Chinatown

Performer: Thin Lizzy
Artist: Midge Ure
Producer: Thin Lizzy; Kit Woolven
Distributor: Bayside Record Dist.

Notes: Thin Lizzy: Phil Lynott (vocals, keyboards, bass); Scott Gorham (guitar, background vocals); Snowy White (guitar); Brian Downey (drums). Additional personnel includes: Tim Hinckley (electric piano); Darren Wharton (keyboards, background vocals); Midge Ure (background vocals). Recorded at Good Earth Studios, London, England. While Thin Lizzy's previous release, Black Rose, was a focused, inspired hard rock masterwork, its follow-up, 1980's Chinatown, was a letdown. Guitarist Gary Moore was a major reason for the predecessor's success, but he quit during the subsequent tour (eventually replaced by ex-Pink Floyd touring guitarist Snowy White). Also, leader Phil Lynott and guitarist Scott Gorham were indulging heavily in hard drugs by this point, which was obviously taking its toll. And since producer Tony Visconti was not on board again, the lively production that played such a prominent part in the success of their past few releases was noticeably absent. The first side contains the best material: the anthemic "We Will Be Strong," the pop perfection of "Sweetheart," the obviously autobiographical drug tale of "Sugar Blues," plus the British hit singles "Killer on the Loose" and the title track. The second side, however, is comprised almost entirely of bland filler, such as "Having a Good Time," "Didn't I," and "Hey You." While it's not their worst album (that "honor" would go to their next studio album, 1981's Renegade), Chinatown should have been a lot better, especially coming off such a stellar release as Black Rose. ~ Greg Prato The band enter the '80s in high fashion with a well-produced and performed album, featuring the hit "Killer on the Loose." Snowy White replaced Gary Moore for this release. ~ John Book

Ireland's first heavy rockers, Thin Lizzy rocked throughout the '70s with a mix of teenage rebellion and working-class angst, becoming known for wild behavior on and off the stage. Phil Lynott's Bruce Springsteen-meets-Jimi Hendrix voice perfectly suited the band's power-chord hooks and dual guitar harmonies. They hit the bigtime in '76 with JAILBREAK's title track and "Boys Are Back in Town." The group's slow fade-out ended with a farewell tour in 1983, and Lynott's drug-related death in 1986.

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