Live and Dangerous must be on the top of anyone's list. Make sure you get the CD with 'Suicide' included. I always thought Chinatown doesn't get enough love.
Great stuff Phil. Back in 1976, Lizzy almost got me barred from a local pub. My friend and I loved 'Emerald' (B side of 'The Boys') and put it on six times in a row on the pub jukebox. The landlord threatened to bar us if we ever put it on again. We did on our next visit but only the one time and we were let off.
Hi Peter, I remember getting into trouble doing similar things when I was younger. There were usually only a few rock songs on any jukebox back then so the B Sides were usually where the best tracks were and Emerald was a belter.
Fighting (1975). Black Rose (1979). Thin Lizzy (1971). Johnny the Fox (1976). Renegade (1981). Vagabonds of the Western World (1973). Chinatown (1980). Jailbreak (1976). Nightlife (1974). Shades of a Blue Orphanage (1972). Bad Reputation (1977). Thunder and Lightning (1983). Twelve years ago I got the Black Rose tattooed on my right shoulder in tribute to Gary & Philip, just a day before what would have been Philip's birthday.
Thank you for watching and sharing your fave Thin Lizzy albums. I have reevaluated since doing this video and it would be higher now. Fighting is a classic and very underrated. Phil
After Live & Dangerous, Black Rose is my #1 - Gary Moore, my favourite of all Thin Lizzy’s guitarists - although tbh Robbo was the best partner for Scott Gorham and at least two of the songs were originally going to be on Phil Lynott’s first solo album.
Your descriptions of all of the albums is spot on... myself, I would have them in a different order, your comments regarding Phil's lyrics, creating a video in your own head is brilliant. Enjoyed your video very much. Thanks.
Hi Phil, and thanks for the Thin Lizzy review. This is great, since I'm just getting into them. Would you be able to do a review of Gary Moore? I only heard of him because of his work with Greg Lake. Greg Lake is one of my all time favourite artists, due to his work with the original King Crimson and ELP. I also have a special connection to Greg Lake, since he helped me when I was going through a very dark time in my life. I later found out that my last communication with Greg was only 3 months prior to his death. I am still amazed that he took the time to help an unknown fan from another country while he was so ill from cancer, and I'll never forget him for that.
Hi Laura, thank you for watching and for sharing your story about Greg Lake, that is amazing and says a lot about his character. I do want to read his autobiography Lucky Man. Have you read it? I can certainly do an overview on Gary Moore. Thank You for you support. Phil
Wonderful review Phil. I loved their music. Man could Phil write and sing and play. I am about your age but from Chicago. I was lucky to be alive when thy were kicking ass!
Great ranking Phil, really enjoyed it. Such a tricky catalogue to rank I feel, there isn’t much between a lot of these albums. I’m currently going through the Judas Priest catalogue to rank on my channel. I think Thin Lizzy will be next. Will be interesting to see how our lists compare. I suspect Black Rose may be higher on mine 😉
Hi TIJ, thank you for watching, I think most people will place Black Rose higher than me. My top 5 Judas Priest albums would be 1. Sin After Sin, 2 Unleashed in The East, 3 Screaming For Vengence, 4 Turbo, 5 Nostradamus - Phil
Really interesting ranking Phil. Like how you're not afraid to call it like you see (or rather hear!) it. Any discussion of Thin Lizzy raises the heartbreaking "what if?". I wonder what direction Phil would have taken if he'd gone through rehab with the self analysis that entails. It wouldn't have surprised me if he'd ended up sounding more like Van Morrison than Van Halen.
Hi Mike, thank you for watching, I think his solo albums hint at where he might have gone. If he had been around now I can imagine him going back to the sound of the first and second album. Phil
Nice review Phil, great reviews of a magnificent band. I was at two of their recordings, live at the Hitchin Regal, sadly not a CD release, but a gig l will never forget and the CD you didn't mention which is excellent, Thin Lizzy live at Reading from 83. Happy memories.
As Thin Lizzy is my favorite band these are my 5 favorites (1 is #1 but others can change anytime): 1 - Jailbreak absolute perfection 2 - Black Rose 3 - Fighting 4 - Bad Reputation 5 - Johny The Fox But I like them all! Even the first classic Eric Bell albums have their charm, it is not my favorite period of the band but Phil was always one of the best lyricists and frontman. I must admit Black Rose at 14 was a shock, but we all hear things differently! I never liked the song Sarah though.
Hello Mr. Aston! Just like it was expected :great video! This journey has been really fantastic. Very confident. The way I discovered this band was because of the covers by BON JOVI, MEGADETH, METALLICA. So I decided to go for the originals and surprise! Your 14th album is my 1st, yes I was surprised. Thank you again for your time. Be safe. Cheers!
Hi Jorge, thank you for watching. I think everyone is surprised by my placing of Black Rose but it is interesting how we can all love the same band but be drawn to different albums! Phil
Hello Phil. It is jailbreak and black rose as my top two favorite Lizzy albums. I also love Phil lynott's side project, The Greedy Bastards with Steve Jones of the sex pistols. Thanks for another informative video.
@@NowSpinningMagazine No problem Phil! All of us have different tastes and likes in music. Like the French will say Vive Le Difference! It is this diversity that makes us rock music lovers tick. I absolutely respect your taste. I see that you have great love for folk/celt inclined rock.
Yes Phil really interesting ranking :-)) Man!!! Thin Lizzy was awesome. I still listen to the old records a lot. I also love Black Rose ;-) I've seen the band live many times. My favorite concert was in 1979 with Gary Moore on the BR Tour. Lynott was on fire. The band was on fire. In Munich Circus Krone.
