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General => General Music Discussion => Topic started by: KevShmev on June 20, 2023, 08:28:50 PM

Title: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: KevShmev on June 20, 2023, 08:28:50 PM
I will be tackling this record in the next week. 

What am I in store for?
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on June 20, 2023, 08:34:19 PM
How versed are you in Thin Lizzy? What do you already know by them? Just looking for reference points.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: KevShmev on June 20, 2023, 08:36:59 PM
I can count on one hand the number of songs I know by them (the classic rock staples).
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on June 20, 2023, 08:38:08 PM
Why Johnnie The Fox?
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: lonestar on June 20, 2023, 08:42:49 PM
Why Johnnie The Fox?

Probably wants an in with Jimmy the Weed.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on June 20, 2023, 08:54:52 PM
Kev, I'll follow up with this in the morning. Like I asked, just wondering why you're picking this album?
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: KevShmev on June 20, 2023, 09:00:17 PM
The buddy I do album reviews with in real life :lol picked it.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on June 20, 2023, 09:18:15 PM
I go back and forth between Johnny the Fox and Jailbreak being my second favorite Thin Lizzy record, both behind Black Rose.

I will say the opening track Johnny is a fantastic song to start the album with. I love that song.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: EPICVIEW on June 20, 2023, 09:49:54 PM
 :heart :tup :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: EPICVIEW on June 20, 2023, 09:52:52 PM
I go back and forth between Johnny the Fox and Jailbreak being my second favorite Thin Lizzy record, both behind Black Rose.

I will say the opening track Johnny is a fantastic song to start the album with. I love that song.


Jailbreak   album is beyond stellar its pristine perfection
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on June 21, 2023, 06:34:44 AM
I go back and forth between Johnny the Fox and Jailbreak being my second favorite Thin Lizzy record, both behind Black Rose.


I put it on par with Black Rose, but that means I have 5 other albums ahead of both of them.




Kev, I love Thin Lizzy. I rank them as my #6 all time favorite band.

Thin Lizzy had 12 albums, even though I hardly ever listen to the first three albums and pretty much discount them. Chronologically, Johnny The Fox is the 7th album and the 4th of the 5 classic Brian Robertson Era albums.

It sits right between Jailbreak (which came before) and Bad Reputation (which followed), two albums that I like a lot more. They're both heavier and more consistent.


But I really do enjoy Johnny The Fox. It has a more laid back feel Even the rocking songs like Johnny and Rocky sound a bit tame. Perhaps it's the production. There's a number of really cool mellow and reflective songs. Phil Lynott is really convincing with his emotive storytelling.


My favorite song on the album is Don't Believe A Word.
Def Leppard did a nice cover of it on their Yeah! album (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgM8m1BYvEE)
It's kind of a rocking tune, but Phil original wrote it as a slower piece. You can hear what he envisioned (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENZh04yic1M) on Gary Moore's Back On The Streets album with Phil singing the verses and Gary the chorus.

Another song I really love is Borderline. This is classic Phil. He effectively paints a picture of sitting at a bar, you feel like you're literally sitting there with him. Just a great tune.

The heaviest song is Massacre. It's a great tune, but almost feels out of place on this particular album.
Iron Maiden did a cover as a b-side (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqasEnIZxXU) during the Seventh Son sessions.


All in all, this album feels a tad incomplete. It's the second album they released in 1976, and it just feels pumped out. I just don't think the other "rocking" songs like Johnny, Rocky, and Boogie Woogie Dance (WTF is this?) are on par with the songs on the Jailbreak or Bad Reputation. But Jonnie The Fox is a really nice listen. I do like the softer songs as well like Old Flame and Fool's Gold. I think Phil is fairly captivating on this album.
I don't think this is a great place to start with Thin Lizzy, but it's a good album to pull back the covers and get a glimpse of what makes Phil Lynott such an attraction.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: KevShmev on June 21, 2023, 08:17:13 AM
Okay, thanks for the thoughts.

I got through a few songs this morning.  I like how open the sound is. You can hear every instrument pretty well. 

More feedback to come...
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: EPICVIEW on June 21, 2023, 10:01:06 AM
TAC IS THE MAN !!!
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: EPICVIEW on June 21, 2023, 10:02:58 AM
To Me  ( and I saw them 2 times ..) Thin Lizzy is born on Live and Dangerous which is considered the greatest live album in Rock history
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: Metro on June 21, 2023, 01:21:56 PM
I’m sure I’m not the first to notice this, but Fool’s Gold sounds like Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Pat Benatar.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: EPICVIEW on June 21, 2023, 04:23:56 PM
I’m sure I’m not the first to notice this, but Fool’s Gold sounds like Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Pat Benatar.


cool observation   I think Metallica played Whisky in the Jar the other show
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on June 21, 2023, 05:13:28 PM
I've never made the connection before.

