The Cadre, Thursday, October 7, 1976, page 4. Blackmore’s Rainbow : More W roger Simmons trucks lllllml ‘ u Full details are in your free personal tele- phone directory available at your campus bookstore. [N THE » y i _ ONG DISTANCE SWEEPSTAKES. Trans-Canada Telephone System@ p I » ifx Q Shades than Purple * A LOSER! * * POOR * * * FAIR * * * * GREAT * * * * k A WINNER! (*l* * * *) RAINBOW RISING- - BLACKMDRE'S REINBOW (OYSTER RECORDS) When Ritchie Blackmore, ex of Deep Purple, works out, watch for the sparks to "fly! This whole album is one searing tribute to Blackmore's Stratocaster. The machine comes alive with his magic fingers preforming ;all the tricks. There is not even so much as a hint of soft music such as that found on the first Rainbow record. Blackmore and Dio front an entirely new band, as the original membefs of Rainbow have been replace. And what replacements! Cozy powell, now doing the drum work, is one of the few drummers that can be compared to a John Bonham or a Keith Moon. His drumming is extraordinary on this disc. .Jimmy Bain's bass complements Powell's drumming effectively and together lay down a highway which Blackmore travels with ease. Of the six great rockers on this album, "Stargazer" is by far the standout. This is a masterpiece only a Blackmore or a Page could have created. Also impressive are "Tarot" "Women" and " A light in the Black".' This album is for the true rock fan. It delivers the pot of gold. (* * * *) TWO FOR THE SHOW— TROOPER (LEGEND RECORDS) With stronger material and better production, Tooper's second album is simply a fine album. The title cut and single, "Two For The Show", is one of the best Canadian songs in a long time ‘ and features Mr. Beaver Patrol, Randy Bachman, on lead guitar. Bachman also produced the album, and l Ydu deserve a break today at a Trooper is on his Legend record 18b81- But have no fear, this is not another BTO. Trooper have their own distinctive style, one that will make them the next big export fol- lowing BTO and Rush to the States. "Two For The Show" offers something for every musical love,Aso don't overlook it. (* * * *) SPITFIRE— JEFFERSON STARSHIP (GRUNT RECORDS) Jefferson Starship has_found that magical position with their music that is balanced between easy listening and rock. I know there is a wide gap between those ,but its the best way to describe this group and their new album. ' "Spitfire" ranges from easy listening (All My love) to rock (Dance With The Dragon), these two being my favorites on the album. the songs which are neither easy nor hard are the remaining numbers on theealbum. Most effective of these are "Don't Let It Rain" and "Cruisin". Another of the better songs, "St. Charles' suffers in that it is too long and drawn out. "Spitfire" is a solid effort from the Starship and holds up well. (* *\* * *) THE BEST OF BTO ( SO FAR) — BTQ 1 ( MERCURY RECORDS) I I don't really care what you say, I love BTO! What difference does it make if many of their songs are similar. They make you tap your feet and sign along, so they achieve their purpose. Most groups have their distinctive style”and it is essential they have one. BTO are prospering with . theirs and have also opened up the U.S. to Canadian bands. Lately, Rush have been taking 1 only for BTO opening up the record executives eyes, Rush would still be play- ing the bar circut in 'cheap shots at BTO, but ‘ l l Toronto. This album is destined to be one of the greatest ‘party albums of all time, as it's sales are already impressive.in the States and Canada. I was ' pleased to see that "Gimme Your Money Pleae" was re— leased as a single from this album, as BTO I. is ‘ still my favorite BTQj,4 album,7sq;faf;-.