Johnny The Fox

Performer: Thin Lizzy
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: As a concept album, JOHNNY THE FOX has too murky a theme to be considered a true success. As a rock album, it stands with the best of Thin Lizzy's work. Released during the band's peak years (the mid- to late '70s), the album is highlighted by the twin guitar attack of Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson and Lynott's own songwriting. Although his romantic artistic ambitions often outreached his hard rock grasp, the songs here (taken one by one) reveal a more focused craftsman. The overall tone of the album is looser--funkier even--than on any previous Thin Lizzy effort. Of course, the only successful single was the predictable pounding of "Don't Believe a Word," but there are richer and unexpected highlights scattered throughout. The gentle strains of "Borderline" reveal a melodic grace not usually associated with the band. The easy roll of "Old Flame" likewise unearths heart-on-your-sleeve romanticism; and this from a guy who's better known for casual dismissals such as "if that chick don't want to know, forget her," from the band's signature song, "The Boys are Back in Town."

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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