The beginning riff to Johnny has always kind of reminded me of Smooth Criminal.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: The Realm on June 21, 2023, 05:29:48 PM
Fools Gold - never made the connection to Best Shot but I can see what you mean.

Johnny - also never made the connection to Smooth Criminal but yeah once again I can see what you mean.

As for this album, not my favourite. I love the song Massacre but that is really because of the Live and Dangerous version. The album version is so tame and laid back sounding in comparison.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on June 21, 2023, 06:47:39 PM
The beginning riff to Johnny has always kind of reminded me of Smooth Criminal.
Damnit, now I can't unhear this  :lol

I’m sure I’m not the first to notice this, but Fool’s Gold sounds like Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Pat Benatar.
This even more so!! That chord progression is basically Hit Me With Your Best Shot.... :rollin
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: KevShmev on June 21, 2023, 07:05:02 PM
I am guessing Phil Lynott was an influence on Steve Harris, right?  I get major Maiden vibes from a few of these songs, especially Massacre.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: nick_z on June 21, 2023, 07:06:21 PM
Yes! There's an undeniable Lizzy's influence on Maiden music...

(and, as Tim pointed out, IM did indeed cover Massacre...)
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on June 21, 2023, 07:06:44 PM
I am guessing Phil Lynott was an influence on Steve Harris, right?  I get major Maiden vibes from a few of these songs, especially Massacre.
Yeah, Steve Harris has mentioned Lynott being a big influence in various interviews.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on June 21, 2023, 07:07:25 PM
I am guessing Phil Lynott was an influence on Steve Harris, right?  I get major Maiden vibes from a few of these songs, especially Massacre.

Thin Lizzy is one of the biggest influences of Iron Maiden. Brian Robertson and Scott Gorham basically perfected the harmonized guitar approach. It's the basis of what Dave Murray and Adrian Smith made famous in the 80's.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: nick_z on June 21, 2023, 07:08:01 PM
I go back and forth between Johnny the Fox and Jailbreak being my second favorite Thin Lizzy record, both behind Black Rose.


I put it on par with Black Rose, but that means I have 5 other albums ahead of both of them.




Kev, I love Thin Lizzy. I rank them as my #6 all time favorite band.

Thin Lizzy had 12 albums, even though I hardly ever listen to the first three albums and pretty much discount them. Chronologically, Johnny The Fox is the 7th album and the 4th of the 5 classic Brian Robertson Era albums.

It sits right between Jailbreak (which came before) and Bad Reputation (which followed), two albums that I like a lot more. They're both heavier and more consistent.


But I really do enjoy Johnny The Fox. It has a more laid back feel Even the rocking songs like Johnny and Rocky sound a bit tame. Perhaps it's the production. There's a number of really cool mellow and reflective songs. Phil Lynott is really convincing with his emotive storytelling.


My favorite song on the album is Don't Believe A Word.
Def Leppard did a nice cover of it on their Yeah! album (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgM8m1BYvEE)
It's kind of a rocking tune, but Phil original wrote it as a slower piece. You can hear what he envisioned (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENZh04yic1M) on Gary Moore's Back On The Streets album with Phil singing the verses and Gary the chorus.

Another song I really love is Borderline. This is classic Phil. He effectively paints a picture of sitting at a bar, you feel like you're literally sitting there with him. Just a great tune.

The heaviest song is Massacre. It's a great tune, but almost feels out of place on this particular album.
Iron Maiden did a cover as a b-side (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqasEnIZxXU) during the Seventh Son sessions.


All in all, this album feels a tad incomplete. It's the second album they released in 1976, and it just feels pumped out. I just don't think the other "rocking" songs like Johnny, Rocky, and Boogie Woogie Dance (WTF is this?) are on par with the songs on the Jailbreak or Bad Reputation. But Jonnie The Fox is a really nice listen. I do like the softer songs as well like Old Flame and Fool's Gold. I think Phil is fairly captivating on this album.
I don't think this is a great place to start with Thin Lizzy, but it's a good album to pull back the covers and get a glimpse of what makes Phil Lynott such an attraction.

Real nice commentary...I basically agree on all points...

What's your favorite Thin Lizzy album, Tim? Mine might be obvious, but I gotta go with Jailbreak...
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: KevShmev on June 21, 2023, 07:10:07 PM
Okay, gotcha.  Hard to remember everything I have read in this thread, but the Maiden vibes kept hitting me throughout this first listen.  I was a bit surprised by how mellow it was overall, but it sounded pretty good overall.  I really like how open the sound is.  More listens to come.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: nick_z on June 21, 2023, 07:13:48 PM
Kev - you mentioned you don't know many of their songs, except for the staples, right?

