Nightlife (2CD) 3.5/5
Fighting (2CD) 4/5
Universal
Universal continue their excellent reissue campaign with the first two sets for Phonogram, in 1974 and 1975 respectively.
Following the sudden departure of original guitarist Eric Bell, and completing the tour with Gary Moore and later John Du Cann, the band would become a four piece with guitarists Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson.
Nightlife kicked off this new lineup, and it’s a bit of a cross over, as there are still touches of the Celtic roots (look at the opening track She Knows) and elements of a picking style reminiscent of Bell’s. The title track has a soft blues feel. Phil Lynott’s vocals are distinctive, his bass work building to what would become his trademark. There are flashes or twin guitar work in “It’s Only Money” that hint of greater things to come.
The highlight of the album is the ballad “Still In Love With You”, which featured lead guitar by Gary Moore which Robertson apparently refused to rerecord. It is very reminiscent of the blues work Moore would undertake in the early 90s and 00s. Here the track also features a duet with Frankie Miller.
The album also features “Philomena”, a track Lynott for his mother.
It is an excellent and overlooked album that was the start of things to come, that suffers with poor production and a lack of conviction in the direction. The songwriting was top quality, but the performance and arrangement was half hearted at times.
The second disc features 6 live BBC sessions and several demos / alternate takes, including three with Gary Moore.
The second album with the Lynnott / Robertson / Gorham / Downey was 75’s Fighting and this really is where the band came into their own. It was harder, heavier, more confident, the band really did come out Fighting. The album opens with the classic “Rosalie”, while “For Those Who Love To Live” is a softer track (great heavy opening) that is just classic Lizzy. The guitar interplay makes the most of the twin guitar setup and it’s what defined the band’s sound.
“Suicide” is another good track with harsh vocals, great guitar work and an occasional nod to boogie in the rhythm. The songwriting and consistency of the music are great throughout.
Both albums come with excellent packaging and will form an integral part of the collection.
Joe Geesin
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
Next session: Sunday 19 January
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 1 December 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 3 December 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