Hi Peter, thank you for watching. I fully respect your love of Black Rose and looking at the other comments many other people rate this album higher than me. I am going to listen to it again today - Phil :)
Hi Phil. An excellent review as always. In terms of compilations I would also like to draw your attention to the Essential Thin Lizzy 3-Cd set released on the Spectrum label in 2020 to accompany the collector's boxset you mentioned. A lot of hits +some fine deep-cuts, remastering is also very punchy and detailed. Would highly recommend, keep up the great work! Harrison
Hi Harrison, thank you for watching and for your recommendation. I am sure that will be very useful for other viewers who want to know where to start their Thin Lizzy journey. Phil
Great Video Phil i was lucky enough to See Lizzy live here in Australia 1980 Chinatown tour with Snowy White one of my TOP 5 Bands also great to see all those CDs that are doubles have not seen those before thanks for showing them
thanks for your countdown and it's always interesting to see another Lizzy fans album pics. I think that Scott Gorham has been overlooked here. He was responsible for at least 75 %of the guitars on Bad Reputation and you didn't even name him. Gorhams guiar playing on live and dangerous is incredible especially the second solo on still in love with you. He was less of of a showboat guitar player but no less talented, Fools gold for example is a claasic Gorham solo as is dancing in the moonlight , he understood what was needed for the band and was able to put his ego aside. He was a great foil for Robbo especially, the best lizzy lineup ever in my opinion.
Hey Phil! Great video. But since you chose to rank live albums as well, I missed the Life:Live album on the list! It's a superb performance. Cheers from Brazil mate.
Hi Prof! Thank you for watching. Yes, it was ‘Live’ that did not make my list. I like the first disc but feel the sound is not as good as it could be. It is the only Thin Lizzy album that has not been remastered, I hope it is one day. Phil
@Now Spinning Magazine with Phil Aston thanks for the reply. Actually, there's a remastered version of Life:Live! Metal Blade Records did a remastered version of the album back in the 90s, if I remember correctly. I have it on CD and sounds really awesome!!! Better than the original master of the album. You definitely should check it out!
Nice list Phil. My favourite Lizzy albums are from two very different eras of the band (but that is why they are such a great band), Thunder And Lightning and Vagabonds Of The Western World. Those two cd deluxe editions are worth a fortune on discogs now. I much prefer jewel cases though - way better protection.
Great to see a video from a real fan! I totally agree about Black Rose. I know that many fans love it but I think it's a bit of a let down. My List of releases from when the band was together: Nightlife Johnny Jailbreak Fighting Bad Reputation Vagabonds 1st LP Chinatown Renegade Black Rose Thunder & Lightning Shades (While I totally agree about Black Boys on the Corner, it's not really on this LP as I've always known it.)
Studio albums: 1. Thunder and Lightning 2. Johnny The Fox 3. Jailbreak 4. Bad Reputation 5. Black Rose 6. Renegade 7. Fighting 8. Chinatown 9. Vagabonds of The Western World 10. Nightlife 11. Thin Lizzy 12. Shades of a Blue Orphanage
Thin Lizzy was a great band. In my top three rock bands of all time! My ranking differs a bit - the top 3: Johnny the Fox, Black Rose (you really surprised me with this one), Renegade. Lizzy has no bad album, only less great ones!
Hi Domi, thank you for watching. My opinion on Black Rose has changed a bit since this because so many people said they loved it. It has been play quite a lot recently ! Phil :)
Hi Phil. Very good comparison with Queen and Quo. On pub jukeboxes, you could always find something to play by those two or Lizzy. For some reason, Lizzy were the band whose records I bought. Putting their albums in order is like doing the same with Purple - nearly impossible. Glad you put the Snowy albums high on the list. Yes, you got me with Black Rose's low showing! It's in my Top 3. 🤣 The albums are all fantastic in one way or another. Ballad of a Hard Man and Warriors - yes, both ace tracks. With studio albums, I'd say my usual Top 3 would be Jailbreak, Chinatown, and Black Rose, with almost any of the others taking turns at #4 and #5. Renegade has some of my fave tracks - Fats, Pressure Will Blow, Leave This Town - but a couple of songs are just too sad (Mexican Blood, It's Getting Dangerous) for repeated listenings (same with Sun Goes Down). Nightlife is the one I keep going back to. Heck, a band this good is so hard to rank, but Live & Dangerous really is a peak, and I've got a lot of time for Life/Live too. Deep cuts: Call the Police, Slow Blues, Things Ain't Working Out (Down at the Farm), Showdown, Fighting My Way Back, Boogie Woogie Dance, Opium Trail, Someday She Is Going To Hit Back, and Dedication. Cheers!🙂
Hi Alex, what a superb comment, almost a ranking in itself! Black Rose would be higher now due to all the comments suggesting I listen to it again but the Snowy White albums are underrated. Fighting is one I play the most ( currently) I just love everything about it. It captures that moment before the gates of success opened for them. Phil :)
@@NowSpinningMagazine: Hi Phil, and cheers! Glad Black Rose has grown on you, but your review of Gary Moore's A Different Beat shows that you appreciate his talent. Fighting is an album I'm going to get on CD. I only have the lp, and my system's almost as old as I am! It's as good an album as the bigger ones that followed. The cover's good, because they're almost sending up the tough image. A mate at school said that Downey looked the scariest! I thought Robbo.😄 Cheers.🙂
Great video Phil.Love Thin Lizzy. There one of those bands any day could be a different no.1. Personally love Jailbreak of course,Black Rose,Chinatown,Fighting and Live and Dangerous.I'm still trying to get through the boxset alot to get through and is so good
Great review, I think Life/Live really took songs like renegade, ESPECIALLY angel of death going into are you ready right afterwards is a feeling you have to hear for yourself, TRUST ME
Good stuff. how fantastic you have been a lizzy fan for over 50 years! if you like Scott gorham you should listen to hey you rehearsal version with probably his longest solo ever about 3 minutes.