After this, you should definitely check out, at a minimum, Jailbreak, Bad Reputation, Fighting and Black Rose (the latter with Gary Moore on guitar)...Lynott was such a unique songwriter...even the way he was fitting words and phrases with the music...wonderful stuff.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: KevShmev on June 21, 2023, 07:15:55 PM
Kev - you mentioned you don't know many of their songs, except for the staples, right?

After this, you should definitely check out, at a minimum, Jailbreak, Bad Reputation, Fighting and Black Rose (the latter with Gary Moore on guitar)...Lynott was such a unique songwriter...even the way he was fitting words and phrases with the music...wonderful stuff.

This will have to hit me pretty hard to go down the rabbit hole of checking out other albums right away, as our reviews these days consist of bouncing from one artist to the next, but you never know.  I didn't expect to go down the rabbit hole of any of the artists I have gotten into in a big way in the last 5-6 years (XTC, R.E.M, Alanis, Taylor S, Maiden), so we shall see if this becomes a band I cannot pry out of my "CD player."
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on June 21, 2023, 07:18:53 PM
Okay, gotcha.  Hard to remember everything I have read in this thread, but the Maiden vibes kept hitting me throughout this first listen.  I was a bit surprised by how mellow it was overall, but it sounded pretty good overall.  I really like how open the sound is.  More listens to come.

Not including their first three albums that don't count.. ;D, Johnny The Fox is quite mellow compared to the rest of their catalog, especially what came after. But it has a ton of character.

Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on June 21, 2023, 07:22:57 PM
What's your favorite Thin Lizzy album, Tim? Mine might be obvious, but I gotta go with Jailbreak...

My favorite is Renegade, followed by Bad Reputation. I'd list Jailbreak or Thunder And Lightning third.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: EPICVIEW on June 21, 2023, 07:32:49 PM
I am guessing Phil Lynott was an influence on Steve Harris, right?  I get major Maiden vibes from a few of these songs, especially Massacre.
Yeah, Steve Harris has mentioned Lynott being a big influence in various interviews.

Like Tim .... Thin Lizzy is a top 3 band for me.   Lynott is a DIETY   a true Legend,.. THE MAN

Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: KevShmev on June 21, 2023, 07:37:45 PM
Okay, gotcha.  Hard to remember everything I have read in this thread, but the Maiden vibes kept hitting me throughout this first listen.  I was a bit surprised by how mellow it was overall, but it sounded pretty good overall.  I really like how open the sound is.  More listens to come.

Not including their first three albums that don't count.. ;D, Johnny The Fox is quite mellow compared to the rest of their catalog, especially what came after. But it has a ton of character.

 :tup :tup
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: EPICVIEW on June 21, 2023, 07:39:32 PM
What's your favorite Thin Lizzy album, Tim? Mine might be obvious, but I gotta go with Jailbreak...

My favorite is Renegade, followed by Bad Reputation. I'd list Jailbreak or Thunder And Lightning third.
, Ch

for me... just being nostalgic it has the be JAILBREAK, Bad Reputation, Fighting, Chinatown,  Thunder,  Renegade.. id put L A D first but its just too fkn stellar and can not be categorized lol 
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on June 21, 2023, 07:39:52 PM
The last song on the last Thin Lizzy album is Heart Attack.

These are the lyrics:

Mama, I'm dying of a heart attack, heart attack, heart attack
I love that girl but she don't love me back
My girl, she tells me that we're breaking up, breaking up, breaking up
My heart can't handle the strain that's shaking it

She tried to tell me no so long ago
I would not listen but now I know

Papa, I'm drinking for an overload, overload, overload
The gun in my pocket is all ready to explode
Papa, I'm dying of an overdose, overdose, overdose
I tried to warn you don't come too close

I tried to tell you way back when we were young
I tried to warn you there was something wrong

Mama, I'm dying
Oh Papa, I'm dying, dying, dying, dying, dying
Mama, I'm dying
Oh Papa, I'm dying, dying, dying, dying
Mama, I'm dying
Oh Papa, I'm dying, dying, dying, dying
Mama, I'm dying
Oh Papa, I'm dying, dying, dying, dying
Heart attack



Haunting..
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: EPICVIEW on June 21, 2023, 07:42:01 PM
I agree Tim,... Phil always wrote about his downfall and his wild life... he was unbelievable
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: EPICVIEW on June 21, 2023, 07:44:30 PM
The last song on the last Thin Lizzy album is Heart Attack.

