“Rising like a crazy balloon”
It’s not one of the more celebrated tracks from the Dio era of Rainbow but I really enjoy Snake Charmer from the first album of the era, 1975’s Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow.
A funky, wah-fuelled Hendrix-y rocker, Snake Charmer is no great shakes in terms of riffs and songwriting but it has a joyous energy and wonderful performances. In particular, bassist Craig Gruber excels. There’s a palpable chemistry as his lively, roaming basslines power a dynamic. expressive guitar solo from Blackmore.
At the time I got into Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, I was listening to loads of old Skynyrd and early Whitesnake and songs like Snake Charmer ensured that Rainbow fit right in with that rootsy, sunny mood. The album’s more fantastical and weighty tracks might be the standouts but Snake Charmer is a crucial part of the Rainbow debut’s eclectic and colourful charm.
HEAVY METAL OVERLOAD 
Early Rainbow was definitely firing on all cylinders, then again, Ronnie James Dio’s vocals make most things sound great.
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I really enjoyed this. Its not an LP I own, or have ever heard; I came on board with Rising. Is it all good?
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It’s a great album. If you like this song then you’d definitely enjoy it.
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Adds to want list. As this is Dio and not David Coverdale can I assume the snake in question isn’t his Willy?
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No, but I don’t think it’s any deeper than that to be honest.
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That’s a relief!
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