What can you say about Thin Lizzy that hasn't already been said? Arguably more popular now than in their heyday, a new generation of fans are attracted to their timeless rock melodies.

Much as Whitesnake reinvented themselves in the late-eighties, Lizzy morphed from an unspectacular blues rock band (check out Pete Whalley's review of the early album reissues) to an in-yer-face rock behemoth able to distillate heavy metal into a commercial three minute pop/rock single.

This 2-CD collection is prime-time Lizzy covering the years 1973-1983 but including some of Phil Lynott's solo work as well.

Whilst the hits are well known enough, this compilation also highlights the later albums with tracks like 'Thunder and Lightning' and 'The Sun Goes Down'.

When you consider the number of fine guitarists who passed through the band's ranks (including Eric Bell, Gary Moore, John Sykes and Snowy White) this almost becomes an A-Z of British guitarists for trainspotters.

Lizzy influences today abound and can be traced in many melodic metal outfits (including the likes of Trivium) and if the latest touring line-up with Scott Gorham and John Sykes doesn't quite cut it for some, the number of Lizzy tribute bands is testimony enough to the band's enduring popularity.

Lizzy were probably best captured on the 1978 'Live And Dangerous' album which has always rated as one of the best of its kind and for collectors there are two live tracks from a later tour: 'Cowboy Song' and 'The Boys Are Back In Town'.

Re-released to kindle ageing rockers (aka Father's Day) this compilation is worthy of re-investigation and presents Thin Lizzy and Lynott in all their finery. A truly class collection.

****

Review by David Randall

Related>> Reissues