These are the lyrics:

Mama, I'm dying of a heart attack, heart attack, heart attack
I love that girl but she don't love me back
My girl, she tells me that we're breaking up, breaking up, breaking up
My heart can't handle the strain that's shaking it

She tried to tell me no so long ago
I would not listen but now I know

Papa, I'm drinking for an overload, overload, overload
The gun in my pocket is all ready to explode
Papa, I'm dying of an overdose, overdose, overdose
I tried to warn you don't come too close

I tried to tell you way back when we were young
I tried to warn you there was something wrong

Mama, I'm dying
Oh Papa, I'm dying, dying, dying, dying, dying
Mama, I'm dying
Oh Papa, I'm dying, dying, dying, dying
Mama, I'm dying
Oh Papa, I'm dying, dying, dying, dying
Mama, I'm dying
Oh Papa, I'm dying, dying, dying, dying
Heart attack



Haunting..


haunting....Phil    Old Town

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXOrak1nhQo&list=RDNXOrak1nhQo&start_radio=1&ab_channel=ThinLizzyLegend
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on June 21, 2023, 07:58:41 PM
Old Town is such a great song. I loved the cover the Corrs did on it.

https://youtu.be/Pz167LHlNMA?t=3453
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: EPICVIEW on June 21, 2023, 08:18:58 PM
Old Town is such a great song. I loved the cover the Corrs did on it.

https://youtu.be/Pz167LHlNMA?t=3453

sooooo Phil    the walking off by himself down the pier always shook me up... The Rocker
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on June 22, 2023, 03:20:21 AM
What I really like about that video is that after going to Dublin, I can totally envision the scene.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: Samsara on June 22, 2023, 08:22:24 AM
Why Johnnie The Fox?

Probably wants an in with Jimmy the Weed.

You beat me to it! Serves me right for not coming to DTF yesterday!

Anyway, I was a late-comer to Thin Lizzy. I get the hype. The twin guitar attack, and Phil...what a songwriter. The guy is a storyteller. Just a great tone to his voice, witty delivery, and just so much talent. And his bass playing was very underrated, IMO.

Johnny the Fox was my second album Thin Lizzy album purchase after Jailbreak. I love it. I have the entire catalog.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: EPICVIEW on June 22, 2023, 09:10:26 AM
What I really like about that video is that after going to Dublin, I can totally envision the scene.

Phil is a ROCKSTAR   a Rockstar's Rockstar.... the list  of who he influenced and bands that came out of Thin Lizzy could be whole thread in itself.   

did anyone see that new Phil Lynott movie done by the bass player in U2?

I really like this 4 part piece on Phil and Lizzy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHVHpbAInD0&ab_channel=ZappaIrl
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: Samsara on June 22, 2023, 10:12:22 AM
Spending the morning listening to the Thin Lizzy catalog. Man...this band was so, so good.

Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: EPICVIEW on June 22, 2023, 10:22:30 AM
Spending the morning listening to the Thin Lizzy catalog. Man...this band was so, so good.

 :tup      sooooooooo good....we lost Phil way too young
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: EPICVIEW on June 22, 2023, 10:33:45 AM
I found this pic a while back and I LOVE IT

PHIL AND SIR PAUL    2 of my total favs and fav bass players , singers, songwriters , front men and LEGENDS

https://twitter.com/barneyhurley1/status/1315768685689212930

Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: HOF on June 22, 2023, 10:47:44 AM
I can attest to Jailbreak being excellent and worth the 36 minutes of your time it takes to play the whole thing. I still need to explore some of their other albums, though I think I did start on Johnny the Fox once and didn't finish. Will have to give it another go.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: KevShmev on June 22, 2023, 07:53:48 PM


You beat me to it! Serves me right for not coming to DTF yesterday!

Anyway, I was a late-comer to Thin Lizzy. I get the hype. The twin guitar attack, and Phil...what a songwriter. The guy is a storyteller. Just a great tone to his voice, witty delivery, and just so much talent. And his bass playing was very underrated, IMO.

Johnny the Fox was my second album Thin Lizzy album purchase after Jailbreak. I love it. I have the entire catalog.

(https://media.tenor.com/SqaeuqlxjZ8AAAAM/office-space.gif)
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: KevShmev on June 23, 2023, 04:12:14 PM
I had Fools Gold stuck in my head all day.  :hat
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on June 23, 2023, 04:13:06 PM
It's gold, fool.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: KevShmev on June 23, 2023, 04:41:53 PM
Old Flame feels like a standout as well.  That guitar solo just oozes with feel.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on June 23, 2023, 05:03:35 PM
I'm glad you're enjoying it. It's a real nice record.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: KevShmev on June 23, 2023, 07:31:43 PM
Yeah, it's an easy listen.  The short length helps, but I dig the overall laid back vibe, and it doesn't feel like anything overstays its welcome or is shortchanged.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on June 23, 2023, 07:40:21 PM
 :tup
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: Stadler on June 26, 2023, 08:33:47 AM
I want to like Thin Lizzy so bad, but... I just can't.  I love the twin guitar attack, I love Robbo - his Motorhead record is by far my favorite, and I dig Wild Horses with Jimmy Bain - but I can't get past Phil's voice. 
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on June 26, 2023, 11:53:33 AM
I want to like Thin Lizzy so bad, but... I just can't.  I love the twin guitar attack, I love Robbo - his Motorhead record is by far my favorite, and I dig Wild Horses with Jimmy Bain - but I can't get past Phil's voice.

