RAINBOW difficult to cure 28MM0018

Rainbow’s Commercial Rebirth: ‘Difficult To Cure’ (28MM 0018)

Today’s entry highlights a major turning point in the career of Ritchie Blackmore. We are examining the 1981 Japanese Promo Sample pressing of Difficult To Cure by Rainbow, released on Polydor with the catalog number 28MM 0018 as part of the “Heavy Metal Vibration” series.

The Joe Lynn Turner Era Begins

Released in March 1981, this album marked the debut of vocalist Joe Lynn Turner, signaling a definitive shift from the band’s sword-and-sorcery roots toward a streamlined, radio-friendly hard rock sound. The album opens with the smash hit “I Surrender,” a Russ Ballard composition that became an AOR anthem. Despite the commercial sheen, Blackmore’s virtuosity remains front and center on the blistering “Spotlight Kid” and the instrumental title track, a neoclassical adaptation of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. The album is also notable for its striking cover art designed by the legendary design group Hipgnosis.

Exclusive White Label Promo

This specific copy is a rare Promo Sample of the initial first pressing. It is distinguished by the clean White Labels on the record itself, which differ from the standard red Polydor labels. Additionally, a “Sample” sticker is affixed to the front cover, verifying its status as a non-retail copy originally distributed to media outlets.

The “Heavy Metal Vibration” Campaign

The packaging of this release offers a unique glimpse into Japanese music marketing of the early 80s. The Obi strip features the branding for Polydor’s “Heavy Metal Vibration” series. Uniquely, the back of the obi contains a “Enquête” (questionnaire) form. Buyers in 1981 were encouraged to cut this out and mail it in for a chance to win a limited edition Rainbow “Metal” sticker. Finding a copy with this survey section still intact on the obi is a significant detail for serious collectors. The set also includes a 4-page insert featuring liner notes by Masa Itoh and photos of medical equipment, mirroring the inner sleeves of foreign releases.