the drums is the rhythm of his footsteps. Imagine yourself pulling a heavy block of stone with a rope over your shoulder while an overseer beats a drum to keep you all in step. The guitar? That's the slave's tears, which flow freely, unconstrained by the rhythm but powerless to change it. Fun facts (courtesy of Elizabeth): 1. Ritchie Blackmore wrote that guitar solo on a cello first, then transposed it to guitar. 2. Ronnie James Dio had no formal vocal training, but he did train as a trumpet player in his youth. That may account for some of his excellent breath control. Elizabeth's second video about this song, where she's introducing vocal coach Julia Nilon to it, is adorable and one of the very few reaction videos I go back and watch again from time to time (it's on Julia's channel, not Elizabeth's).
Coming from being orchestral trained to my love of 70s rock music..this song absolutely amazed me... A rock opera (unlike bohemian rhapsody) but raw vortex energy tha transports you into another dimension 🤘
It's time for Ronnie James Dio and the british man in black: Ritchie Blackmore. 🤟🏻 Now I'm thinking in a "Catch the Rainbow" live reaction, it would be awesome.
Catch the rainbow is a masterpiece also. The last in line is also a great song
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@@keanumunteanu Yeah, Last in Line is great. Oddly, I always considered the album The Last in Line as a kind of Rising Part II. Both albums are on the same level (at least for me, because both are integral part of the soundtrack of my life).
@@keanumunteanu "Catch the Rainbow", the "Temple of the King", the "Man on the Silver Mountain" and the "Greensleeves" are outstanding songs of their first and legendary album "Richie Blackmore's Rainbow" released in March 1975.
I think, many months ago, I suggested that you follow the Ritchie Blackmore rabbit hole. He was classically trained and has a great admiration of classical composers, most notably Bach. The rabbit hole will eventually lead you to Blackmore’s Night, which is the band he formed with his partner, now wife, Candice Night, and has been his band for 27 years. It’s pretty eclectic stuff, but I’d describe it as medieval/renaissance folk/rock, and through it Blackmore explores so much more than even in these early classics with Deep Purple and Rainbow. My recommendations, from the Blackmore’s Night catalogue, in no particular order, would be: Wish You Were Here, Now And Then, Storm, Village on the Sand, Way to Mandalay, Ghost of a Rose, Village Lanterne, Just Call My Name, Street of Dreams, The Circle, Locked Within the Crystal Ball, Lady In Black, Dance of the Darkness.
Drummer Cozy Powell did a rock instrumental version of the Tchaikovsky 1812 overture called "Over the top" (1979) The finale is available in a shorter single form.
It's exciting to see how you notice at first glance that the instrumental solo part represents the climbing and falling of the magician. Excellent analysis!
This video delighted me. So often people who review this song only talk about Ronnie Dio. The man was a fantastic singer, however there were 5 musicians in the band & Ronnie was one. Having listened to (and seen in concert) where Rainbow developed after Ronnie left, people miss so much amazing music. The quality of songs such as Eyes Of The World, Street Of Dreams, Ariel & Eyes of Fire is breathtaking. Suffice to say it’s a journey which, as a musician, you’ll love.
Thanks Amy (and Elizabeth). This song has a similar vibe and power to some songs from the Led Zepplin canon... say, Kashmir? Also please don't underestimate the terrific Scottish bassist, Jimmy Bain. The fact that we are unaware of him during most of this song, shows us how well he supports it. No ego, just energy and groove in full simpatico with the drummer. His sense of 'tension and release' throughout is both disciplined and free.
If I have a tiny criticism of Stargazer it is that it is a bit cluttered and in an attempt to be epic sounding has big drums, big guitar, big vocals and big orchestral sounds. Jimmy ties it it together with a steady pulse without competing with everything else going on.
Oh my god !! I was starting to eat my Chinese food in front of the tv TH-cam.. and i saw Rainbow on your channel.. ive just discovered you on youtbe ....and one of the forst thing i did is look for Rainbow , Rush , Genesis .....and more ...but no Rainbow ..This was yesterday, Saturday....i was ready to write you and request " stargazer and more Rainbow ( Dio years ) .. and what a surprise this evening..its like a dessert.. im like a kid 😂😂.. Thank you and keep on rockin! From Belgium..Alex
Amy analyzing Stargazer - is it Christmas already? Diving into Black Sabbath with Dio as the singer is a really, really great idea! 🙂The song "Falling of the Edge of the World" from the "Mob Rules" Album would be a great start.
This was the most impactful album of my youth. I like your analysis. To me this was almost a collision of hard rock and classical music. It just spoke to me on a deep level. Biggest regret was when Rainbow came to town, it was just after Dio had left the band. I really wish I could have seen him preform this. I love his work with Black Sabbath (even more than Ozzy), but for me his time with Rainbow was his best.
"Competent" is not a dull word at all....Drummers, when complimenting other musicians and drumming in particular, will call the performing "solid'. This is a tremendous compliment actually as music and drumming should mesh and lead at the same time.