I understand. But man, there's so much great music, but I can see it if a vocalist gets in the way. Speaking of that, I should try and hit the next Yes album.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: EPICVIEW on June 26, 2023, 02:04:28 PM
I want to like Thin Lizzy so bad, but... I just can't.  I love the twin guitar attack, I love Robbo - his Motorhead record is by far my favorite, and I dig Wild Horses with Jimmy Bain - but I can't get past Phil's voice.

I understand. But man, there's so much great music, but I can see it if a vocalist gets in the way. Speaking of that, I should try and hit the next Yes album.

head scratcher for me as I love Phils voice   but its all subjective as we know
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: KevShmev on July 23, 2023, 06:52:34 PM
Okay, music fans, Jailbreak and Bad Reputation have been purchased and added to my iTunes and iPhone for future listening.  :tup :tup

I cannot promise I will get to them in the next day or two, but soon enough. I enjoyed the heck out of Johnny the Fox today when running some errands and decided I needed more, so I took the plunge and grabbed some more.  :coolio :coolio
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on July 23, 2023, 06:59:43 PM
They're both great albums. Bad Reputation is my second favorite Thin Lizzy album after Renegade. I'd put Jailbreak third, maybe fourth depending on the day, but they are both sweet spots for their "Classic" lineup.

I love this line in Dear Lord:
"Dear Lord take the time
I believe your story now you believe mine"
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: KevShmev on July 23, 2023, 08:08:10 PM
I never focus on lyrics early on in a listen, unless they are so good that they jump out at me, but the buddy who recommended Johnny the Fox last month has really talked up Phil Lynott as a lyricist, so I will try to pay a bit more attention to them as time goes on.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: Samsara on July 24, 2023, 08:22:16 AM
Okay, music fans, Jailbreak and Bad Reputation have been purchased and added to my iTunes and iPhone for future listening.  :tup :tup

I cannot promise I will get to them in the next day or two, but soon enough. I enjoyed the heck out of Johnny the Fox today when running some errands and decided I needed more, so I took the plunge and grabbed some more.  :coolio :coolio

You won't regret it. The Thin Lizzy rabbit hole I went down a few years back was rewarding. I'm still grabbing a disc here and there that I am missing (I think I just need Black Rose, the self-titled, and Renegade now - I have the rest).
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: Stadler on July 24, 2023, 09:20:47 AM
Tonight there's going to be a jailbreak, somewhere in this town (apparently not necessarily AT the jail).  :)
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on July 24, 2023, 09:22:03 AM
Tonight there's going to be a jailbreak, somewhere in this town (apparently not necessarily AT the jail).  :)

That’s always gotten me.  :lol
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: Samsara on July 24, 2023, 09:34:49 AM
I mean, some towns have multiple jails...
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: EPICVIEW on July 24, 2023, 10:21:46 AM
Lizzy and Phil are ROCK GODS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHVHpbAInD0&t=3s&ab_channel=ZappaIrl
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: HOF on July 24, 2023, 10:45:40 AM
Tonight there's going to be a jailbreak, somewhere in this town (apparently not necessarily AT the jail).  :)

The real question is if the guys all went to Dino’s after the jailbreak.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: EPICVIEW on July 24, 2023, 11:18:24 AM
Tonight there's going to be a jailbreak, somewhere in this town (apparently not necessarily AT the jail).  :)

The real question is if the guys all went to Dino’s after the jailbreak.


Id have to say yes   that would make sense : )
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on July 24, 2023, 02:35:31 PM
I never focus on lyrics early on in a listen, unless they are so good that they jump out at me, but the buddy who recommended Johnny the Fox last month has really talked up Phil Lynott as a lyricist, so I will try to pay a bit more attention to them as time goes on.

Yeah, he's more of a story teller, creating characters, and he's also quite self reflective. I think that's why I like Thin Lizzy and UFO so much because both Phil Lynott and Phil Mogg (UFO's singer) create these worlds and narratives that you can lose yourself in.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on July 24, 2023, 02:36:46 PM
. I'm still grabbing a disc here and there that I am missing (I think I just need Black Rose, the self-titled, and Renegade now - I have the rest).

Renegade is essential. My favorite album by them.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on July 24, 2023, 02:38:24 PM
Kev, I'm pretty sure you fancy yourself as a Pink Floyd guy, so you might be interested to know that Snowy White is in the band for both the Chinatown and Renegade albums.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: KevShmev on July 24, 2023, 03:17:52 PM
I try not to fancy myself as anything :P :lol, but that is still noted. 
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on July 24, 2023, 03:23:32 PM
I try not to fancy myself as anything :P :lol, but that is still noted.

