This is the new acoustic sessions by Thin Lizzy with Phil Lynott's vocals and bass being taken from Demo's, Guide vocals and outtakes from the bands first three albums for Decca, with Brian Downey's original drum takes, with the songs being completed by Eric Bell who has added new acoustic guitar parts and some additional musicians.
I'm sure some purists will be horrified by this album, but if you come to this record with open ears, you will hear some great unplugged versions of these 9 Thin Lizzy classics, that give a good twist to some classic songs.
The album opens with Mama Nature Said with Phil Lynott's nicely throaty vocals joined by Eric Bells gentle acoustic strum, Phil makes clear how messing with Mother Nature isn't a good idea, his sadness at the state of the world, with all the pollution that needs cleaning up, making this an eco-anthem.
A Song For While I'm Away is couched in strings, a gentle love song for that special one being left behind, while they hit the road once more, this has a very gentle soulful vocal from Phil, almost whisper in your ear, with nice harmonies and some fine violins with the acoustic guitar.
Eire is the plaintive song for the band's homeland, a sparse history lesson, Phil's vocal is careful and impassioned, with Eric's guitar playing being almost classical.
Slow Blues-E.B. has a Western showdown feel, especially in Brian Downey's Timpani playing, while Phil pours his heart out, he is heartbroken, lost and lonely longing to have you back in his arms once more, he begs and pleads with that hard hearted woman to change her mind.
Dublin is the most stripped back tune on the album being just acoustic guitar and vocals, Phil explains why he left Dublin after his affair had broken down, this is a quiet soulful vocal that gives this a real folk troubadour feel to it.
Whiskey In The Jar is a cool laid back version of this perennial classic, Brian's soft shuffling drums and Eric's interplay with Phil as they both play acoustic guitar is magical.
Here I Go Again is down at heart, blues folk with heartfelt vocals gentle sung yet powerful, is it all a dream, or did it all happen and now he can barely stand up, for the sorrow he feels at your leaving, like he was never good enough for you, this then takes some rather dark turns into abuse and violence, the almost tossed off barbs, have more impact so laconically sung.
Shades Of A Blue Orphanage is slow thoughtful sad reminiscences, with nice harmonies by Clodagh Simons, the pictures this conjures up, along with the pain and sadness of life in an orphanage, really works stripped back to its barest bones.
The album closes with Remembering Pt2 has a fuller throated vocal from Phil and the most upfront drumming on the album, oh he loved those first moments with you, but he still needs to go into that new day, Eric's guitar really goes on some spectral runs to compliment the drums and vocals perfectly.
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