You have so many perfect ways to describe how things sound. When you said "glint to the sword" I knew exactly what aspect of his voice you were referring to.
"Color his voice", that is a great way to express Dio's ability to deliver the vocal performance that paints a picture with a Rainbow of Colors. Love this song so very much. Still brings tears to my eyes at the end. Masterpiece.
Cozy Powell was a totally unique power drummer. He played traditional grip and that freed him up to be just that bit more articulate than lots of drummers in rock. His power and accents in composition are unmatched. I'm glad you heard that.
Great idea with a Special Weekend based on Elizabeth's Dio recommendation. Excellent 'Rainbow' choice (love Ritchie Blackmore), now you just need a Black Sabbath one, such as "Heaven and Hell." Interesting to see the different focuses between you two, with you focused more on the overall music, and Elizabeth on Dio's incredible voice, which I was glad you appreciated too. Of course you both cross over into each others main focus, since Elizabeth can dive into the nerdy music theory and analysis too on occasion, which is your specialty. Although you will probably need to work on your skills on putting cameras down singer's throats, before you can match Elizabeth's nerdy vocal analysis skills.😉 Great reaction! Glad you enjoyed it.
Yes Lee, I figured you would be on the same train of thought I was. I want to see Amy and Elizabeth do a "reaction" video together with a group, and my suggestion based on their conversation about transitioning the harp to contemporary music, would be Ian Anderson's use of the flute in his band Jethro Tull and I would love to hear what Elizabeth would say with Ian's use of vocals in his songs. What do you think?
@@lemmyisking9512 Amy has also done "Locomotive Breath." Although still plenty of other Tull ones they could react to together. Of course the possibilities abound when you consider all the great artists and songs out there. It also doesn't have to be where both of them haven't heard either song. I have seen Elizabeth do reactions with other reactors where she has already heard a piece that she likes and is wanting to introduce it to the other reactor. EDIT: I should add, I also wouldn't care if they both had already heard a song, since they both are teachers and might have something they want to illustrate in something they already know. Or as in Terry's case on a specific conversation on how classical instruments are used in contemporary music.
I really enjoyed your take on this classic. Rainbow as a band is underrated as they have quite of few good songs that aren’t too well known. As for this song, Dio blows us all away with arguably his best vocal performance on a track, and without a doubt caught my attention and stopped me dead at my tracks. But what I appreciate about your reaction is that you give the instrumentation and arrangement it’s “flowers” (like the youngin’s like to say), and bring attention to Ritchie and Cozy (and the other talented band members) to give a fuller picture on why this track is special.
Absolutely brilliant analysis of a fantastic song. Thank you and best wishes from England. Oh and try “ Mistreated” live video by Rainbow 🌈 from Munich in 1977.
I had the pleasure of seeing him three times, twice in the mid 80s, and once with his Black Sabbath reunion shortly before his sad death. A music journalist once wrote that "Dio's voice is so powerful, that he could do a world tour from his own back garden and you'd still hear him!" Mistreated (live) is one of his greatest performances. The video is a must though. To really appreciate what the band (Rainbow) does.
There's a recording of a Rainbow rehearsal where the band was playing with their full equipment and Dio was singing without a microphone. His voice was so powerful, you could still hear it over the band. And not screaming and yelling, actually singing.
I had the same thought. E planted it w/ her point that Dio is one of her fave voices, comparing to Pavarotti in delivery. *Bing*- we have Rainbow up next. Nice!
It's so interesting to me seeing new perspectives of music I have known my whole life. My utmost respect for you to open your mind to new experiences. It's the mark of utmost intelligence.
Your "opening speech" was 100% on point. You just described that feeling I have, every time I listen to this masterpiece, which hast lost nothing of it´s power during the decades I´ve been enjoying it. Great analysis, you are one of the best to analyse what´s going on with the music.
LISTEN - that note before the guitar solo, "where do we GOOOO" - that's a goddam B NATURAL! Dio has this voice where you don't realize he's singing so HIGH. The voice stays muscular NEVER shrill!
In my opinion, Ritchie Blackmore did his finest work with Rainbow, and Rainbow's best period was when Dio was their singer. "Stargazer" is brilliant, and I must recommend "Gates of Babylon" as well. Another amazing reaction, Amy. Wishing you and yours a Happy and Blessed Holiday season.
Nice reaction! "Stargazer" was the first song on the B-side of the album "Rising". The natural continuation is the second song, "A Light in the Black", which continues the story of the wizard and the narrator going home.
I would highly suggest the live in Munich '77 version of Mistreated by Rainbow...soooo good. If really want to hear Dio open up and display what he can do then Mistreated is the song (the live version) to listen to; Cozy and everybody in the band are just killing it in this version. Also, Gates of Babylon, Catch The Rainbow, etc. Thanks for the video.
