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Soundboard 9.2 - Don't assume that there is any particular period of Dio's career that is "better" or somehow more desirable. Dio was a total pro, and he always put together exceptional bands. Vivian Campbell just shreds on this. The performance, the quality, Dio up to his usual high standards of excellence - this is a must have! -
Radio Broadcast 8.7 -
Audience 8.6 - Complete show that even includes the opening act “Dove” which sounds suspicious to me but there it is. This is a very good recording which is a bit spacious sounding for being in a club, and really conveys the feeling and the immediate crowd response which is very enthusiastic. -
Soundboard 8.8 - From a vinyl source, of course it’s great, but be prepared for tell-tale vinyl crackles and surface noise (minor), which all lends an air of authenticity to it. -
Audience 8.7 - A real small club atmosphere that puts you kind of up front where you get a real snappy drum sound and then guitars and vocals seem panned in wide stereo field because I can only assume the recorder was standing in front of the stage and was picking up the drums first then the P.A.’s which give this a very real vibe. -
Soundboard 9.2 -
Audience 8.5 - Maybe a little low end muddiness with a real strong bass presence but I don’t think it kills this recording at all. If the guitars and vocals did not come through I would have said otherwise. The playing is exceptional; this recording should be enjoyed by all. -
Audience 7.8 - Tape is a little over saturated but all the music comes through and well separated so that you get every piano key, every guitar note, every bass note, etc. and it’s great. -
Audience 7.8 -
CD 1,2 - Hammersmith, UK - Audience 7.3 - Big and loud stadium sound but you can hear all instruments and there’s reasonable clarity if not a touch of boominess. CD 3 - Milan, Italy - Audience 8.8 - Excellent capture! -
Audience 7.8 - Crowded a bit in the middle, but not bad enough to lose any one instrument. In fact, the guitar and bass complement each other in the mix like a battle of giants. I will say also that the performance itself is a real jam fest, with everyone shining bright. I like this one a lot. -
Audience 7.7 - This sounds way better than I remember it from years ago, not to say it is marvelous, but what I can tell you is that Ian and Jon are absolute beasts here, the intensity is off the charts folks. Because of where the sound spectrum is (focuses on vocals and keys) you get the idea maybe you won’t hear Ritchie but when he solos the guitar is riding the top of everything which is a relief. So, all in all a spectacular show, mediocre recording that sounds better than it ever has. I consider this along with the Hiroshima gig of the same year to be essential for real fans due to the insane levels of intensity present. -
Audience 7.7 - A great period for Deep Purple, this is probably their peak in a lot ways. The recording here is decent, vocals a little back, some overload at times, but you don’t miss anything really all the music is there and you can pick up just about everything on stage. I like it, I think you will too. -
Audience 8.4 - Simply has to be one of the best audience tapes of the time. So, it isn’t perfect but I consider this to be a must have due to how clear, and really nice fat bottom end without boominess. Lovely! -
Audience 7.7 - Hard to find many really good quality shows from this period, but as it goes this one is not terrible just boost some bass and it is much better. -
Audience 6.8 - Audio is Not very good but man, what a bummer because this is one of the absolute best performances I think I have ever heard. Totally intense and really good improv jams that do not bore you to tears. Wish it was better – but on the plus side you get a rather clear Richie on guitar. Quieter passages are rather decent. The main problem here is that everything is squeezed into a narrow bandwidth. Must have for hardcore fans for the ferociousness of the performance.