In some ways this could be called a scraping of the remains of Lizzy’s material, but it is also fascinating as a demonstration of both Phil Lynotts talent as a singer and also shows a glimpse of his methods as a songwriter.
The album features old acoustic recordings of Phil Lynott on vocals and bass with some additional acoustic guitar from founder – and current – member of Lizzy, Eric Bell. Stripped back and with all the production elements removed. All of the songs were originally featured on the two seminal albums ‘Vagabonds Of the Western World’ and ‘Shades Of A Blue Orphanage’.
The versions of ‘Whisky In The Jar’ and ‘Dublin’ are sublime while the real standout is ‘Shades Of A Blue Orphanage’ showing just how good a singer Lynott was and how good a writer.
‘Slow Blues E.B.’ has real presence and punch, with Bell’s guitar a delight.
It’s not an album to introduce new listeners to Thin Lizzy but it is an intriguing artefact to those who want to hear Lizzy in the raw and naked.