Dio never did any studio recording of Mistreated but agree, he does it great live but he was also a really great live singer. Deep purple also did it great live with Coverdale on vocals, i love that as well.
@@Stefan- I did enjoy Coverdale's version of it as well. It's honestly almost two completely different styled songs, with Coverdale's being more bluesy, and Dio dang near over the top with the vocals.
My coworker was riding with me in Guam and heard "The Last in Line" from our rental car and wondered what was going on. Surely Guam radio couldn't be playing good music, right? Well, no, it was streamed from my phone. Maybe you had to be there.
Always enjoyable to see and hear someone's first experience with this track. This is Dio's signature song, or it was for a long time.There are several eras of his career, and they are all pretty great. All of his Rainbow albums, then with Sabbath, and finally solo - tons of standout tracks and showstoppers - though he grew steadily 'heavier' after Rainbow, which was itself very heavy sounding band. Stargazer is about the most symphonic. It's also a studio masterpiece of a recording.
I was fortunate to see Ronnie live twice, once as a solo artist (Sacred Heart tour) and once with Heaven & Hell (Black Sabbath). His power was amazing. He signed a poster for me after the show, he was very gracious.
Absolute metal classic. Superb musciaship, lead by, in my book, Cozy Powell. His intro roll was fantastic, and don't stop there, for sure. Hard rocks ultimate banger with all the ability.
Yep, one of my favourite songs ever. Truly an epic line up, with Dio, Blackmore and Powell. If it does get better than this, it's not by much. I get shivers every time Ronnie gets to "I'm coming home.." and the strings come in. I love music, which I'm sure is the norm around this comments section, but it's stuff like this, and I'm not talking about genre, that always reminds me of why. When it, music, can hit these lofty heights...man, it comes damn close to replacing food it nourishes the soul so well.
Yes, the album experience is sadly missing for a lot of these reactors. Even the LP experience gave 2 different sides to this album, the 2nd having 2 related epics to enjoy. I've played this album, time and time again, since it was released. The album was a work of art. Experience the whole work folk. You won't be disappointed.
Really enjoyed your reaction. Very insightful. If you fancy another Rainbow song you might try Gates Of Babylon. Another great Dio vocal, but as a fan of Ritchie Blackmore for nearly fifty years, this has my favourite solo of his. It's an absolute triumph, particularly notable for an incredible chord progression composed by Ritchie and keyboardist David Stone.
Amy, as soon as you mentioned “The Wizard”, Uriah Heep with Ken Hensley came flooding back. One of my all time favorites. Not to detract from Mr. Dio and his golden pipes, but also a good one to check out, if you haven’t already.😉
I was unknowingly introduced to Ronnie James Dio in 1975 when I was 10 years old, by the nr.1 smash hit "Love is All" by Roger Glover & Guests. Featuring the lovely cartoon videoclip. Dio was uncredited, but he was the singer.
You have definitely opened up a door to the wonderful world of the music of Dio. Great with Black Sabbath. Lots of great stuff with his own solo band!! And lots more greatness with Rainbow
The only Rainbow track I really love and one of the few I can endure. Anyway, Dio' performances of this piece are jaw dropping and inspiring.
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This songs idea came from Ritchie and John Bonham talking about Kashmir that was just put out and Ritchie telling John that he was going to follow that song up with a similar arrangement and sound.
This is such a great song. Im excited to hear your views! This line-up is a near perfect to perfect rock band. I dont listen to a lot of Rainbow, I do love this song and am a big Dio (solo) fan since the age of 13. Still suffering the fact i never got to see Dio live. He and a few other bands got me through my teen years alive and well. Im forever greatful for the music of the late 70s -80s. Yes some is cheesy but so are teenagers. We were privileged to see so many great bands come on the scene. The Brittish Invasion, the rise of heavy metal and for sheer comedy there were bands like A Flock of Seagulls, kajagoogoo and boy George. Thise years were a great time to be young, wild and free.
Great choice, great reaction! I was so pleased to discover a reaction to Dio. All of his work with Black Sabbath was truly great; Heaven and Hell & Sign of the Southern Cross both have an 'epic' sort of quality and are standouts in the Sabbath catalogue.
Thank you Amy and Vlad! This was a huge treat! When you do delve into Black Sabbath’s era with Ronnie James Dio, I’m really hoping you begin with “Heaven and Hell”, the title track from their epic 1980 album debuting Dio on vocals.🔥
It has been a long time since I have listened to this thanks for the fresh perspective. Something that stood out to me was the way Blackmore used a slide to achieve some of the microtonal qualities associated with middle eastern music. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on other Rainbow/Dio songs.
One of my favorite songs by Rainbow with the great RJD on vocals of course, had a feeling Amy would enjoy this there was definitely a great deal of magic & talent with this particular line-up Blackmore & Dio really came together on this track & she was spot on when talking about how great Cozy Powell was on the drums. I would have to say that later Rainbow was more commercial sounding than early Rainbow which didn't appeal to me, this is definitely going into my favorites video playlist.