True. You're anything but fancy. :lol
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: Samsara on July 24, 2023, 03:43:59 PM
. I'm still grabbing a disc here and there that I am missing (I think I just need Black Rose, the self-titled, and Renegade now - I have the rest).

Renegade is essential. My favorite album by them.

It's on the list my man!

Just picked up Chinatown a few weeks back.  :metal
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: Stadler on July 25, 2023, 05:56:47 AM
I might give my semiannual (well, usually every couple years) dive back in to Lizzy to see what I'm missing.  They've never really clicked for me (primarily because of Phil's voice) but I LOVE Brian Robertson, and people whose taste I trust really dig them so it's likely a "me" thing.   
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: EPICVIEW on September 19, 2023, 10:01:03 PM
STUNNING
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=At_rPiCCnpY
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on September 20, 2023, 06:24:44 PM
STUNNING
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=At_rPiCCnpY


Gary Moore!!! :metal
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on September 20, 2023, 06:28:25 PM
Here's Chinatown from the Midnight Special.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SP6ZyCZsQM


For someone who never really fit in, Snowy White made two GREAT albums with them.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on September 20, 2023, 06:31:27 PM
For whatever reason, Scott Gorham never gets his due.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: EPICVIEW on September 20, 2023, 07:39:33 PM
For whatever reason, Scott Gorham never gets his due.

agreed bro   agreed
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: EPICVIEW on September 25, 2023, 06:57:07 PM
I love old Lizzy bootleg stuff ,,,,  Phil is just the best

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1f5ix3LerA
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: KevShmev on October 25, 2023, 05:20:55 PM
For anyone interested, I am now loving Jailbreak, Johnny the Fox and Bad Reputation.  All have been a regular part of my listening rotation the last few months.

Fighting will be next, but still loving the above three for now.

Running Back, Warriors, Emerald, Fool's Gold, Old Flame, Killer Without a Cause, That Woman's Gonna Break Your Heart and Dear Lord are all some of my favorites.  :hat :hat
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on October 25, 2023, 05:28:56 PM
"Dear Lord, take the time
I believed your story
Now you believe mine"




Love this line!




Glad to see you pop in.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: KevShmev on October 25, 2023, 05:34:24 PM
"Dear Lord, take the time
I believed your story
Now you believe mine"




Love this line!




Glad to see you pop in.

 :tup :tup  Sometimes, we all need just time away and/or a breather.  :coolio :coolio

Back to the tunes, at this point, Thin Lizzy is pretty locked in as my "late to the party" artist of 2023 (6th year in a row I have had one of those!).
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: Metro on October 25, 2023, 05:39:24 PM
Jailbreak is a flawless album
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on October 25, 2023, 05:45:30 PM
Kev, you being such a big Blue Oyster Cult fan, and now getting into Thin Lizzy....we gotta get you to try some UFO!
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: KevShmev on October 25, 2023, 07:06:15 PM
Let's slow that roll. :P  Too much to get to first with Thin Lizzy and others, but plenty of time for that eventually.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on October 25, 2023, 07:23:21 PM
Let's slow that roll. :P  Too much to get to first with Thin Lizzy and others, but plenty of time for that eventually.

Oh for sure. You got 4 more Thin Lizzy albums after Bad Reputation.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: LudwigVan on October 26, 2023, 12:16:17 AM
Johnny the Fox is a fantastic album, one of my favorites of theirs.

Aside from Maiden, I hear lots of Thin Lizzy in KISS music. Not that Kev cares about KISS.   :P
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: KevShmev on October 26, 2023, 07:21:53 AM
In my attempts to be a less snarky poster, I will resist the urge to take a cheap shot at KISS.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: EPICVIEW on October 26, 2023, 08:02:53 AM
For anyone interested, I am now loving Jailbreak, Johnny the Fox and Bad Reputation.  All have been a regular part of my listening rotation the last few months.

Fighting will be next, but still loving the above three for now.

Running Back, Warriors, Emerald, Fool's Gold, Old Flame, Killer Without a Cause, That Woman's Gonna Break Your Heart and Dear Lord are all some of my favorites.  :hat :hat


very happy you are enjoying the Thin Lizzy     true greatness   Phil is a deity   the band is stellar
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: Stadler on October 26, 2023, 09:07:44 AM
In my attempts to be a less snarky poster, I will resist the urge to take a cheap shot at KISS.  :biggrin:

I give that a matter of days... :) :) :) :) :) :)

Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: KevShmev on October 26, 2023, 01:48:40 PM
In my attempts to be a less snarky poster, I will resist the urge to take a cheap shot at KISS.  :biggrin:

I give that a matter of days... :) :) :) :) :) :)

Ah, ye of little faith. :P



very happy you are enjoying the Thin Lizzy     true greatness   Phil is a deity   the band is stellar

 :hat :hat
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: KevShmev on May 11, 2024, 08:51:11 AM
I thought I'd give a quick update here in case anyone is still interested at all (perhaps not, given my inactivity here in the last few months)...