Hi Phil, Great video. Black Rose is much higher on my list. Opinions differ , and that is great, I love it. Other then that, my list is very similar.. Johnny the Fox is my favourite. 10 out of 10. Absolute perfection.
Hello Phil!! I think actualy your Wife is right 😀.. But otherwise i kind of agree with your choises!!! Cheers!!🖤😋... Oh by the Way! love the box that came out last year!!!👍
Don't Believe A Word is the first I heard of them and loved it. It kept me going whilst I was humming it when I did the walk on the Yorkshire Moors doing my Duke of Edinburgh Award in 77. Black Rose is my fave and I also love the songs from around the Vagabonds era. Fighting is okay, but sounds a bit lacklustre for me.
In the classic era. Johnny the Fox is my least favorite album. Post Brian Robertson, my least favorite album is Renegade. I can't even imagine how someone could have them both in their top 5. I hold the Eric Bell era in much higher regard. My favorite album is Vagabonds of the Western World. From the classic era, it's Fighting. From the post-Robertson era, it's Black Rose. I've never cared for Live and Dangerous, having gotten used to their studio sound back in the day. I suppose it's a tribute to the variety of Thin Lizzy's music that fans would have such varied opinions while sharing our love for this band.
Hi John, thank you for watching. your comment is most welcome and your choices are just as valid as mine. As you say Thin Lizzy touched so many rock fans in so many ways. A fine body of timeless work. Phil
I didn't understand how you put some of their 80's albums so high on your list. But then I saw that Judas Priest's "Turbo" was in your top Priest albums. So I get it now. I hate Turbo. Boy, interesting how Lizzy fans can agree on the classic Lizzy albums, but strongly disagree on their 80's stuff. From the 80's I only like about 4 songs. I'll have to listen to those albums again. Maybe I'm missing something. I'll tell you one thing that 80's Lizzy fans seem to overlook. Which is the song Bad Hobbits from Thunder & Lightning album. That song is such a lively party song I don't know how people miss it. And it's so well produced. There's a lot going on sonically in that one. You and others call the Gorham / Robertson era "Classic era Lizzy". But for me, the Eric Bell era was so good that it's a classic Lizzy era too. I would put it like Deep Purple fans do. Lizzy Mark I. Lizzy Mark II. Lizzy Mark III. You call Lizzy Mark III guitarist Snow White. I don't recall him wearing a dress on stage. I believe he goes by Snowy White. I'm from the U.S. You poor Brits got a terrible album cover of Fighting. They look so goofy. Take a look at the American cover. It's kick ass. One of my favorite album covers. Scott Gorham grew up about 30 minutes from me in Glendale California. Right next to Pasadena. That makes me special.
Hi Captain Sunday, thank you watching. Did I really call Snowy ‘Snow White’ very sorry, my enthusiasm got the better of me. If I did this again it might change a bit. Black Rose would be higher for a start! Phil :)
Emotion is everything in these lists..... Jailbreak is always number one for me, closely followed by Johnny the Fox. It is my choice personal to me and if yours is different that is your choice and I respect that! We should never have to apologise for a personal preference... Respect
Hi Ian, thank you for watching and for sharing your perspective on this type of video. I really appreciate this comment and it has inspired me to do similar videos on other artists. Phil
Absolutely agree about Live & Dangerous . Their best LP . Unfortunately i dont like Boogie Woogie dance and Sweet Marie , so i wouldn't rank Johny The Fox as No.2 . I think Jailbreak is better and more consistent . . .
I saw Thin Lizzy about five times. Not because I particularly wanted to, just because they were on at the place we were drinking in - this was the early 70's before they became a stadium group. I liked the third album ( Vagabonds ) and some stuff on Jailbreak. A lot of their albums are wildly inconsistent, I find. Albums like Fighting, Johnny The Fox, and Black Rose are patchy affairs - I had to keep skipping tracks. Live and Dangerous was good - especially the recently released boxed set of other gigs on that tour. But that's it really.
Did they make a 2 CD Deluxe edition for the "Renegade" album? I cant find it. Found all the other ones except the first two albums. $675.00 to get all the other ones on Discogs. Wow that's expensive! They must not have made many.
Renegade was a single CD with extra tracks. That and Bad Reputation were the only single CDs in the remaster series. Physical pressing runs are very small now so you have to be quick.
the lizzy ruleeeeee...and phil was born right by me in w.brom (im 2 mins from w, brom in smethwick) your birmingham way mate? anyways good review. my fav lizzy is prob jailbreak/renegade.
@@NowSpinningMagazine ha i spot brummy mile off..also u said bham rd so i knew straight away....i just got bk from bham to have a look at that big bull thing ha...im only 5 min drive from there....u should do a black sabbath review next (if u like sabbath)
@@smofla13 I have already covered Paranoid, Vol 4, Sabotage, Technical Ecstasy, top 10 Ozzy tracks and a special CD set on Brum Rock ! Use the search to find them - Phil
I would have put in _Thunder and Lightning_ and taken out _Renegade._ _Renegade_ stands up fairly well after all these yesars, but _Thunder and Lightning_ kicks ass and that's what Thin Lizzy were all about.
I think the Johnny character first appeared on “Showdown” (Nightlife). l’ve heard a radio interview where Phil Lynott said that Johnny and Johnny The Fox were two different characters
What about Phil Lynott solo albums? I love them both. Solo in Soho is actually Black Rose part 2 in many ways. I like the second solo release better though
'-Black Rose' is the only Thin Lizzy album that I have on vinyl that I never bought again on CD. The album is too 'power pop' and sounds over produced overall even though it includes a strong collection of songs. My top 5 studio albums would be 1) Jailbreak, 2) Fighting, 3) Vagabonds of the Western World, 4) Johnny the Fox and 5) Bad Reputation.
I always thought these stupid local radio stations should've played the Freedom Song instead of McCartney's song during 9/11. It absolutely destroys the latter.