'a glint to his sword' is probably the most wonderful compliment ever paid to Dio
I could here him sing that as a lyric.
Hell, that's the Holy Diver video...!
@@erickent3557 LOL I was thinking the same thing.
Yes, it implies that he isn’t just a metal singer, but instead chooses to be a metal singer (and do it at its top). He’s talented enough to sing almost any genre.
Yes. I grinned like a loon when I heard it.
I think Gates of Babylon would grab you much the same way Stargazer did. It's an absolute masterpiece, featuring one of the greatest guitar solos of all time. And of course, Dio is phenomenal on it-as he always is. That goes without saying.
I hope that will be her next listening experience.
Amazing song too
Another Blackmore composition with an Arabian or Middle Eastern sound. I love that stuff, especially because it is so rarely used in hard rock or heavy metal. It is heavy and subtle at the same time, particularly when strings are used in the piece.
@@frankpentangeli7945 Yeah, it fits perfectly to the theme as well.
I never fully appreciated that song until I watched Doug Helvering's analysis of it.
I can NEVER get tired of this song ever.
Me neither, I must have listened to it hundreds of times and it still gives my chills each time. Very few songs do that for me after so many listenings.
@@DPG-Guitar You are so right
Agreed. It's a masterpiece.
@@slaydesaid8741 Absolutely, this is when Blackmore and Dio Out-Zeppelin Zeppelin. 🥰
@@eddhardy1054 I have never liked Zeppelin but this song is up at the top of my favourites songs and i am a huge Dio fan since the 80´s. I have also heard it almost countless times and can never grow tired of it.
Cozy (RIP) played with The Jeff Beck Group, Rainbow, Michael Schenker Group, Gary Moore, Graham Bonnet, Brian May, Whitesnake, Emerson, Lake & Powell, and Black Sabbath. Yes, he was great, so much talent in Rainbow it was insane.
Wow
Well it was deemed as one of the first "supergroups" for good reason.
As a prog fan, this is near blasphemy, but I don't like Carl Palmer's drumming. I am so glad I saw ELP(owell), instead of the original. He was amazing.
@@teemusid I just stated he was in those bads and was a great drummer. Do complain to me.
@@akerman79 Yes Sir
Imo STARGAZER is the best metal song ever .. best guitar playing, best vocals, best drum playing AWESOME
I saw Rainbow first in 1976. Never heard of Dio before, but I was blewn away.
The second time was in 2009 with Heaven and Hell in Wacken ! Even if the grim reaper had already put his cold hand on his shoulder, he did a great show. With his old mates Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler he sounded near as good as in ‘76.
Rock in peace, Ronnie ❤
Thank you for appreciating how good Ritchie is !!!
Best band ever so much talent and Ritchie is a God -guitarist and composer
Ritchie Blackmore!!!
'I see a rainbow rising ... look there on the horizon' ... maybe the best arm tingling lyric of all time!
Best part of the song for me, brings it all home.
I saw the _Rainbow, Stargazer_ in the title and immediately knew it had to have been because of your interview Elizabeth. 😁 Such a wonderful interview too!
The thing with that "plodding" rhythm you identifed is that it works so well with the story of the song. The song is from the point of view of a slave, doing monotonous, back-breaking work. The rhythm of the drums is the rhythm of his footsteps. Imagine yourself pulling a heavy block of stone with a rope over your shoulder while an overseer beats a drum to keep you all in step. The guitar? That's the slave's tears, which flow freely, unconstrained by the rhythm but powerless to change it.
Fun facts (courtesy of Elizabeth):
1. Ritchie Blackmore wrote that guitar solo on a cello first, then transposed it to guitar.
2. Ronnie James Dio had no formal vocal training, but he did train as a trumpet player in his youth. That may account for some of his excellent breath control.
Elizabeth's second video about this song, where she's introducing vocal coach Julia Nilon to it, is adorable and one of the very few reaction videos I go back and watch again from time to time (it's on Julia's channel, not Elizabeth's).
Rainbow's "Gates of Babylon" is a killer
Also a masterpiece
Yes please!
Dio did some incredible work with Black Sabbath. The song Heaven and Hell is particularly good.
The entire record is amazing, also "Lonely Is The Word" gives me goosebumps.
I’ve heard that Ronnie was particularly proud of the song “Heaven and Hell”, and considers it one of his best.
@@michaelheller8841 absolutely.
I second that. Stargazer is a great song, but Heaven and Hell is a bit less cluttered and Ronnie's voice rings through more.
Sign of the Southern Cross
The man was a genius with his voice. I miss him so much.
"Launching the guitar" is so spot on comment from You! This has been on my mind for over 40 years now! Well done - thanks for the video! 🤩
Coming from being orchestral trained to my love of 70s rock music..this song absolutely amazed me... A rock opera (unlike bohemian rhapsody) but raw vortex energy tha transports you into another dimension 🤘
Thank God you finally discovered Rainbow, they're a superb Group !!
