THIN LIZZY - 1976 - 1979 (2 ALBUMS)

"JAILBREAK"

1976

JAILBREAK - The opening track is a mid tempo rocker with an almost funky drumbeat, screeching guitar solos in the backing track and a scorching insrtumental break after the 2 minute mark complete with "jailbeak" sirens.  A memorable chorus completes a classic Thin Lizzy track.

ANGEL FROM THE COAST - A chug-a-chug guitar picking and drumbeat , almost Celtic style, similar to the usual backing Iron Maiden took on later on in the 80s.  Uptempo 70s Rock track that simmers along nicely, not one of my favourites but the backing music sure gets you tapping your feet.

RUNNING BACK - A really nice, laid back song, almost Blues Rock with a slight Pop element.

ROMEO AND THE LONELY GIRL - I really like this song, its a little cheesy in the lyric, "poor romeo sitting all on his owni-io"!  Other than that its a nice song with the usual great guitar moments.  

WARRIORS - A little  Progressive Rock, typical 70s style with a great Punk element as singer Phil Lynott sounds a little like Iggy Pop.  Top notch guitar Rock.

THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN - One of my favourites and a classic Thin Lizzy track.  Pure Classic Rock, a fabulous catchy chorus and some awesome guitar moments that was synonymous with this band.  Sheer class.

 

 

FIGHT OR FALL - A melancholic, mellow song with a slight Americana and Country feel.  Phil sing an emotive vocal and its very minimal mostly Acoustic backing is perfection.  The guitars are a gentle mix of Country Rock and Folk.

COWBOY SONG - Beginning as a kind of Western rodeo song, that merges into a stomping rocker.  The triple guitar threat comes into full effect and seams effortlessly into a Blues Rock number.  Absolute stormer of a track with a hint of experimental genius.

 

 

EMERALD - A fitting end to the album, an Irish tinged hearty rocker.  The only song on the album credited to all four members.  It certainly has that element of a pure, full on Rock jam fest.  Loads of screeching guitar solos, a fabulous non stop drumbeat and it is an absoulte gem.  Sums up the whole album in one track!

 "BLACK ROSE:A ROCK LEGEND"

1979

DO ANYTHING YOU WANT TO - The opening track to this 9th studio album kicks off with a tribal drum style intro before the guitars set fully in motion trading riffs with an almost Pop style chorus.  Blues Rock guitarist Gary Moore stayed in the band to make his first and only full album with Thin Lizzy.  The pulsating rhythms and guitars don't let up 'til the end, brilliant track.  It was the albums's second single and reached number 14 on the UK chart.

TOUGHEST STREET IN TOWN - A typical late 70s and early 80s Hard Rock track playing on the band's "tough guy" image.  The chorus is simple and reminds me of early Kiss or some of the New Wave bands coming through at the the time.  The rhythms are similar to "Jailbreak" but lack its power but still a cool track.

S & M - An unusual track for a Hard Rock band, this is like a slice of Funk combiined with Pop Rock influences.  Just sounds like an experimental Funk Rock jam.  Its a quirky little tune but not one of the band's best.

WAITING FOR AN ALIBI - A Thin Lizzy classic track that reached number 9 in the UK chart.  One of the best Lizzy tracks in my opinion.  Ultimate guitar riffs and that thumping drumbeat by Brian Downey keeping the tempo.  Phil Lynott delivers some great vocals and Gary Moore obviously lends some great Blues guitar to complement Scott Gorham.   Awesome.

 

SARAH - Another classic track and definitely one of, if not my favourite alltime song by the band.  A lush Rock ballad beautifully sung emotive vocals by Lynott.  Written for his new born baby girl (unlike the previous "Sarah" written for his grandmother from the second album, "Shadess of A Blue Orphanage").  This has a slightly Latin feel and is just a really lovely track.  Huey Lewis played harmonica (yes THAT Huey Lewis) before he hit big fame.

GOT TO GIVE IT UP - This reminds me a little of ZZ Top, not just for the Blues intro but Lynott's vocals are more gritty and throaty than usual.  Hints of "Waiting For An Alibi" in the rhythm but a lot more screeching guitars and a more simple chorus. 

GET OUT OF HERE - A fast tempo, fun, almost Punk/New Wave Rock fusion track.  Co-written by Lynoot and Midge Ure (of Ultravox fame) who would join the band later for touring purposes.  

WITH LOVE - Great track this one, it is dark, moody and has some terrific screeching guitar solos.  Great Gothic style harmonies and angst ridden vocals.  One of my favourites.

ROISIN DUBH (BLACK ROSE): A ROCK LEGEND - A brilliant Irish Rock epic medley comprising of four traditional songs such as "Shenandoah", "Will You Go Lassie Go", "Danny Boy" and "The Mason's Apron". This track sums up what Thin Lizzy is about, musicians all at the top of their game making some fantastic music together as a prime unit.  Hard Rock merging with Irish, Scottish and American Folk songs is an unusual but clever mix.  Perfection.