Wild One - The Very Best of Thin Lizzy (compilation)
release date: Jan. 9, 1996format: cd
[album rate: 4 / 5]
producer: various
label: Vertigo Records - nationality: Ireland
A compilation album by Thin Lizzy released as a 10 years commemoration tribute to Phil Lynott, who passed away Jan. 1986. Now, this is a mighty fine collection of 19 tracks featuring both hard rock energetic rock classics and more soft rock ballads. It represents most of Lynott's career in Thin Lizzy and also contains the early Thin Lizzy classic "Whiskey in the Jar" a traditional arranged by Lynott, Bell and Downey that many associate with the band but which wasn't released on any of their studio albums. And then there are two live recordings showcasing the strength of the band's live performances.
This compilation probably isn't the best with the band but it's also a rather impossible task to make the one best of compilation with a band, who has been through such diverse stages. Some people really like their early works, others prefer the simplistic hard rock-period, and even in that segment you'll find various preferences - some will enjoy the heavy metal-sound and others the twin-guitar harmonies - and then there's the big portion of pop rock-balladry that have found way to another segment of fans. And you just cannot satisfy them all. Some will have an affection for the Eric Bell-period, the Robertson-Gorham period, the Gary Moore-influence, and the Snowy White-era. You'll find dozens of best of albums, some 2-disc compilations, some even more extensive but they probably won't feel completely satisfactory anyway. I like the 2020 3-disc Essential issued by Universal, which in a way is like an extended version of the album mentioned here, as it both gives room for classics from various stages, including hard rockers, softer ballads, and some live versions - only with a broader repertoire - but to imagine that you will be able to go out and find a single-disc or a single vinyl album containing the best songs is not likely.
Recommended.
[ allmusic.com 4,5 / 5, Q magazine 4 / 5 stars ]