Loved this experience because it’s one of if not my favourite ever DIO/ Rainbow song, to me it’s sheer godly perfection
One more thing, Cozy Powell is considered to be one of the greatest and most influential drummers of all time.
Yes, and especiallly on Rising album. (And for sure on the rest of Rainbow recordings, too.)
It's time for Ronnie James Dio and the british man in black: Ritchie Blackmore. 🤟🏻
Now I'm thinking in a "Catch the Rainbow" live reaction, it would be awesome.
Agree.
Catch the rainbow is a masterpiece also. The last in line is also a great song
@@keanumunteanu Yeah, Last in Line is great. Oddly, I always considered the album The Last in Line as a kind of Rising Part II. Both albums are on the same level (at least for me, because both are integral part of the soundtrack of my life).
@@keanumunteanu "Catch the Rainbow", the "Temple of the King", the "Man on the Silver Mountain" and the "Greensleeves" are outstanding songs of their first and legendary album "Richie Blackmore's Rainbow" released in March 1975.
The live version from On Stage or Live in Germany 76 are masterpieces ….and the reason God invented the Strat
Rainbow eyes. Sweetness.
and catch the rainbow...
Rarely does it ever get better than this. Arguably the best intro to any song ever, incredible vocals and a guitar solo to die for.
Dio was a great storyteller!!!!! Shaped his singing around the words and brought you into the story. Everything you want from a frontman
I think, many months ago, I suggested that you follow the Ritchie Blackmore rabbit hole. He was classically trained and has a great admiration of classical composers, most notably Bach. The rabbit hole will eventually lead you to Blackmore’s Night, which is the band he formed with his partner, now wife, Candice Night, and has been his band for 27 years. It’s pretty eclectic stuff, but I’d describe it as medieval/renaissance folk/rock, and through it Blackmore explores so much more than even in these early classics with Deep Purple and Rainbow.
My recommendations, from the Blackmore’s Night catalogue, in no particular order, would be: Wish You Were Here, Now And Then, Storm, Village on the Sand, Way to Mandalay, Ghost of a Rose, Village Lanterne, Just Call My Name, Street of Dreams, The Circle, Locked Within the Crystal Ball, Lady In Black, Dance of the Darkness.
I would also add Fires at Midnight, I Still Remember, Second Element and all of the instrumentals are wonderful compositions ..
Falling Off the Edge of the World by Black Sabbath - awesome song.
From Wacken 2009
So impressive the way you detail your reaction. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, we'll call this song an epic master piece.
"A glint of a sword" to describe Dio's voice is 100% Metal confirmed. Welcome!
He would've loved that comparison!
💯!
Drummer Cozy Powell did a rock instrumental version of the Tchaikovsky 1812 overture called "Over the top" (1979) The finale is available in a shorter single form.
I have seen him perform that live - absolutely amazing
The entire Over the Top album is an instrumental tour de force.
A MASTERPICE by Rainbow.
It's exciting to see how you notice at first glance that the instrumental solo part represents the climbing and falling of the magician. Excellent analysis!
I never made that connection so she brought me value with just that observation alone.
This video delighted me. So often people who review this song only talk about Ronnie Dio. The man was a fantastic singer, however there were 5 musicians in the band & Ronnie was one. Having listened to (and seen in concert) where Rainbow developed after Ronnie left, people miss so much amazing music. The quality of songs such as Eyes Of The World, Street Of Dreams, Ariel & Eyes of Fire is breathtaking. Suffice to say it’s a journey which, as a musician, you’ll love.
Those songs are great as well. Glad you included "Ariel", the Doogie White era gets overlooked.
Thanks Amy (and Elizabeth). This song has a similar vibe and power to some songs from the Led Zepplin canon... say, Kashmir? Also please don't underestimate the terrific Scottish bassist, Jimmy Bain. The fact that we are unaware of him during most of this song, shows us how well he supports it. No ego, just energy and groove in full simpatico with the drummer. His sense of 'tension and release' throughout is both disciplined and free.
If I have a tiny criticism of Stargazer it is that it is a bit cluttered and in an attempt to be epic sounding has big drums, big guitar, big vocals and big orchestral sounds. Jimmy ties it it together with a steady pulse without competing with everything else going on.
Talking bass... Blackmore recently mentioned that there is hardly any bass frequencies in the song. He's right... It's quite mid range and toppy.
Oh my god !! I was starting to eat my Chinese food in front of the tv TH-cam.. and i saw Rainbow on your channel.. ive just discovered you on youtbe ....and one of the forst thing i did is look for Rainbow , Rush , Genesis .....and more ...but no Rainbow ..This was yesterday, Saturday....i was ready to write you and request " stargazer and more Rainbow ( Dio years ) .. and what a surprise this evening..its like a dessert.. im like a kid 😂😂.. Thank you and keep on rockin! From Belgium..Alex
Amy analyzing Stargazer - is it Christmas already?