Hi Phil...I think you and me are the only one's who do not like "Black Rose" (terrible lead guitar from Gary Moore)... the production from Tony Visconti could also better...I would rank "Thunder and Lightning" higher bcs I grown up with NWOBHM...now I am 58 years old...anther great review...go on Phil...
Hi Wolfgang, thank you for watching. I knew placing Black Rose in 14th place would be a bit controversial! I do like Gary Moore a great deal just not so much on this album. Phil
Yup ... Black Rose didn't click for me.... whereas Renegade just did .... and, yes, the BBC In Concert set was great ... Renegade is my "go to" Thin Lizzy album .... enjoyed this video ... CMcG. Aberdeen, Scotland .... (p.s. to another comment ... yes please for UFO ranking)
Interesting take .....Not sure whether you're a hero or a madman, but every Lizzy album is deffo for those who love to live ........."I Don't Want to Forget How to Jive" !! ...... most played album Vagaabonds.
1. Black Rose 2. Bad Reputation 3. Live & Dangerous 4. Johnny the Fox 5. Jailbreak 6. Thunder & Lightning 7. Fighting 8. Nightlife 9. Vagabonds of the Western World 10 Chinatown 11. Life 12 Thin Lizzy 13 Shades of a Blue Orphanage 14. Renegade Renegade is a terrible album IMHO, sedate production, and the performances are well below par. Outside Pressure will Blow, It's Getting Dangerous, Hollywood and the title track the songs are instantly forgettable, and a killer EP would have been made from those four songs While a few on my list can be interchangeable, Renegade is always the last
Well we are all different as you saw from my video, I love Renagade ! Black Rose has risen up the charts a bit for me after I did this video although not as high as it is for you! Thank you for sharing - Phil :)
Hi Phil - how about doing a UFO ranking over the same period? There are a lot of parallels, with the two bands following their early albums with changes of guitar players and a classic line-up run of five studio albums and a great live double. Each then released four more with different guitarists before Lizzy ended and UFO disintegrated - you know all that, of course but it’s interesting to compare their histories.
Absolutely love this comment from Derek Clacton. The Lizzy albums with Snowy get a bad press in the same way that the UFO albums with Tonka get dismissed. In both cases, they're among my faves. Lizzy and UFO had a lot in common, and even broke up on the same day in '83 according to some sources! When UFO reformed in '84, with Atomik Tommy M, I hoped Lizzy would do the same. Lawrence Archer is another link.
@@derekclacton: They do! We Belong to the Night is very similar to Are You Ready? too, though that could be by coincidence. Tonka always said there were loads of parallels. 🙂
Another great video! I`d need to listen to some of those albums a bit more before being able to rank them myself. But even without doing so and although it`s very good, `Black Rose` won`t make my top five I know that.
Live and Dangerous must be on the top of anyone's list. Make sure you get the CD with 'Suicide' included.
I always thought Chinatown doesn't get enough love.
Phil!! SPOT ON !! Johnny The Fox is Lizzy's best studio record!!! You show great and informed taste again my friend!! Thanks, Vince
Hi Vincent, thank you for watching and for your support! Phil :)
Great stuff Phil. Back in 1976, Lizzy almost got me barred from a local pub. My friend and I loved 'Emerald' (B side of 'The Boys') and put it on six times in a row on the pub jukebox. The landlord threatened to bar us if we ever put it on again. We did on our next visit but only the one time and we were let off.
Hi Peter, I remember getting into trouble doing similar things when I was younger. There were usually only a few rock songs on any jukebox back then so the B Sides were usually where the best tracks were and Emerald was a belter.
Fighting (1975).
Black Rose (1979).
Thin Lizzy (1971).
Johnny the Fox (1976).
Renegade (1981).
Vagabonds of the Western World (1973).
Chinatown (1980).
Jailbreak (1976).
Nightlife (1974).
Shades of a Blue Orphanage (1972).
Bad Reputation (1977).
Thunder and Lightning (1983).
Twelve years ago I got the Black Rose tattooed on my right shoulder in tribute to Gary & Philip, just a day before what would have been Philip's birthday.
Thank you for watching and sharing your fave Thin Lizzy albums. I have reevaluated since doing this video and it would be higher now. Fighting is a classic and very underrated. Phil
After Live & Dangerous, Black Rose is my #1 - Gary Moore, my favourite of all Thin Lizzy’s guitarists - although tbh Robbo was the best partner for Scott Gorham and at least two of the songs were originally going to be on Phil Lynott’s first solo album.
Hi Derek, thank you, as I answer these comments I can see that Black Rose has many many fans! Phil :)
Gary Moore himself said he rated the Robbo/Scott line-up as the best.
@@AlexAlexon3897 Gary did - he was right :)
@@derekclacton: Hi Derek, and cheers. Added to your comment on UFO/Lizzy too.🙂
Your descriptions of all of the albums is spot on... myself, I would have them in a different order, your comments regarding Phil's lyrics, creating a video in your own head is brilliant.
Enjoyed your video very much.
Thanks.
Hi John, Thank you for watching. I think if I did the video again today the order might be different! Phil
Still in love with you on Live and Dangerous is absolutely stunning.
It is, the highlight from the album.
Hi Phil, and thanks for the Thin Lizzy review. This is great, since I'm just getting into them.
Would you be able to do a review of Gary Moore? I only heard of him because of his work with Greg Lake. Greg Lake is one of my all time favourite artists, due to his work with the original King Crimson and ELP. I also have a special connection to Greg Lake, since he helped me when I was going through a very dark time in my life. I later found out that my last communication with Greg was only 3 months prior to his death. I am still amazed that he took the time to help an unknown fan from another country while he was so ill from cancer, and I'll never forget him for that.