Fighting struck me as pretty good, but it hasn't quite grabbed a hold me like Jailbreak, Johnny the Fox and Bad Reputation all have.  Those three, or random songs from them all, still get fairly regular play with me.  I will circle back to Fighting soon to see if it makes more of a dent.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on May 11, 2024, 11:11:13 AM
Yeah, good to see you Kev!

I rate Fighting #4 of the 4 out listed, but I still quite enjoy it. My favorite song is Wild One. Just flows beautifully.
Fighting is a bit less understated and they hadn't quite hit their harder rocking stride yet. Still, it's quite reflective and pretty easy on the ears.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: KevShmev on May 13, 2024, 06:17:24 AM
Yeah, good to see you Kev!

 

Ditto!  :tup :tup


I rate Fighting #4 of the 4 out listed, but I still quite enjoy it. My favorite song is Wild One. Just flows beautifully.
Fighting is a bit less understated and they hadn't quite hit their harder rocking stride yet. Still, it's quite reflective and pretty easy on the ears.

Suicide and Spirit Slips Away were my favorites when I first heard the album, but I liked Wild One quite a bit as well.  I will try to revisit it this week.

I do think Killer Without a Cause is holding steady so far as my favorite Thin Lizzy song overall.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: emtee on May 13, 2024, 07:08:28 AM
You must listen to Live And Dangerous.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: EPICVIEW on May 13, 2024, 10:02:56 AM
I thought I'd give a quick update here in case anyone is still interested at all (perhaps not, given my inactivity here in the last few months)...

Fighting struck me as pretty good, but it hasn't quite grabbed a hold me like Jailbreak, Johnny the Fox and Bad Reputation all have.  Those three, or random songs from them all, still get fairly regular play with me.  I will circle back to Fighting soon to see if it makes more of a dent.


LIVE AND DANGEROUS!!!!   it brings it all into glory
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: EPICVIEW on May 13, 2024, 11:49:49 AM
I adore this version of Didn't I from a sound check    Phil is the GREATEST   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIMgyrBQphU&pp=ygUYdGhpbm4gbGl6enkgZGlkbnQgaSBjb3Jr

Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on May 13, 2024, 11:52:47 AM
As a huge Thin Lizzy fan, I might be the only one to not recommend Live And Dangerous. It sounds so brutally tampered with, and that’s saying something for 70’s live albums.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: KevShmev on May 13, 2024, 12:07:00 PM
I am not a live album guy anyway for the most part, so I wouldn't even think of listening to that any time soon.  I know, I know, "but you have to hear this one!"  I have read that about 1,399 live albums over the years. :lol :P 

I will take recs on another studio album, however.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on May 13, 2024, 12:41:00 PM
I will take recs on another studio album, however.

I wouldn't go backwards. Nightlife, which precedes Fighting and also has Brian Robertson on guitar isn't great IMO, and the three before that one with Eric Bell are pretty sketchy.

Black Rose comes after Bad Reputation and has the great Gary Moore replacing Robertson. It's a decent, if uneven album, but it does contain the amazing title track and Waiting For An Alibi and Got To Give It Up...all three are essential tracks for me.


The next two, Chinatown and Renegade have Pink Floyd 5th member Snowy White taking over for Moore. To me, this is a real sweet spot. Renegade is my all time favorite Thin Lizzy album, and probably a Top 25 all timer for me. If you like Killer Without A Cause, you'd probably like Chinatown a lot.

Their final album, 1982's Thunder And Lightning has John Sykes replacing White. Generally it's a more hard rocking album, but it's filled with all kinds of great songs.


To me, I'd just go chronological.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: KevShmev on May 13, 2024, 07:05:58 PM
Cool, I will check out Black Rose next.  Looks like online reviews for that put it on about the same level as the previous three or four albums, so it sounds like the safe way to go as well. Thanks!
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: EPICVIEW on May 15, 2024, 09:27:04 AM
LIVE AND DANGEROUS IS A MUST LISTEN    IT REDOES ALL THE OLD SONGS INTO PURE SMOKE

this has been well vetted in the lizzy community and Lizzys producers, and the release of STILL DANGEROUS  shows again that the original is not tampered with but for a few sour notes Phil was unhappy with
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on May 15, 2024, 01:07:47 PM
I don't trust it. At all. I mean, listening to the first two songs now. Emerald is live for sure. But Jailbreak? Sounds so doctored, from the perfect and elevated in the mix bassline. Even the guitars sound placed in the studio.