Diving into Black Sabbath with Dio as the singer is a really, really great idea! 🙂The song "Falling of the Edge of the World" from the "Mob Rules" Album would be a great start.
This was the most impactful album of my youth. I like your analysis. To me this was almost a collision of hard rock and classical music. It just spoke to me on a deep level. Biggest regret was when Rainbow came to town, it was just after Dio had left the band. I really wish I could have seen him preform this. I love his work with Black Sabbath (even more than Ozzy), but for me his time with Rainbow was his best.
"Competent" is not a dull word at all....Drummers, when complimenting other musicians and drumming in particular, will call the performing "solid'. This is a tremendous compliment actually as music and drumming should mesh and lead at the same time.
My first thought upon seeing an Amy and Elizabeth discussion was the hope that Elizabeth would introduce Amy to Dio. Wish granted. More please.
You have so many perfect ways to describe how things sound. When you said "glint to the sword" I knew exactly what aspect of his voice you were referring to.
"Color his voice", that is a great way to express Dio's ability to deliver the vocal performance that paints a picture with a Rainbow of Colors. Love this song so very much. Still brings tears to my eyes at the end. Masterpiece.
Cozy Powell was a totally unique power drummer. He played traditional grip and that freed him up to be just that bit more articulate than lots of drummers in rock. His power and accents in composition are unmatched. I'm glad you heard that.
My favorite from him was in ELP with "Touch and Go." Yeah, I know that's totally crazy.
Great idea with a Special Weekend based on Elizabeth's Dio recommendation. Excellent 'Rainbow' choice (love Ritchie Blackmore), now you just need a Black Sabbath one, such as "Heaven and Hell." Interesting to see the different focuses between you two, with you focused more on the overall music, and Elizabeth on Dio's incredible voice, which I was glad you appreciated too. Of course you both cross over into each others main focus, since Elizabeth can dive into the nerdy music theory and analysis too on occasion, which is your specialty. Although you will probably need to work on your skills on putting cameras down singer's throats, before you can match Elizabeth's nerdy vocal analysis skills.😉 Great reaction! Glad you enjoyed it.
Yes Lee, I figured you would be on the same train of thought I was. I want to see Amy and Elizabeth do a "reaction" video together with a group, and my suggestion based on their conversation about transitioning the harp to contemporary music, would be Ian Anderson's use of the flute in his band Jethro Tull and I would love to hear what Elizabeth would say with Ian's use of vocals in his songs. What do you think?
@@terrykennedy-lares8840 I think that is an awesome idea!
Elizabeth has already reacted to Jethro Tull. She did "Locomotive Breath" and "Aqualung."
@@lemmyisking9512 Amy has also done "Locomotive Breath." Although still plenty of other Tull ones they could react to together. Of course the possibilities abound when you consider all the great artists and songs out there. It also doesn't have to be where both of them haven't heard either song. I have seen Elizabeth do reactions with other reactors where she has already heard a piece that she likes and is wanting to introduce it to the other reactor. EDIT: I should add, I also wouldn't care if they both had already heard a song, since they both are teachers and might have something they want to illustrate in something they already know. Or as in Terry's case on a specific conversation on how classical instruments are used in contemporary music.
@@lemmyisking9512 So?
This is going to be good. RJD is so very unappreciated outside the metal world! This song is an epic in metal!
You can't appreciate someone if you don't know them. What I've seen is that those who know of him outside the metal world appreciate him very much.
I really enjoyed your take on this classic. Rainbow as a band is underrated as they have quite of few good songs that aren’t too well known.
As for this song, Dio blows us all away with arguably his best vocal performance on a track, and without a doubt caught my attention and stopped me dead at my tracks.
But what I appreciate about your reaction is that you give the instrumentation and arrangement it’s “flowers” (like the youngin’s like to say), and bring attention to Ritchie and Cozy (and the other talented band members) to give a fuller picture on why this track is special.
Absolutely brilliant analysis of a fantastic song. Thank you and best wishes from England. Oh and try “ Mistreated” live video by Rainbow 🌈 from Munich in 1977.
I had the pleasure of seeing him three times, twice in the mid 80s, and once with his Black Sabbath reunion shortly before his sad death.
A music journalist once wrote that "Dio's voice is so powerful, that he could do a world tour from his own back garden and you'd still hear him!"
Mistreated (live) is one of his greatest performances. The video is a must though. To really appreciate what the band (Rainbow) does.
There's a recording of a Rainbow rehearsal where the band was playing with their full equipment and Dio was singing without a microphone. His voice was so powerful, you could still hear it over the band. And not screaming and yelling, actually singing.
@@lemmyisking9512 where can I find this? Is it here in TH-cam and if so, do you remember its name?