Hi Laura, thank you for watching and for sharing your story about Greg Lake, that is amazing and says a lot about his character. I do want to read his autobiography Lucky Man. Have you read it? I can certainly do an overview on Gary Moore. Thank
You for you support. Phil
@@NowSpinningMagazine Yes, I have read it. It is excellent.
You're very welcome, and I look forward to your future reviews. 🙂
Wonderful review Phil. I loved their music. Man could Phil write and sing and play. I am about your age but from Chicago. I was lucky to be alive when thy were kicking ass!
Hi Gregory, thank you for watching and you are so right Phil Lynott was a very talented story teller and all round artist. Phil
Great ranking Phil, really enjoyed it. Such a tricky catalogue to rank I feel, there isn’t much between a lot of these albums.
I’m currently going through the Judas Priest catalogue to rank on my channel. I think Thin Lizzy will be next. Will be interesting to see how our lists compare. I suspect Black Rose may be higher on mine 😉
Hi TIJ, thank you for watching, I think most people will place Black Rose higher than me. My top 5 Judas Priest albums would be 1. Sin After Sin, 2 Unleashed in The East, 3 Screaming For Vengence, 4 Turbo, 5 Nostradamus - Phil
My top 5 Judas Priest albums are: 1. Sin After Sin, 2. Sad Wings of Destiny, 3. Unleashed in the East, 4. Killing Machine, 5. Nostradamus.
Really interesting ranking Phil. Like how you're not afraid to call it like you see (or rather hear!) it.
Any discussion of Thin Lizzy raises the heartbreaking "what if?". I wonder what direction Phil would have taken if he'd gone through rehab with the self analysis that entails. It wouldn't have surprised me if he'd ended up sounding more like Van Morrison than Van Halen.
Hi Mike, thank you for watching, I think his solo albums hint at where he might have gone. If he had been around now I can imagine him going back to the sound of the first and second album. Phil
Nice review Phil, great reviews of a magnificent band. I was at two of their recordings, live at the Hitchin Regal, sadly not a CD release, but a gig l will never forget and the CD you didn't mention which is excellent, Thin Lizzy live at Reading from 83. Happy memories.
As Thin Lizzy is my favorite band these are my 5 favorites (1 is #1 but others can change anytime):
1 - Jailbreak absolute perfection
2 - Black Rose
3 - Fighting
4 - Bad Reputation
5 - Johny The Fox
But I like them all! Even the first classic Eric Bell albums have their charm, it is not my favorite period of the band but Phil was always one of the best lyricists and frontman.
I must admit Black Rose at 14 was a shock, but we all hear things differently! I never liked the song Sarah though.
Hello Mr. Aston! Just like it was expected :great video! This journey has been really fantastic. Very confident. The way I discovered this band was because of the covers by BON JOVI, MEGADETH, METALLICA. So I decided to go for the originals and surprise! Your 14th album is my 1st, yes I was surprised. Thank you again for your time. Be safe. Cheers!
Hi Jorge, thank you for watching. I think everyone is surprised by my placing of Black Rose but it is interesting how we can all love the same band but be drawn to different albums! Phil
Hello Phil. It is jailbreak and black rose as my top two favorite Lizzy albums. I also love Phil lynott's side project, The Greedy Bastards with Steve Jones of the sex pistols. Thanks for another informative video.
Hi Jegaraj, thank you for watching. Another fan of Black Rose I see, I will have to give this a listen with fresh ears! Phil :)
@@NowSpinningMagazine
No problem Phil! All of us have different tastes and likes in music. Like the French will say Vive Le Difference! It is this diversity that makes us rock music lovers tick. I absolutely respect your taste. I see that you have great love for folk/celt inclined rock.
Yes Phil really interesting ranking :-)) Man!!! Thin Lizzy was awesome. I still listen to the old records a lot. I also love Black Rose ;-) I've seen the band live many times. My favorite concert was in 1979 with Gary Moore on the BR Tour. Lynott was on fire. The band was on fire. In Munich Circus Krone.
Hi Peter, thank you for watching. I fully respect your love of Black Rose and looking at the other comments many other people rate this album higher than me. I am going to listen to it again today - Phil :)
@@NowSpinningMagazine
;-) Hi Phil. I respect that as well. Thanks for your channel. love it Peter
Hi Phil.
An excellent review as always. In terms of compilations I would also like to draw your attention to the Essential Thin Lizzy 3-Cd set released on the Spectrum label in 2020 to accompany the collector's boxset you mentioned. A lot of hits +some fine deep-cuts, remastering is also very punchy and detailed. Would highly recommend, keep up the great work!
Harrison
Harrison I agree, this is a very good set indeed.
Hi Harrison, thank you for watching and for your recommendation. I am sure that will be very useful for other viewers who want to know where to start their Thin Lizzy journey. Phil
Love Lynott & Lizzy. Best thing in rock music, ever.
Thank you 🙏
hi phil ,perfect this is a real pleasure, thanks😊😊
Härligt, Phil.
Din ranking visar bara vilket bredd thin lizzy hade. Hur deras musik nådde ut till olika grupper av människor.
Great Video Phil i was lucky enough to See Lizzy live here in Australia 1980 Chinatown tour with Snowy White one of my TOP 5 Bands
also great to see all those CDs that are doubles have not seen those before thanks for showing them
Hi Frank, thank you for watching. The double CDs are all worth checking out but some of them are quite hard to find now. Phil
thanks for your countdown and it's always interesting to see another Lizzy fans album pics. I think that Scott Gorham has been overlooked here. He was responsible for at least 75 %of the guitars on Bad Reputation and you didn't even name him. Gorhams guiar playing on live and dangerous is incredible especially the second solo on still in love with you. He was less of of a showboat guitar player but no less talented, Fools gold for example is a claasic Gorham solo as is dancing in the moonlight , he understood what was needed for the band and was able to put his ego aside. He was a great foil for Robbo especially, the best lizzy lineup ever in my opinion.
