Solo In Soho
"Solo in Soho" is simultaneously satisfying and frustrating
Bill Graham, 25 Apr 1980
Exactly where "Solo in Soho" fits into the Lynott/Lizzy collected works won't be apparent till they've finished their own drive to '81. Certainly this isn't an indulgent album of loose skeleton tunes from the lowest drawer in the cupboard, as Philip Lynott eschews past empassioned tactics to show that he too can be a cool craftsman. Often it works, sometimes it leaves you puzzling over the missing ingredient. It's definitely a poser!
This solo album has been threatened for three years now. There's often been the hint that Lynott's musical personality couldn't be limited within the confines of Lizzy, one of the saddest but earliest examples being "Randolph's Tango", the brilliantly constructed but tragically dismissed follow-up to 'Whiskey In The Jar'. And if Lizzy have been meeting increasing fire for the conservatism of their stage set, a key document to understanding both Lynott's impatience with the critics and "Solo in Soho" may be a Melody Maker interview of last year wherein the man confided about his experimentation with synthesizers in association with Midge Ure. "Solo in Soho" is anything but a guitar album and thereby Lynott is requesting his fans keep their wits about them.
Smoky, indeed often murky, in its atmosphere- think pink and grey- it's one from Mr.Bassman, the same four-string principles sometimes connecting to the synths. "Solo in Soho" also finds Lynott exploring other black rhythms be it disco, reggae, r n' b, Motown and even calypso. And talking of rhythm machines, tip the hat to Brian Downey, who on six of the ten tracks displays, without qualification, his ability to deal from any pack.
With Lizzy, Lynott was the cool centre of the thunderstorm, the sleepy lion, sometimes purring, sometimes growling but always likely to bite and roar. But now he's gambled by dispensing with the counterpoint of flashing lightning guitars. When "Solo in Soho" is unsatisfying, it's when he hasn't found a substitute. "Solo in Soho" is a venturesome sound worth due respect; it's the sense that sometimes doesn't match it. The lyrics are often too casual to give the album the extra substance it requires.
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