The Peel Sessions

Lizzy fans have been pretty well-served in terms of product availability over the years and virtually everything they've ever recorded is now out on CD. And with two classic live albums and the greatest-hits compilation, Dedication (one of the best collections ever assembled), there is not much more left for the fanatical Lizzyphile to seek out.
In that light, this collection of fifteen tracks recorded between 1972-77 for John Peel's BBC Radio 1 show, is a higely welcome release. It charts the the band's progress during their most successful and formative period, concentrating on singles and the better known album tracks, giving it a cinema verite greatest hits feel.
There are no great surprises here- just vintage Lizzy, albeit in a slightly less polished and refined form. Thanks to the consistent production of Tony Wilson, who worked on all the sessions, there is an even, controlled feel to all the recordings though Phil Lynott's voice is rawer and less compressed throughout than on the official releases.
The early, pre-Gorham/Robertson days are represented by three cuts: a less folksy, funkier 'Whiskey In The Jar' recorded a few weeks before the single version hit number 6 on the UK charts in January '73, the charming 'Little Girl In Bloom' and 'Vagabonds Of The Western World'- the latter the title track of their last album as a three-piece comb, with Eric Bell on board.
The next phase in the band's development began with Nightlife bringing the unmistakable twin-guitar sound to the fore. 'Little Darling' and 'Still In Love With You' are included- the latter much faster than the preferred steamy, atmospheric version on Live and Dangerous. The only "rarity" if that's the appropriate term, is the Bob Seger song 'Rosalie'- previously available only in live rare form.
Jailbreak was the breakthrough for Thin Lizzy and the title track, 'Cowboy Song' and the live favourite 'Emerald' are featured here, though sadly no 'Boys Are Back In Town'. An early version of 'Don't Believe A Word'- the only track from Johnny The Fox on show- completes their most successful and prolific period.
The final sessions, recorded on August 1st, 1977 include 'Killer Without A Cause', 'Bad Reputation', 'That Woman's Gonna Break Your Heart', and one of their catchiest hits, 'Dancing In The Moonlight'.
The greatest hits collection remains a better bet for those who want a handy primer of this seminal and important Irish band, but true fans- of which there are still many- will want to own this one.