Hey Phil! Great video. But since you chose to rank live albums as well, I missed the Life:Live album on the list! It's a superb performance. Cheers from Brazil mate.
Hi Prof! Thank you for watching. Yes, it was ‘Live’ that did not make my list. I like the first disc but feel the sound is not as good as it could be. It is the only Thin Lizzy album that has not been remastered, I hope it is one day. Phil
@Now Spinning Magazine with Phil Aston thanks for the reply. Actually, there's a remastered version of Life:Live! Metal Blade Records did a remastered version of the album back in the 90s, if I remember correctly. I have it on CD and sounds really awesome!!! Better than the original master of the album. You definitely should check it out!
Great list, Love the 2nd album with one of the best rock songs ever SHOWDOWN!e
Hi Phil, great video.I love this band so much. My top three: 1.Live And Dangerous 2. Jailbreak 3. Fighting .Cheers from Poland.
Hi Tomasz, thank you for watching. Great to see another fan of the Fighting album. Phil :)
Nice list Phil. My favourite Lizzy albums are from two very different eras of the band (but that is why they are such a great band), Thunder And Lightning and Vagabonds Of The Western World.
Those two cd deluxe editions are worth a fortune on discogs now. I much prefer jewel cases though - way better protection.
Fantastic and informative video, thanks Phil. I’m off to supplement my Thin Lizzy collection now
Hi Electric, thank you for watching, enjoy your Thin Lizzy journey - Phil :)
Great to see a video from a real fan! I totally agree about Black Rose. I know that many fans love it but I think it's a bit of a let down. My List of releases from when the band was together:
Nightlife
Johnny
Jailbreak
Fighting
Bad Reputation
Vagabonds
1st LP
Chinatown
Renegade
Black Rose
Thunder & Lightning
Shades (While I totally agree about Black Boys on the Corner, it's not really on this LP as I've always known it.)
🌠 Good one man...
Finding Jonny The Fox was like looking for the lost ark back in the day
Studio albums:
1. Thunder and Lightning
2. Johnny The Fox
3. Jailbreak
4. Bad Reputation
5. Black Rose
6. Renegade
7. Fighting
8. Chinatown
9. Vagabonds of The Western World
10. Nightlife
11. Thin Lizzy
12. Shades of a Blue Orphanage
Hi Kevin, thank you for watching. That is a great list as well, thank you for sharing - Phil
Fools gold is a gem
Love the jazz track Fats off Renegade Phil. Kind of feel it should have been on his second solo album but Renegade is a fabulous album.
Hi Stephen, thank you for watching - great to know other people love this album as well. Phil
Thin Lizzy was a great band. In my top three rock bands of all time! My ranking differs a bit - the top 3: Johnny the Fox, Black Rose (you really surprised me with this one), Renegade. Lizzy has no bad album, only less great ones!
Hi Domi, thank you for watching. My opinion on Black Rose has changed a bit since this because so many people said they loved it. It has been play quite a lot recently ! Phil :)
"Live And Dangerous" is very good. They really nailed it there... 🔥
Hi Phil. Very good comparison with Queen and Quo. On pub jukeboxes, you could always find something to play by those two or Lizzy. For some reason, Lizzy were the band whose records I bought. Putting their albums in order is like doing the same with Purple - nearly impossible. Glad you put the Snowy albums high on the list. Yes, you got me with Black Rose's low showing! It's in my Top 3. 🤣 The albums are all fantastic in one way or another. Ballad of a Hard Man and Warriors - yes, both ace tracks. With studio albums, I'd say my usual Top 3 would be Jailbreak, Chinatown, and Black Rose, with almost any of the others taking turns at #4 and #5. Renegade has some of my fave tracks - Fats, Pressure Will Blow, Leave This Town - but a couple of songs are just too sad (Mexican Blood, It's Getting Dangerous) for repeated listenings (same with Sun Goes Down). Nightlife is the one I keep going back to. Heck, a band this good is so hard to rank, but Live & Dangerous really is a peak, and I've got a lot of time for Life/Live too. Deep cuts: Call the Police, Slow Blues, Things Ain't Working Out (Down at the Farm), Showdown, Fighting My Way Back, Boogie Woogie Dance, Opium Trail, Someday She Is Going To Hit Back, and Dedication. Cheers!🙂
Hi Alex, what a superb comment, almost a ranking in itself! Black Rose would be higher now due to all the comments suggesting I listen to it again but the Snowy White albums are underrated. Fighting is one I play the most ( currently) I just love everything about it. It captures that moment before the gates of success opened for them. Phil :)
@@NowSpinningMagazine: Hi Phil, and cheers! Glad Black Rose has grown on you, but your review of Gary Moore's A Different Beat shows that you appreciate his talent. Fighting is an album I'm going to get on CD. I only have the lp, and my system's almost as old as I am! It's as good an album as the bigger ones that followed. The cover's good, because they're almost sending up the tough image. A mate at school said that Downey looked the scariest! I thought Robbo.😄 Cheers.🙂
Great video Phil.Love Thin Lizzy. There one of those bands any day could be a different no.1. Personally love Jailbreak of course,Black Rose,Chinatown,Fighting and Live and Dangerous.I'm still trying to get through the boxset alot to get through and is so good
Hi Thomas, thank you for watching, your choices are just as good as mine. That box set is incredible isn’t it - Phil
I had to wait awhile to get it originally the price was crazy for some reason
I forgot to mention: Live at Sydney Opera House is great!
Great review, I think Life/Live really took songs like renegade, ESPECIALLY angel of death going into are you ready right afterwards is a feeling you have to hear for yourself, TRUST ME
Hi Reubster, thank you for watching. I am heading off to listen to 'Life/Live' now - Phil :)
ok, I take your advice!
Good stuff. how fantastic you have been a lizzy fan for over 50 years!
if you like Scott gorham you should listen to hey you rehearsal version with probably his longest solo ever about 3 minutes.
