And we can’t believe you’ve been gone a year already. Metal can never replace you.

If there’s one thing our friend Carlos Ramirez loves to do, it’s compile a list which is almost guaranteed to tick people off; I mean, we love to make silly lists, too, but for reals, Carlos does one every fifteen minutes or so. He once showed me a list of the best lists of the best lists; that’s how much the man loves those things. He actually argues with his wife about who gets to do the grocery list. Now that’s passion, people.

Because we all suffered a horrible loss yesterday*, Carlos has now compiled a list of the “Top 10 Dio Songs” for Noisecreep. These are really just Dio songs – none of his work with Elf, Rainbow, Sabbath, or Other Sabbath (sorry, “Heaven and Hell”) to be had here – which should lessen the flame wars somewhat. Still, some of you will find plenty to get butt-hurt about, I’m sure.

Check out the list here, and then, LET THE NEEDLESS ARGUING BEGIN!!!

-AR

*Actually, three great loses – legendary manager Debbie Abono  and drummer Joe Markowski also passed away yesterday, although that news was overshadowed by word of Dio’s demise. Reader \m/Eluveitie\m/ e-mailed me today to bemoan the lack of justice in the world – “Yet Durst Lives???” Sad but true.

The dudes at Metal Insider (via tipster/friend of MetalSucks Stabitha C) have come across what might the find of the year: this video of featuring the single “An Angel is Missing” by Ronnie and the Red Caps… “Ronnie” in this case being Ronnie James Dio (or just “Ronnie Dio,” as he’s called here), who not only sings, but plays the bass and trumpet as well. The single was recording in 1959, a good ten years before the formation of Elf (which also featured Ronnie and the Red Caps guitarist Nick Pantas!) and a decade and a half prior to the first Rainbow album.

I don’t think it’s any secret that Dio had a non-metal musical career earlier in his life, but I’ve never actually heard any of the music he made during that period before. Plus, check out that photo of the young Mr. Dio! WEIRD!!!

-AR