Obviously Southbound is not live. They say it was recorded in a soundcheck. I guess, but the production in dropping the crowd in is just brutal.

I see that they released an 8CD Deluxe Version a couple of years ago. No idea how I missed that. I'd love to get my hands on that. Very similar to UFO's Strangers Deluxe version, which is great and you can tell where some of the overdubs are.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: Stadler on May 15, 2024, 01:59:08 PM
I love that Huey Lewis played harmonica on L&D.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: KevShmev on May 15, 2024, 06:45:43 PM
I am not a live album guy anyway for the most part, so I wouldn't even think of listening to that any time soon.  I know, I know, "but you have to hear this one!"  I have read that about 1,399 live albums over the years. :lol :P 


LIVE AND DANGEROUS IS A MUST LISTEN    IT REDOES ALL THE OLD SONGS INTO PURE SMOKE

this has been well vetted in the lizzy community and Lizzys producers, and the release of STILL DANGEROUS  shows again that the original is not tampered with but for a few sour notes Phil was unhappy with

Right on cue. :lol :lol  :biggrin: :biggrin:
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: EPICVIEW on May 15, 2024, 09:09:34 PM
Right on cue. :lol :lol  :biggrin: :biggrin:

youre welcome  : )
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: EPICVIEW on May 15, 2024, 09:27:14 PM
I don't trust it. At all. I mean, listening to the first two songs now. Emerald is live for sure. But Jailbreak? Sounds so doctored, from the perfect and elevated in the mix bassline. Even the guitars sound placed in the studio.

Obviously Southbound is not live. They say it was recorded in a soundcheck. I guess, but the production in dropping the crowd in is just brutal.

I see that they released an 8CD Deluxe Version a couple of years ago. No idea how I missed that. I'd love to get my hands on that. Very similar to UFO's Strangers Deluxe version, which is great and you can tell where some of the overdubs are.


bro   this is very interesting   i was looking for another breakdown of L  and D and found this

go to the 19 min mark    but its a cool interview w the mixing engineer of the box version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wks2o0R-HaQ
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: EPICVIEW on May 15, 2024, 09:27:53 PM
I love that Huey Lewis played harmonica on L&D.

 :tup
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on May 15, 2024, 09:54:17 PM

bro   this is very interesting   i was looking for another breakdown of L  and D and found this

go to the 19 min mark    but its a cool interview w the mixing engineer of the box version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wks2o0R-HaQ

I was actually watching some of that video this morning. Il. Try and spend some time on this subject when I get home.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: EPICVIEW on May 16, 2024, 07:18:16 AM
I was actually watching some of that video this morning. Il. Try and spend some time on this subject when I get home.

its interesting as I had not seen it either.. but he says " L N D is NOT ALTERED" just edited due to time restraints... he says its  stunning in its greatness...and he has the master tapesof the whole shows, and did the box set remix so he has the tapes as he talks about

I had seen Lizzy at about that time and thats why to me its 100 percent accurate as I was blown away
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: KevShmev on May 21, 2024, 07:32:00 PM

Black Rose comes after Bad Reputation and has the great Gary Moore replacing Robertson. It's a decent, if uneven album, but it does contain the amazing title track and Waiting For An Alibi and Got To Give It Up...all three are essential tracks for me.
 

Alright, so I gave this a spin and totally agree with your take.  Definitely has some strong songs, including the ones you mentioned, but also had a few songs that seemed fairly forgettable right away.  More listens to come, but that was my first impression.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on May 21, 2024, 07:35:59 PM
Alright, so I gave this a spin and totally agree with your take.  Definitely has some strong songs, including the ones you mentioned, but also had a few songs that seemed fairly forgettable right away.  More listens to come, but that was my first impression.

I don't love the production. It's a bit too clean. Too neat. There's no grit and as much as I love Gary Moore, it's not one of my favorite Thin Lizzy albums. The next two, with Snowy White, are so much better.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: KevShmev on May 21, 2024, 07:42:36 PM
I don't love the production. It's a bit too clean. Too neat. There's no grit and as much as I love Gary Moore, it's not one of my favorite Thin Lizzy albums. The next two, with Snowy White, are so much better.

Hmmm, I thought the production was largely in line with the others I know already, although I am sure there are subtleties I have not noticed yet.  I always like that their mixes are very open and not gritty, to where it's almost like laid back hard rock if that makes sense. 
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: TAC on May 21, 2024, 07:55:41 PM
Thin Lizzy had pretty good productions all the way through, but I find Black Rose just a tad too clean. I don't know how to explain it.
Title: Re: Tell me about Johnny the Fox by Thin Lizzy
Post by: KevShmev on May 21, 2024, 08:50:46 PM
I hear ya.  :tup :tup