Hi Phil,
Great video.
Black Rose is much higher on my list.
Opinions differ , and that is great, I love it.
Other then that, my list is very similar..
Johnny the Fox is my favourite. 10 out of 10. Absolute perfection.
Hello Phil!! I think actualy your Wife is right 😀.. But otherwise i kind of agree with your choises!!! Cheers!!🖤😋... Oh by the Way! love the box that came out last year!!!👍
Hi Ingemar, thank you for watching. Yes, Sue appears to be on the right side in what people think of Black Rose! - phil
Don't Believe A Word is the first I heard of them and loved it. It kept me going whilst I was humming it when I did the walk on the Yorkshire Moors doing my Duke of Edinburgh Award in 77. Black Rose is my fave and I also love the songs from around the Vagabonds era. Fighting is okay, but sounds a bit lacklustre for me.
Hi Robert, well I am going to have to reassess Black Rose! Everyone seems to have it in their top 5 ! Phil
My first concert 1982 Coventry Theatre 14 years young epic
What a fantastic memory - thank you for sharing - Phil
In the classic era. Johnny the Fox is my least favorite album. Post Brian Robertson, my least favorite album is Renegade. I can't even imagine how someone could have them both in their top 5. I hold the Eric Bell era in much higher regard. My favorite album is Vagabonds of the Western World. From the classic era, it's Fighting. From the post-Robertson era, it's Black Rose. I've never cared for Live and Dangerous, having gotten used to their studio sound back in the day. I suppose it's a tribute to the variety of Thin Lizzy's music that fans would have such varied opinions while sharing our love for this band.
Hi John, thank you for watching. your comment is most welcome and your choices are just as valid as mine. As you say Thin Lizzy touched so many rock fans in so many ways. A fine body of timeless work. Phil
Black Rose at number 14?????😮😮😮😮😮 It's their best!!
You need to listen again
I didn't understand how you put some of their 80's albums so high on your list. But then I saw that Judas Priest's "Turbo" was in your top Priest albums. So I get it now. I hate Turbo. Boy, interesting how Lizzy fans can agree on the classic Lizzy albums, but strongly disagree on their 80's stuff.
From the 80's I only like about 4 songs. I'll have to listen to those albums again. Maybe I'm missing something.
I'll tell you one thing that 80's Lizzy fans seem to overlook. Which is the song Bad Hobbits from Thunder & Lightning album. That song is such a lively party song I don't know how people miss it. And it's so well produced. There's a lot going on sonically in that one.
You and others call the Gorham / Robertson era "Classic era Lizzy". But for me, the Eric Bell era was so good that it's a classic Lizzy era too. I would put it like Deep Purple fans do. Lizzy Mark I. Lizzy Mark II. Lizzy Mark III.
You call Lizzy Mark III guitarist Snow White. I don't recall him wearing a dress on stage. I believe he goes by Snowy White.
I'm from the U.S. You poor Brits got a terrible album cover of Fighting. They look so goofy. Take a look at the American cover. It's kick ass. One of my favorite album covers.
Scott Gorham grew up about 30 minutes from me in Glendale California. Right next to Pasadena. That makes me special.
Hi Captain Sunday, thank you watching. Did I really call Snowy ‘Snow White’ very sorry, my enthusiasm got the better of me. If I did this again it might change a bit. Black Rose would be higher for a start! Phil :)
Emotion is everything in these lists..... Jailbreak is always number one for me, closely followed by Johnny the Fox. It is my choice personal to me and if yours is different that is your choice and I respect that! We should never have to apologise for a personal preference... Respect
Hi Ian, thank you for watching and for sharing your perspective on this type of video. I really appreciate this comment and it has inspired me to do similar videos on other artists. Phil
Absolutely agree about Live & Dangerous . Their best LP . Unfortunately i dont like Boogie Woogie dance and Sweet Marie , so i wouldn't rank Johny The Fox as No.2 . I think Jailbreak is better and more consistent . . .
Thank you for watching for watching - you thoughts are just as valid as mine. Jailbreak is a perfect album - Phil
I saw Thin Lizzy about five times. Not because I particularly wanted to, just because they were on at the place we were drinking in - this was the early 70's before they became a stadium group. I liked the third album ( Vagabonds ) and some stuff on Jailbreak. A lot of their albums are wildly inconsistent, I find. Albums like Fighting, Johnny The Fox, and Black Rose are patchy affairs - I had to keep skipping tracks. Live and Dangerous was good - especially the recently released boxed set of other gigs on that tour. But that's it really.
Did they make a 2 CD Deluxe edition for the "Renegade" album? I cant find it. Found all the other ones except the first two albums. $675.00 to get all the other ones on Discogs. Wow that's expensive! They must not have made many.
Renegade was a single CD with extra tracks. That and Bad Reputation were the only single CDs in the remaster series. Physical pressing runs are very small now so you have to be quick.
the lizzy ruleeeeee...and phil was born right by me in w.brom (im 2 mins from w, brom in smethwick) your birmingham way mate? anyways good review. my fav lizzy is prob jailbreak/renegade.
Hi, thank you for watching! You have spotted my Brummie accent very well. It seems to come out more when I get carried away in these videos! Phil
@@NowSpinningMagazine ha i spot brummy mile off..also u said bham rd so i knew straight away....i just got bk from bham to have a look at that big bull thing ha...im only 5 min drive from there....u should do a black sabbath review next (if u like sabbath)
@@smofla13 I have already covered Paranoid, Vol 4, Sabotage, Technical Ecstasy, top 10 Ozzy tracks and a special CD set on Brum Rock ! Use the search to find them - Phil
@@NowSpinningMagazine ah ok cool.
