MR

We were discussing Dio in another thread, or rather AR and myself were throwing down about something would be a better description...

Anyway, I downloaded the guy's entire catalogue from the first Elf album through his most recent studio release "Master of the Moon". In some of the interviews I've seen, he says he has made three landmark albums in his career: "Rising" with Rainbow, "Heaven and Hell" with Black Sabbath, and "Holy Diver". Which one's your favorite and why?

I've gotta go with "Heaven and Hell". There are several others that are close but that one brings it all together, in my opinion.

EDIT: The second Elf album should be "Carolina Country Ball" instead of "Carolina County Ball".

Loaded question as I like so many of them. Really going to have to think this through.

1. Heaven And Hell
2: Holy Diver
3: Dehumanizer
4: Mob Rules
5: Strange Highways

In that order.

My favorite Dio recording of all time is the live EP called Intermission.

I was there when it was recorded at the San Diego Sports Aroma back in '85...

;^)

conversationpc wrote:
I've gotta go with "Heaven and Hell". There are several others that are close but that one brings it all together, in my opinion.

I agree Dave - but I think Mob Rules and Holy Diver also brought it all together. The 1980-1983 period was flawless - and he's stuck close to the sound on these three albums ever since.

If I had to chose one though it would be Holy Diver - and it's arguably the most influential album he ever recorded too.

In terms of individual songs though I reckon the best vocal performance he ever delivered was during his time in Rainbow. For me "Stargazer" is Dio's finest moment....

"Anyway, I downloaded the guy's entire catalogue from the first Elf album through his most recent studio release "Master of the Moon""

wow...did you get a dicsount from the seller? Which service did you use?

texafana wrote:"Anyway, I downloaded the guy's entire catalogue from the first Elf album through his most recent studio release "Master of the Moon""

wow...did you get a dicsount from the seller? Which service did you use?

No...I only spent about $20-$30 altogether. It's a Russian site, GoMusic.ru. The tunes are about 20 cents each and you get a discount for purchasing an entire album. The only problem is that the quality of the tunes varies from album to album.

I too own everything Ronnie James Dio has ever put out.
However, the best I can do is list my favorite from each band (too hard to pick just one).

Rainbow - Long Live Rock n' Roll
Black Sabbath - Heaven and Hell
DIO - Holy Diver
I like the Elf albums as well, but don't put them quite on the same level as his work with these three bands.

Also, even though my picks are all from the late 70's/early 80's, I still appreciate tons of the newer stuff that he has done over the last couple decades as well. These 3 albums are just the ones that I think are the most "complete" from start to finish.

Matthew

In terms of individual songs though I reckon the best vocal performance he ever delivered was during his time in Rainbow. For me "Stargazer" is Dio's finest moment....

Yeah, does it for me too Matthew, though the guy is an absolute enigma - how does he sing like that all night when he is virtually of pensionable age?

Holy Diver first for me, then Heaven & Hell

Marc S wrote:

Matthew

In terms of individual songs though I reckon the best vocal performance he ever delivered was during his time in Rainbow. For me "Stargazer" is Dio's finest moment....

Yeah, does it for me too Matthew, though the guy is an absolute enigma - how does he sing like that all night when he is virtually of pensionable age?

Also consider that he still drinks, though not heavily, and doesn't sleep much, either. I saw an interview where he said he only sleeps about 4 or 5 hours a day. That and alcohol are not good for the vocal chords. He must just have good physiology on his side.

conversationpc

Also consider that he still drinks, though not heavily, and doesn't sleep much, either. I saw an interview where he said he only sleeps about 4 or 5 hours a day. That and alcohol are not good for the vocal chords. He must just have good physiology on his side.

Yes, I guess he's just one of the luckier types. Not dissimilar to Glenn Hughes or Steve Tyler. The amount of drugs and booze they have consumed between them, by rights they should be 6ft under. Both still great vocalists particularly Hughes.

Marc S wrote:

conversationpc

Also consider that he still drinks, though not heavily, and doesn't sleep much, either. I saw an interview where he said he only sleeps about 4 or 5 hours a day. That and alcohol are not good for the vocal chords. He must just have good physiology on his side.

Yes, I guess he's just one of the luckier types. Not dissimilar to Glenn Hughes or Steve Tyler. The amount of drugs and booze they have consumed between them, by rights they should be 6ft under. Both still great vocalists particularly Hughes.

Tyler's voice has changed dramatically over the years. I remember riding in the car with my wife. She had only heard 80's Aerosmith and the latter stuff. "Dream On" came on the radio and she asked who it was. I told her Aerosmith and she asked if they had a different singer back then.

RaiderFan

Tyler's voice has changed dramatically over the years. I remember riding in the car with my wife. She had only heard 80's Aerosmith and the latter stuff. "Dream On" came on the radio and she asked who it was. I told her Aerosmith and she asked if they had a different singer back then.

I think its genuinely got better in the range he is now comfortable in. I think though, he reached his zenith on Permanent Vacation and Pump 20 years ago. Great for an oldie. Hope I can do flick-flacks at 60!

Marc S wrote:

RaiderFan

Tyler's voice has changed dramatically over the years. I remember riding in the car with my wife. She had only heard 80's Aerosmith and the latter stuff. "Dream On" came on the radio and she asked who it was. I told her Aerosmith and she asked if they had a different singer back then.

I think its genuinely got better in the range he is now comfortable in. I think though, he reached his zenith on Permanent Vacation and Pump 20 years ago. Great for an oldie. Hope I can do flick-flacks at 60!

It was smoother in the 70's but I also prefer the latter edgier sound.

Since Tyler got into this discussion here's Dio doing some Aerosmith: "Dream On"

http://youtube.com/watch?v=z1cXkOsBzSQ