Hmmm. I wonder who planted this idea in Amy's head? Such a Charismatic choice. 🤗
I had the same thought. E planted it w/ her point that Dio is one of her fave voices, comparing to Pavarotti in delivery. *Bing*- we have Rainbow up next. Nice!
Me in the comments section about 20 times? Who am I kidding.
@@radman8321 All we can do is suggest. Either way, it's gonna happen. ;)
this is one of the best rock songs ever. Nice reaction 👋
When it comes to Rainbow. After you listened to Stargazer. You must listen to Rainbows, Catch the rainbow
Also Gates of Babylon
Totally agree. Catch the rainbow is a classic. Glad to have heard Stargazer again in all its timeless glory.
Absolutely love this song
Waited so long for this, thought you'd never get around to it.
Rainbow is such an interesting band to discover, with its different singers.
Black Sabbath's "Heaven And Hell" title track and whole album is absolutely masterful!
This is gonna be great
I get a strong Maria Callas vibes in Dio's singing. She was also very unique in her singing. With a glint on the sword.
It's so interesting to me seeing new perspectives of music I have known my whole life. My utmost respect for you to open your mind to new experiences. It's the mark of utmost intelligence.
How lucky can someone be? Hearing Stargazer for the first time!!! I'll never have that again!!! Great analysis, thank you.
Your "opening speech" was 100% on point. You just described that feeling I have, every time I listen to this masterpiece, which hast lost nothing of it´s power during the decades I´ve been enjoying it. Great analysis, you are one of the best to analyse what´s going on with the music.
LISTEN - that note before the guitar solo, "where do we GOOOO" - that's a goddam B NATURAL! Dio has this voice where you don't realize he's singing so HIGH. The voice stays muscular NEVER shrill!
He certainly holds it a while, but he goes at least a semitone higher several times in the final outro
Love your talk yesterday it was amazing.
Ronnie, what a voice!
In my opinion, Ritchie Blackmore did his finest work with Rainbow, and Rainbow's best period was when Dio was their singer. "Stargazer" is brilliant, and I must recommend "Gates of Babylon" as well.
Another amazing reaction, Amy. Wishing you and yours a Happy and Blessed Holiday season.
Amen!
Yessssss. I've been waiting for this!
This is what I call a great analysis
The singing in this is nothing short of legendary.
Nice reaction! "Stargazer" was the first song on the B-side of the album "Rising". The natural continuation is the second song, "A Light in the Black", which continues the story of the wizard and the narrator going home.
I would highly suggest the live in Munich '77 version of Mistreated by Rainbow...soooo good. If really want to hear Dio open up and display what he can do then Mistreated is the song (the live version) to listen to; Cozy and everybody in the band are just killing it in this version. Also, Gates of Babylon, Catch The Rainbow, etc. Thanks for the video.
That recording is incredible, and he absolutely owns Mistreated there. 🤘🏽
Dio never did any studio recording of Mistreated but agree, he does it great live but he was also a really great live singer. Deep purple also did it great live with Coverdale on vocals, i love that as well.
@@Stefan- I did enjoy Coverdale's version of it as well. It's honestly almost two completely different styled songs, with Coverdale's being more bluesy, and Dio dang near over the top with the vocals.
Excellent live song, just listened to it about 30 minutes ago for the billionth time.
competency is a good example!
Black Sabbath's Heaven and Hell is really good also....then again anything with Dio is amazing.
Cozy Powell worked a lot with Brian May. He also plays on his solo albums.
Now, that's music!
Now you need to do the Dio songs "Rainbow In The Dark", "Holy Diver" and "The Last In Line."
The Sabbath years Heaven and Hell
Heaven and hell, children of the sea, hell, listen to it all lol
The first song he wrote with Tony Iommi, "Children of the Sea." "Lonely Is the Word" and "Over and Over" would be great as well.
My coworker was riding with me in Guam and heard "The Last in Line" from our rental car and wondered what was going on. Surely Guam radio couldn't be playing good music, right? Well, no, it was streamed from my phone. Maybe you had to be there.
Yes, yes, and yes!
Always enjoyable to see and hear someone's first experience with this track. This is Dio's signature song, or it was for a long time.There are several eras of his career, and they are all pretty great. All of his Rainbow albums, then with Sabbath, and finally solo - tons of standout tracks and showstoppers - though he grew steadily 'heavier' after Rainbow, which was itself very heavy sounding band. Stargazer is about the most symphonic. It's also a studio masterpiece of a recording.
I totally see this masterpiece performed by full symphonic orchestra and sung by finest opera singer.
I was fortunate to see Ronnie live twice, once as a solo artist (Sacred Heart tour) and once with Heaven & Hell (Black Sabbath). His power was amazing. He signed a poster for me after the show, he was very gracious.
Absolute metal classic. Superb musciaship, lead by, in my book, Cozy Powell. His intro roll was fantastic, and don't stop there, for sure. Hard rocks ultimate banger with all the ability.
Just love the mix of this song. It would be so easy to just let Ronnie’s spectacular vocals take center stage but they give equal weight to the music.
