Thin Lizzy is the bast thing to come out of Ireland EVER. Even whiskey, but that's a close second. But when it comes down to it I could live with just gin and beer, but not Thin Lizzy. Thin Lizzy is the best classic rock band ever. The term "criminally underapreciated" is an understatement when applied to them.
Unfortunately they're most known for the savagely mediocre "The Boys Are Back in Town." Why better songs like "Johnny the Fox," "Jailbreak" or "Don't Believe a Word" aren't all over classic rock radio is utterly beyond me. Mind boggling even.
Still Thin Lizzy gets more respect among the metal community, where a great dual guitar lead is always appreciated. They pretty much invented Iron Maiden in 1977, and Maiden have always said they are big fans and covered "Massacre" as a B-side to the Can I Play With Madness single. Kirk Windstein has a fucking Thin Lizzy tat. Anthrax covered a song, among many others.
As great as everything they've done is, one record is my favorite: 1976's Johnny the Fox. Maybe it's because it has the more rockers than other albums or because I had it in my car this summer when I would drive about 200 miles a week. Maybe it's because it's their best. In my opinion it sure is.
Everyone on the album is in top form: Brian Robertson and Scott Gorham's leads and soloz are the best they've ever done, especially on "Don't Believe a Word" and "Massacre." Of course Phil Lynott is the star of the band and the record. His compositions are captivating and his lyrics are incredible as well. Throughout the album he weaves working class tales of crime and love. "Fool's Gold" tells of Irish immigrants in the new world. "Massacre" deals with religious intolerance. Lynott and drummer Brian Downey hold down the band as the rhythm section. I usually don't like ballads, but the ones on Johnny the Fox are much more tolerable, especially "Borderline." Well produced, everything is clear and well proportioned in the mix.
Unfortunately they're most known for the savagely mediocre "The Boys Are Back in Town." Why better songs like "Johnny the Fox," "Jailbreak" or "Don't Believe a Word" aren't all over classic rock radio is utterly beyond me. Mind boggling even.
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