There aren't many Metal performers and artists that can carry a massive stature as a solo artist, while yet being so influential, literally setting a standard for Heavy Metal, well here we finally have an anthology that is worthy of someone of that stature, Ronnie James
Dio.
Although many other compilations have been released in the past such as "The Very Beast of
Dio," a single disc anthology released on Rhino in North America only a couple of years ago, and "Diamonds: The Very Best of," another single disc greatest hits package released in
Europe on
Vertigo a decade ago, Stand Up and Shout is more expanded and it spans his whole career, elaborating on his first blues-rock oriented band Elf, his tenure alongside
Ritchie Blackmore in
Rainbow, not mention his stature as
Black Sabbath front man, and his huge solo career.
Tracked in chronological order, with twenty nine remastered cuts in all, as well as elaborate "box set" style packaging with extensive liner notes written by Rip Magazine editor Lonn Fiend as well as
Dio himself giving a track by track description, Stand Up and Shout is more of just an anthology to celebrate the music of one of Metal's most respected icon's, it's a mandatory tribute to a man who has one of the most truly amazing voices.
On this compilation some listeners might be hearing for the first time the piano based blues driven sound of Elf, where not only did
Dio sing, but played Bass as well, the rest might be all-familiar. After recording three albums with Elf,
Dio went on to front former
Deep Purple Guitarist
Ritchie Blackmore's
Rainbow, where "Man on the
Silver Mountain" and Long Live Rock an Roll" appear here, two songs that by many are not seen just as
Rainbow songs or
Ritchie Blackmore songs, but songs that have
Dio's signature written all over it. The same goes for the mark he left on
Black Sabbath after Joining, replacing
Ozzy Osbourne for two studio albums and a live one. "Neon Nights," "The Mob Rules," and "Heaven and Hell" all appear here; in fact, what
Dio compilation would be complete without "Heaven and Hell."
Solo ambitions beyond both
Rainbow and
Black Sabbath would create a career for him that would outlast all of his previous endeavors put together. With albums like Holy Diver, The Last in Line, and Sacred Heart,
Dio would literally become a household name, having huge success in North America and abroad with heavy rotation on MTV, Hard Rock radio, and even the occasional plays on Top 40 Pop radio, having successful chart success. But beyond all of the chart success,
Dio never sold out, always staying true to Metal. Even in the 1990's, which was a dark time for Metal in the mainstream, he still brought forth heavy albums that were stronger than ever with Strange Highways and Angry Machines. Even into the new millennium,
Dio to this day releases material that exceeds our expectations such as 2000's concept opus Magica and last years Killing he Dragon.
This is a great compilation for the hardcore and casual fans and the metalhead who might not own anything by him. With all of the tracks being remastered, the sound quality has much been improved, this is also a treat for fans in America, who have yet to see his Warner Bros. era-remasters released here in the states, which are only available as imports, although you can still buy the original issue albums.
But to sum it all up, this anthology touches base on most of his work (some albums and appearances are missing), paying homage to the man and his music that has set the standard Metal.
Written by
Hashman Tuesday, June 10, 2003
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