Conan Posted January 21, 2015 Share Posted January 21, 2015 [quote name='The Admiral' timestamp='1421705836' post='2664227'] I remember an article about gear, and he was talking about basses and amps - and had moved to Dynacord BS412 I think, and the quote was "they have really saved my life....". [/quote] If only they had... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Admiral Posted January 22, 2015 Author Share Posted January 22, 2015 (edited) [quote name='Conan' timestamp='1421845464' post='2665627'] If only they had... [/quote] Indeed. Listened to Chinatown, and then Renegade, followed by Thunder and Lightning on a long train journey yesterday and a couple of things struck me : firstly, how amateurish the production sounds on Chinatown for such a 'big' band, and how, over the course of those albums timeframe, Phil's voice had gone from a sweet and soulful baritone, to a husky, raw and somewhat ruined growl. Not a stylistic intent IMHO, but rather the ravages of his habits. Very sad. Edited January 22, 2015 by The Admiral Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conan Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 [quote name='The Admiral' timestamp='1421885257' post='2666353'] Phil's voice had gone from a sweet and soulful baritone, to a husky, raw and somewhat ruined growl. Not a stylistic intent IMHO, but rather the ravages of his habits.[/quote] While I'm sure that's a factor, the music also got progressively "heavier" (leaving out some of the jazzy tracks on Renegade), especially when John Sykes joined the band - so maybe some of it was stylistic too, although perhaps enforced by the other issues... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Admiral Posted January 22, 2015 Author Share Posted January 22, 2015 [quote name='Conan' timestamp='1421922111' post='2666550'] While I'm sure that's a factor, the music also got progressively "heavier" (leaving out some of the jazzy tracks on Renegade), especially when John Sykes joined the band - so maybe some of it was stylistic too, although perhaps enforced by the other issues... [/quote] Point taken, although even allowing for the heavier sound, it's still a porter instrument I think. Regarding Phil's habits, I was interested to note that a number of what appear well informed fan sites suggest much of Chinatown was written by Snowy White, with Phil - and in that order, as his drug habit was impacting on his creativity and basic ability to function at the level he had previously. Also, the Thunder and Lightning album was written and demoed before Sykes came on board, bar a couple of tracks. The latter would refute the suggestion that Sykes is to blame for what many Lizzy fans apparently think of as a bad change of direction into a borderline metal band - which Lizzy never were. I also saw it suggested that Scott Gorham virtually downs T&L now and is reluctant to discuss it - but who knows, there will always be gossip of this nature. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conan Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 [quote name='The Admiral' timestamp='1421923650' post='2666578']Thunder and Lightning... what many Lizzy fans apparently think of as a bad change of direction into a borderline metal band - which Lizzy never were. [/quote] While I can see their point, to be fair it was only the title track and Cold Sweat that were metal-like IMO. There are some very good - more typical Lizzy - tracks on that album too. The Sun goes down is one of my all-time favourite tracks by any band, never mind Lizzy themselves! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lynottfan Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 The biggest problem within the band from Chinatown onwards was sadly Phil himself and the abuse that was taking its toll, I would add that Scott to was well on his way and his input was sadly lacking as well, this issues combined, brought Lizzy to brink. I do think that Phil changed his style some what, as for the "metal" of T&L the harder edge never bothered me, just as the punkier attitude of Alibi or Get outta here from Black Rose never bothered me, Phil always kept himself in touch with the way music was moving at the time, its was a part of what made Lizzy special for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conan Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 [quote name='Lynottfan' timestamp='1421949897' post='2667042']Phil always kept himself in touch with the way music was moving at the time, its was a part of what made Lizzy special for me. [/quote] Totally! That has been one of the joys for me in recently re-discovering his solo albums. He really could turn his hand to almost any style he wanted... [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-xMaCwwiA8"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-xMaCwwiA8[/url] [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKrYDJ20vfg"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKrYDJ20vfg[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lynottfan Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 His solo albums are a little hit or miss, but when they hit, there are some heat tunes on them, I was never was overly struck on the stuff with the "soul" band, but again it does show Phil's diversity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conan Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 [quote name='Lynottfan' timestamp='1422381703' post='2671962'] His solo albums are a little hit or miss, but when they hit, there are some heat tunes on them, I was never was overly struck on the stuff with the "soul" band, but again it does show Phil's diversity. [/quote] I agree. When they first came out I was not impressed. I was in my teens and didn't understand good songwriting... Now, as a "mature" fellow, I "get" what he was saying far better - especially the stuff about kids, relationships, drink and drugs, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KevB Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 I hadn't seen that clip of the soul band before. Still can't quite work out what Jimmy Bain was doing there on the second set of keyboards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conan Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 [quote name='KevB' timestamp='1422447486' post='2672721'] I hadn't seen that clip of the soul band before. Still can't quite work out what Jimmy Bain was doing there on the second set of keyboards. [/quote] He co-wrote a lot of that material (and played keys on the solo albums), and as there were already two bass players in the band... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KevB Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 OK, didn't know any writing credits for this era. It just looked like Darren Wharton had the keys side pretty much sorted for live work. I'm sure Phil was exactly the sort of bloke who wouldn't want a collaborator and mate left out so if it meant 2 sets of keys then so be it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ianrendall Posted February 6, 2015 Share Posted February 6, 2015 I'm wondering, am I the only person who's favourite Lynott song is 'Old Town'? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conan Posted March 11, 2015 Share Posted March 11, 2015 [quote name='ianrendall' timestamp='1423263731' post='2683061'] I'm wondering, am I the only person who's favourite Lynott song is 'Old Town'? [/quote] There is so much to choose from... but Old Town would be right up there at the top of my list too! Incredible composition and, for what is essentially a "pop" tune, very complex. I love it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roj Posted March 12, 2015 Share Posted March 12, 2015 Was very fortunate to be able to play at The Bash for Philo gig in Dublin last year with my Band Black Rose, and have also been asked to play again this year, can't wait. It's a massive honour to play the Music of Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy in front of his mother, Philomena. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.