Yep, one of my favourite songs ever. Truly an epic line up, with Dio, Blackmore and Powell. If it does get better than this, it's not by much. I get shivers every time Ronnie gets to "I'm coming home.." and the strings come in. I love music, which I'm sure is the norm around this comments section, but it's stuff like this, and I'm not talking about genre, that always reminds me of why. When it, music, can hit these lofty heights...man, it comes damn close to replacing food it nourishes the soul so well.
The whole Rising album is a rock masterpiece and should be experienced as a whole as such. Sadly Amy will likely never venture beyond Stargazer.
Yes, the album experience is sadly missing for a lot of these reactors. Even the LP experience gave 2 different sides to this album, the 2nd having 2 related epics to enjoy. I've played this album, time and time again, since it was released. The album was a work of art. Experience the whole work folk. You won't be disappointed.
Really enjoyed your reaction. Very insightful.
If you fancy another Rainbow song you might try Gates Of Babylon. Another great Dio vocal, but as a fan of Ritchie Blackmore for nearly fifty years, this has my favourite solo of his. It's an absolute triumph, particularly notable for an incredible chord progression composed by Ritchie and keyboardist David Stone.
I'm a much more recent Ritchie Blackmore fan, but he's very good. I was sure Highway Star was his greatest work until I heard Gates of Babylon.
Amy, as soon as you mentioned “The Wizard”, Uriah Heep with Ken Hensley came flooding back. One of my all time favorites. Not to detract from Mr. Dio and his golden pipes, but also a good one to check out, if you haven’t already.😉
I was unknowingly introduced to Ronnie James Dio in 1975 when I was 10 years old, by the nr.1 smash hit "Love is All" by Roger Glover & Guests. Featuring the lovely cartoon videoclip.
Dio was uncredited, but he was the singer.
Oh baby it's time. DIO! 🤘
Maybe it's a cliché answer or not techinically the best. but 'Rainbow in the Dark' by Dio is a real ear worm! I love it.
Try Deep Purple's "Burn" !!
You have definitely opened up a door to the wonderful world of the music of Dio. Great with Black Sabbath. Lots of great stuff with his own solo band!! And lots more greatness with Rainbow
You can understand every word, Elizabeth states his diction is perfect
Not sure this is my favorite rock song ever, but I can't think of another one better in my opinion. JRD is just amazing and so is Ritchie.
"Rainbow eyes" from 1978 is one of my favorites. Its a ballad though. A lot of flute and violin going on in this one.
It is gorgeous !
What a keen ear you have, and i love your appreciation for the different genres you analyse.
Finally more Blackmore!
The only Rainbow track I really love and one of the few I can endure. Anyway, Dio' performances of this piece are jaw dropping and inspiring.
This songs idea came from Ritchie and John Bonham talking about Kashmir that was just put out and Ritchie telling John that he was going to follow that song up with a similar arrangement and sound.
Stargazer is lot more complex song than Kashmir … both are masterpieces though tbh
Awesome! Cozy Powell, incidentally, had a hit single with a drum solo - quite a rare thing - called Dance With The Devil.
This is such a great song. Im excited to hear your views! This line-up is a near perfect to perfect rock band. I dont listen to a lot of Rainbow, I do love this song and am a big Dio (solo) fan since the age of 13. Still suffering the fact i never got to see Dio live. He and a few other bands got me through my teen years alive and well.
Im forever greatful for the music of the late 70s -80s. Yes some is cheesy but so are teenagers. We were privileged to see so many great bands come on the scene. The Brittish Invasion, the rise of heavy metal and for sheer comedy there were bands like A Flock of Seagulls, kajagoogoo and boy George. Thise years were a great time to be young, wild and free.
Great choice, great reaction!
I was so pleased to discover a reaction to Dio. All of his work with Black Sabbath was truly great; Heaven and Hell & Sign of the Southern Cross both have an 'epic' sort of quality and are standouts in the Sabbath catalogue.
One does not simply listen to "Stargazer", you go on a journey with it.
Thank you Amy and Vlad! This was a huge treat! When you do delve into Black Sabbath’s era with Ronnie James Dio, I’m really hoping you begin with “Heaven and Hell”, the title track from their epic 1980 album debuting Dio on vocals.🔥
It has been a long time since I have listened to this thanks for the fresh perspective. Something that stood out to me was the way Blackmore used a slide to achieve some of the microtonal qualities associated with middle eastern music. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on other Rainbow/Dio songs.
All things Dio are worthy of exploring
One of my favorite songs by Rainbow with the great RJD on vocals of course, had a feeling Amy would enjoy this there was definitely a great deal of magic & talent with this particular line-up Blackmore & Dio really came together on this track & she was spot on when talking about how great Cozy Powell was on the drums. I would have to say that later Rainbow was more commercial sounding than early Rainbow which didn't appeal to me, this is definitely going into my favorites video playlist.