I would have put in _Thunder and Lightning_ and taken out _Renegade._ _Renegade_ stands up fairly well after all these yesars, but _Thunder and Lightning_ kicks ass and that's what Thin Lizzy were all about.
I think the Johnny character first appeared on “Showdown” (Nightlife). l’ve heard a radio interview where Phil Lynott said that Johnny and Johnny The Fox were two different characters
Hi Derek, thank you for watching and adding this additional information. I did not know that - phil :)
Hi Derek, thank you for watching and adding this additional information. I did not know that - phil :)
What about Phil Lynott solo albums? I love them both. Solo in Soho is actually Black Rose part 2 in many ways. I like the second solo release better though
I like them both, great albums.
If Phil removed Frankie Carole from night life it would be top five album
Interesting observation and enough to add to my playlist for tomorrow - Phil
@@NowSpinningMagazine good on you Phil. 😎😍
Liked it already - although there’s still four hours to go 😂👍
Black Rose way down the list?! Phil ..... would you sell your double cd at a sensible price??!! Cheers!!
Good try ! Sorry no, after doing this and everyone saying I was bonkers having it so low I went and listened to it again and I like it now - Phil :)
'-Black Rose' is the only Thin Lizzy album that I have on vinyl that I never bought again on CD. The album is too 'power pop' and sounds over produced overall even though it includes a strong collection of songs. My top 5 studio albums would be 1) Jailbreak, 2) Fighting, 3) Vagabonds of the Western World, 4) Johnny the Fox and 5) Bad Reputation.
I got the BBC boxed set Phil, the missus got it for me when it came out.....Just very lucky lol
Very lucky indeed. It did not seem to be around for very long at all. How many discs were in it?
Six cd and a DVD Phil. The DVD is live at the rainbow, Top of the pops 73 to 81 and Old grey whistle test 79.
Thin Lizzy in my top 5. I'll take Phil and the boys over Queen anyday and I love Queen. We miss and love you Phil!
Portland, Maine. USA
I always thought these stupid local radio stations should've played the Freedom Song instead of McCartney's song during 9/11. It absolutely destroys the latter.
Thank you for watching - Phil
Live and Dangerous
Bad Reputation
Black rose
Jailbreak
Johnny the Fox
Chinatown
Renegade
Fighting
Nightlife
The rest in any way you would like
Hi Carlos, thank you for watching. Yours is a superb list as well - thank you for sharing. Phil
Hi Phil...I think you and me are the only one's who do not like "Black Rose" (terrible lead guitar from Gary Moore)... the production from Tony Visconti could also better...I would rank "Thunder and Lightning" higher bcs I grown up with NWOBHM...now I am 58 years old...anther great review...go on Phil...
Hi Wolfgang, thank you for watching. I knew placing Black Rose in 14th place would be a bit controversial! I do like Gary Moore a great deal just not so much on this album. Phil
Yup ... Black Rose didn't click for me.... whereas Renegade just did .... and, yes, the BBC In Concert set was great ... Renegade is my "go to" Thin Lizzy album .... enjoyed this video ... CMcG. Aberdeen, Scotland .... (p.s. to another comment ... yes please for UFO ranking)
Interesting take .....Not sure whether you're a hero or a madman, but every Lizzy album is deffo for those who love to live ........."I Don't Want to Forget How to Jive" !! ...... most played album Vagaabonds.
I think I might be both of those things! Thank you for watching - Phil
Thunder and Lightning is a strong album but it lacks the trademark harmony guitars.
Tales of a blue orphanage ??
1. Black Rose
2. Bad Reputation
3. Live & Dangerous
4. Johnny the Fox
5. Jailbreak
6. Thunder & Lightning
7. Fighting
8. Nightlife
9. Vagabonds of the Western World
10 Chinatown
11. Life
12 Thin Lizzy
13 Shades of a Blue Orphanage
14. Renegade
Renegade is a terrible album IMHO, sedate production, and the performances are well below par. Outside Pressure will Blow, It's Getting Dangerous, Hollywood and the title track the songs are instantly forgettable, and a killer EP would have been made from those four songs While a few on my list can be interchangeable, Renegade is always the last
Well we are all different as you saw from my video, I love Renagade ! Black Rose has risen up the charts a bit for me after I did this video although not as high as it is for you! Thank you for sharing - Phil :)
@@NowSpinningMagazine I have met a few people where that's the case, the are huge fans of Renegade, it certainly divides opinion
Robbo went ballistic when told Visconti had said L&D was studio mixed. It wasn't, it is the real deal.
Hi Phil - how about doing a UFO ranking over the same period? There are a lot of parallels, with the two bands following their early albums with changes of guitar players and a classic line-up run of five studio albums and a great live double. Each then released four more with different guitarists before Lizzy ended and UFO disintegrated - you know all that, of course but it’s interesting to compare their histories.
Hi Derek, a UFO ranking video is actually on my list and I thought of doing after Thin Lizzy for the reasons you point out - Thank you - Phil
Absolutely love this comment from Derek Clacton. The Lizzy albums with Snowy get a bad press in the same way that the UFO albums with Tonka get dismissed. In both cases, they're among my faves. Lizzy and UFO had a lot in common, and even broke up on the same day in '83 according to some sources! When UFO reformed in '84, with Atomik Tommy M, I hoped Lizzy would do the same. Lawrence Archer is another link.
@@AlexAlexon3897 Thanks for your kind words, Alex! I reckon the Snowy and Tonka albums contain some of Lizzy and UFO’s finest songs :)
@@derekclacton: They do! We Belong to the Night is very similar to Are You Ready? too, though that could be by coincidence. Tonka always said there were loads of parallels. 🙂
Totally agree!
Another great video! I`d need to listen to some of those albums a bit more before being able to rank them myself. But even without doing so and although it`s very good, `Black Rose` won`t make my top five I know that.
Hi Sjhue, thank you for watching and I am very pleased you enjoyed it ! Phil :)