I had the very first album by Elf from late 1972. Don't ask me how I came to own it because I don't recall for sure, but I think it was a gift from one of my friend's older sister. Didn't have a clue who was in the band but I liked the boogie/blues rock...and that singer...wow! That was the last I ever knew of Elf until one of my favorite rock bands then, and still, started to splinter. When Ritchie Blackmore exited Deep Purple, he hired most of Elf to be in his new band, including that amazing voice, and the rest is Rock & Roll history. Besides Rainbow, he sang on David Coverdale's first solo, Kerry Livgren's first solo, took Ozzy's place in Black Sabbath, then started his own namesake outfit. His compositions have been covered by a litany of artists for decades. When RJD passed away four years ago, it truly was a sad day for rock/metal. This tribute album is loaded with heavyweights and the proceeds go to the cancer charity started in Dio's name. What really stands out in this collection is the songwriting. The performances are faithful. Anthrax & Tenacious D prove that imitation is the highest form of flattery. The women of Halestorm and Doro offer a different take on RJD's vocal style. Killswitch Engage provide the only real adjustment to a track, minor that it is, and it comes over halfway through the record. Finally a keeper in "Catch The Rainbow" with Glenn Hughes feeling the vocals in a way that I'm sure made Ronnie smile up above.......too bad the record's singular turd was dropped in the following track by Rob Halford. While not a Metallica fan, they crushed a nine-minute medley to close out the guests portion of the record. The final track is RJD himself from an album back in 1996, a very reflective tune which fittingly closes the tribute.
I'm glad I bought it and enjoyed the listens, but now I want to hear all these songs by the man himself...
Archives, here I come...
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