Acoustic Sessions

Something of a treat for me I have been asked to do a review of the latest offering from the Thin Lizzy Stable.

The concept-driven acoustic album Thin Lizzy Acoustic Sessions.

The first thing that struck me was the Sleeve and the way the Album is presented once I had engaged in the battle with the cellophane wrapping which any album collector will be familiar with I was able to give the beautiful clear plastic disk a quick brush and onto the record deck ready for the first listen. One thing, well two really I think you will find listening to this album is one the volume needs to be up not all the way up to 11 but far enough to allow you to really appreciate both Erics playing and of course the vocals from the maestro himself. The team that did the mix on this has done a superb job here as you cannot, well I could not detect any separation between new and old and it all just works.

Okay so let's get down to the real reason for this item the tracks well the album walks you into what is quite clearly - well it is now Phil's early warning about what Man is doing to the Planet. Mama Nature Said. Starts with Eric giving your ears a good rinse-out with a great upbeat tempo and rhythm and the beat lets to realise that this is going to be a treat for those ears after their spin dry.

Track 2 is another treat and a song that meant a lot to Phil A Song for While I am Away and I think you agree that this reworking with Eric's guitar work is a wonderful step into the songs that we may overlook in favour of the more mainstream Rock tracks but believe me when you listen to this be it a long time since you delved into the back catalog or it is a first time you will agree this Album is building into something.

Then we come to that often overlooked and forgotten track Eire what a track to get to understand how Phil developed his Celtic folk law lyrics which would ultimately see tracks like Emerald and Black Rose emerge. But here on the track, we have subtle clues to what the future held and Eric's guitars are so neatly nestled in between the Bass and the vocals it is a piece of art.

Track 4 Slow Blues - EB (EricBell) is a slight imposter on the album and I only say that as Eric is playing an electric guitar and he is working that Strat in the way that only Eric can and not an acoustic but if your ears had just enjoyed some nice restful time during the last track well that is all change here a thundering track with towering guitar work and you know what I take back all I said about imposter who cares brilliant.

Track 5 is a track I have loved for a long time and I was anxious to here Dublin did not disappoint in anyway from the light bright start through to the intricate guitar work and the solo it is a piece of work to behold Grafton Street the boys did you proud.

 

Side 2 brings about a chance to gather your thoughts as you turn the Disc over and then you have to retake your seat and strap in as Track 6 is Whiskey in the Jar or just Whiskey as it is also known as and this is the first track where Phil and Eric have company and the Man at Back Mr Brian Downey joins the mix and what a mix. I think this track skip along and is accompanied by the constant and driving beat and although there should not be any Whammy Bars in sight Eric plays superbly - which lead me to check the sleeve notes Phil Lynott Acoustic guitar and vocals Brian Downey Drums and Eric Bell Guitar so maybe just baybe Eric was on his beloved Axe again who know but really who cares another great track.

Here I go Again So track 7 sets off at a steady pace with the backbone being the 4/4 time signature of the guitar, while the guitar work is busy it does not crown the sound stage and keeps plenty of space for Phils vocals to be clear and for him to be colourfully expressive as was Phils way!

The Album continues with it successful formula of Phils vocals being complimented by Erics exquisite guitar work and again the soundstage on Shades of a Blue Orphanage is like being in a dream with the addition of Clodagh adding backing vocals meletron and a whole range of other wonderful sounding additions it is truly a sound to hold and savour!

Sadly the last track comes way to fast and Remembering Pt 2 is arranged brilliantly yet again and the album wraps up back as the three piece of Brian, Eric and Phil which is very fitting and this track will leave the listener in do doubt that this album will be one that they will remember to listen again and again.

 

And as I said at the start this is an album that needs to be played with the volume turned up to a reasonable level and you will need several listens to appreciate how it all dovetails into each other fully. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Cheers Jim